Fear of Truck Driver Training

No fear of truck driver training

Fear is a good thing

My dad loved to hunt rattlesnakes.  Whenever he was down, depressed or simply tired to the bone from working all night on the Oklahoma oil rigs, all I had to do to cheer him up was to say, “Let’s go rattlesnake hunting!” Immediately, that little grin would appear and within the hour we would be in the car headed to the cliffs of Mangum, Oklahoma.  That is what they were known as . . . “The Cliffs.” After all, if you’re going to hunt rattlers, you have to go where they live.

At fourteen, I had gotten pretty good at hunting rattlesnakes.  We would gather them up and head to the Rattlesnake Roundup in Mangum every year.  You could win prize money for the biggest snake, the smallest snake, the most snakes caught and all kinds of various categories.  It was a fun time growing up and at the moment, I never realized that my dad was teaching me things about life.  One of those “things” was fear.

The cliffs were a stretch of steep rock formation in Western Oklahoma where rattlesnakes were always waiting to be captured.  Our goal on this particular hunt was to bag the biggest rattler ever caught.  Spotting a large hole nearly three-quarters of the way up the cliff, my dad told me to climb up there and take a look inside.  Being fourteen, I had two things going for me :  (1)  I had no fear and (2) you always do what your parents tell you to do.  So, I started climbing.

It took about thirty minutes, but I finally reached the area of the darkened hole.  It was still just out of reach, so I had to reach up and grab the edges of the cliff and pull myself up in the form of a chin-up.  Raising myself up, I peered into the hole.  It was so dark, I could not see anything.  Moving my head from side to side in order to let the sun rays poke through, I finally caught the glimpse of something.  Having no fear, I stuck my eyes and nose deeper into the hole.   Finally I saw it . . . two really black eyes looking right back at me.

rattlesnake cliffs

rattlesnake cliffs

A few seconds later, the rays of the sun landed a good hit and I saw the flickering of a forked tongue.  I yelled down to my dad, “I think we’ve got a big one.” As I turned back to face the serpent, it struck.  Throwing my head back, I lost my grip and began falling straight down.  What seemed like an eternity, I finally landed on the ground and realized that the story wasn’t over.  The rattler had struck out with such force that it had literally over shot its target and came flying out of the hole.   The snake was now falling down to Earth right along with me.

As I had hit the ground, I rolled to the side and a few seconds later the rattler landed right where I had been.  It immediately raised itself up in its fighting coil.  I had been right, though.   It was huge.  I was standing there looking at a seven footer and as big around as a baseball.  Expecting my dad to be running over to help, I looked over his way and he was laughing so hard that his face was a deep reddish color.  He was literally down on one knee, unable to move from his fit of laughter.  Not realizing it at the time, but I had made the biggest mistake one can make while hunting rattlesnakes . . . I had taken my eyes off of the enemy.  I was about six feet away from a seven foot venomous snake . . . and it struck again.

The precision of the strike was unbelievable.  The fangs found its mark right on top of the boots I was wearing.  Now, the angry rattler had its teeth stuck in my leather boots and I was shaking my foot frantically, yelling “James . . . James . . . James!” My dad yelled back, “Take off your boot!” Kicking the boot off, we watched in awe as the creature twisted and turned, finally breaking free from the leather.    I discovered that I had fear after all.

It still did not run.  It returned to its fighting stance.  Looking at my dad, I said, “It’s not afraid of anything.  It has no fear.” It was then that he said something that I have never forgotten.  Always calling me “boy” he said, “Don’t kid yourself, boy.  Everything has fear.”

Fear can be a good thing.  A soldier on the battlefield can live through the fear of dying.  A cage fighter can win through the fear of losing.  This reptile was not in a fighting stance because it had no fear . . . it was coiled and ready to strike because of fear.  Now, 37 years later . . . my dad is gone, but his lesson remains even in relationship to professional truck driving.

Many CDL students will get their first glimpse of how big an 18-wheeler really is on their first day of truck driver training when they stand beside that huge rig.  For many, fear will creep in.  Fear has a way of talking to you and throwing doubt in your mind.  It will say things like:

  • “You can’t drive this thing.”
  • “You’re going to wreck.”
  • “You’ll stall out.”
  • “You’re going to roll over.”
  • “You will start rolling backwards down a hill.”
  • “You can’t learn how to shift 10 gears.”
  • “You can never learn how to back up.”

