I'm a Truck Driver

June 16: We were in the classroom all day today. Listened to a couple recruiters in the morning. Heard from PTL, whose headquarters are in Murray, KY; and from U.S. Express. They both sounded pretty interesting, except they use automatic transmission trucks. Now most of you would probably say that would be nice to drive an automatic. But, the problem is most companies do not use them yet. And I want to get a year or two of experience in with the manual transmissions first. Later, if I change companies I might consider a company with auto shifts. Would be easier on the leg.
In the afternoon we took 3 tests, finishing up all the book work for the class. Tomorrow we start our road tests.

June 17: Went straight to the truck campus this morning. Road test today. I was the first chosen to drive the truck and I was so glad. I just wanted to get it over with. Well, it took about an hour and ten minutes to complete the course and as I was pulling into the truck campus, Mr. Bentley told me I was now a trucker. I honked the air horn to let everyone else know I had passed the test. Boy, I am excited. I am also glad to have this all done. We finished up at noon and got to go home. Tomorrow I go to DMV to get my license.

June 18: Well, it is official. I have my CDL A license now. I am officially a truck driver. WOW! It has been such a fun time learning how to drive a truck. Now it is almost time to get the finishing touches from my new company. I had to go over to the main campus so they could get a copy of my license and then was sent home for the day. Was a very short day. Got back to the rig and called Conway/CFI. Christine knows me by name now. She told me I am definitely on the schedule for June 30. So, I will head for home on Friday afternoon to spend a few days home and then I will be off to Joplin, Missouri to go through orientation. On July 7 I am suppose to meet my finisher and head out with her to start driving. I am suppose to be with her for at least 7500 miles, or about 3 weeks. If I cut the mustard after that I will be assigned my own truck and given my own loads to haul. Boy, things sure are moving quickly.