What many do not consider, is that the professional driver with millions of miles under his or her belt . . . at one point in their lives . . . have faced the same fears.  Doubt, anxiety, uncertainty . . . whatever you want to call it . . . “everything has fear.” That huge rig can be very intimidating.  The trucker lifestyle can be very intimidating.  Understand that you are not expected to jump into a tractor-trailer rig and perform in an expert manner.  This is why you are in truck driver training.  The rig should never be in control of you, but you are in control of the rig.  That 18-wheeler will go where you want it to go . . . it will stop when you want it to stop . . . it will turn when you want it to turn, and it will back up when you want it to back up.  It will go down a street at 35 MPH or along the highway at 70, if that is what you want it to do.

One thing I tell new drivers is that you have to respect the rig.  As in flying, you must respect the aircraft.  If you get out of your area of skill, then the airplane will take over and you will most likely lose.  Same thing goes for the 18-wheeler.  It is a huge piece of equipment that deserves respect, but it will never take control over you unless you allow it to.  You are in charge of it, not the other way around.  Operate it in the manner it was meant to be operated, and you can have a long career in truck driving.

Truck driver training is there for you to learn.  Learn how to shift through the gears, learn how it feels to steer, learn how the trailer tracks . . . take your time once you are out on the open road.  Do not let other drivers push you further or faster than what you feel comfortable doing.  There is no need to back blind-side when there is another spot open that does not require it.  When you find yourself in an empty truck stop, practice blind-siding then.  Take your time and take it easy.  We’ve all been where you are at.

Trust me . . . before you know it you will be looking back at when you first started truck driver training and thinking to yourself,  “And I was afraid of this?” Fear can be a good thing.  Turn your fear of CDL training into a positive.  Make it work for you, not against you.  You will learn how to drive and you will be a safe and professional truck driver.   Millions have done it and so can you.

As far as the experience with my dad and the seven foot rattler, we didn’t win the biggest prize.  Also, as we pulled into the driveway of our home, I still remember the last words of the trip that my dad said to me . . . “Don’t tell your mother.”

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Freightliner Sprinter VanWith trucking being the largest sector of the economy’s transportation industry, it easily beats out all other areas such as air, water, rail and pipeline.   Trucks account for more than 80 percent of total transportation revenue, pulling in more than $124 billion in 2006.   The industry is so large, that one in every 15 people are employed in the trucking industry.  Even in tough times such as a recession, trucking, in some form, will always remain.   There are still those who, for many reasons, cannot receive the needed CDL license in order to operate in commercial commerce.  Trucking companies like Pitt-Ohio are increasing the chances for many, by implementing new and visionary training opportunities which can lead to achieving the commercial driver license.   Welcome to the world of trucking . . . by way of the Sprinter Van.

The commercial sprinter van is not actually new, with the first one being launched by Mercedes-Benz in 1995 and a newer version in 2006, which was later voted Van of the Year in 2007 by Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine.   However, companies such as Pitt-Ohio saw the sprinter van as a new training model for future truck drivers.    President and co-founder Chuck Hammel, stated:

“But by far the most pleasant realization was that we were able to get non-CDL drivers behind the wheel, so our applicant pool expanded tremendously.  We could get people into transportation that never thought they would want to drive a tractor trailer.”

Now, obviously, a sprinter van pales in comparison to an 18-wheeler . . . but what a program like this can accomplish, is having the newcomer to the trucking industry get familiar with the industry’s surroundings, such as the loading dock, loading and unloading procedures, paper work, shipper and receiver terminals, etc.   The biggest fear of newcomers to the industry is operating in such “intimidating” surroundings.   Once they become accustomed and familiar with these sights and sounds of trucking, the transition to the big rigs could prove to be much easier. 

Big Rig TV has a video of this concept in action by Pitt-Ohio.   The trucking industry is in need of more training alternatives for upcoming truck drivers.  Introducing newcomers to the world of trucking through these Sprinter Vans . . . is not a bad idea.

Allen Smith


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By Allen Smith

Allen SmithIt is often very easy for veteran drivers and trucking company officials to overlook the importance of truck driver training for CDL students and new drivers.   With years of experience, the possibility of becoming laxed over time can lead to deadly consequences.   Many issues within the trucking industry have remained swept under the rug for years, including the lack of proper training for new truckers.    The seriousness of proper truck driving training and the lack there of, was pushed into the main stream media through our blog about one and a half years ago, through the writings of a newbie trucker known as Trucker Desiree.

Originally met with a great deal of hostility by drivers and trucking organizations, today, the issue has grown into a more acceptable situation where many trucking individuals are finally realizing and commenting on the fact that the industry indeed lacks proper truck driver training skills in many areas.   Although there are many excellent trainers in the industry, there is still a long way to go in order to bring about further stricter guidelines for driver trainers.

Calling oneself a trainer, does not make one a teacher.   Teaching involves the skills and ability to present the lessons being taught, in an acceptable and understanding manner.  Teaching requires the trainer to place themselves in the same situation as the student.   Nervousness, fear and anxiety . . . all the emotions that a new CDL student will encounter, all have to be recognized and understood by the driver trainer . . . the teacher.    A trainer may have thirty years of driving experience and a perfect record, but without the understanding of teaching and how to teach, the student can often experience higher levels of anxiety and disappointment.

There are endless stories of CDL students being yelled at and even having been “thrown out” of the truck by the trainer.    Trainers in other professions are required to attend a trainer course and various other forms of class-training to become certified as a professional trainer.  Within the trucking industry, most often it is a matter of the company telling an experienced driver that they are now a “trainer.”    More thought must be placed in the equation when determining who can be a trainer and who cannot.    Training and teaching goes hand in hand, and just because one can drive an 18-wheeler with the utmost skill . . . does not make them a teacher.

When choosing which driver will represent their company as a driver trainer, the trucking companies should look at some basic qualifications as to what makes up a good teacher:

  • Explanation skills – Being comfortable with explaining content to students is an essential skill for teachers.
  • Cool under pressure – Good teachers are able to successfully resist the urge to yell or scream at their students.
  • Have a sense of humor – Research has shown that good teachers have a sense of humor, and that they are able to use this skill as part of their training methods.
  • A “people” person – Liking people is essential for being a good trainer/teacher.  Drivers considered as “Loners” are not the best choice for trainers.
  • Are Fair-Minded – A good teacher is able to assess students on the basis of performance, not on the their personal or physical qualities.
  • Have Common Sense – A trainer should be able to size up a situation quickly and make an appropriate decision.
  • Set high expectations – A good trainer/teacher should set high expectations for themselves and their students.
  • Have organizational skills – They should be organized in their professional and teaching duties.
  • Understand time management – Managing time to achieve the best end results for both the trainer and student.
  • Is a Leader and not a Follower – Being comfortable in a position of a leader within a very stressful industry.
  • Not taking things for granted – You were once in the same situation as the student.  Keeping this in mind will make you a better trainer.

Drivers who understand the importance of the role of a professional driver trainer can continue to release safe and skilled drivers out on the public highways.   The driver trainee should never be released before the designated trainer has stated that they are ready.  This means that the trucking company should allow the driver trainer to be the sole person to determine when that time has come . . . not because the company needs to get the driver out there ASAP.

It should also be noted that rules for driver trainers should be adjusted in order to meet the demands that are placed on trainers.  Running the truck 24/7 is not a good idea for a trainer-student combination.   At some point, trucking companies and the industry must realize that the trainer must rest and receive the required sleep that is needed to function in a logical and professional manner.    If the trainer is sleeping in the bunk while the student is driving, where is the safety and professionalism?   All too often, the company becomes laxed in their decision making all for the sake of getting the freight down the road.  What is loaded on the trailer should never be more important than the safety of the driver trainer and student.

This video shows an 18-wheeler, being driven by a student CDL driver losing control of the vehicle while going down the 7,085 foot Donner Pass . . . while the driver trainer is sleeping in the bunk.   Both student and trainer were killed:

Most professional truck drivers understand the importance of proper truck driver training.   The time has come for the trucking companies to understand it more as well.    Allowing for additional time between load pick up and deliveries . . . providing additional rest periods and understanding that both student and trainer will need added comforts, different from the solo driver . . . will prevent tragedies like this one from happening.   It will also provide more safe and skilled drivers being placed on our nation’s highways.

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Truck Driver Training Solutions

Donna hosted this evening’s Truth About Trucking “LIVE” talk show on Blog Talk Radio with special guest, TruckerDesiree, focusing on solutions for the problems in truck driver training.   Second guest, Tom Hanson did not make it, but the one and a half hour show brought in many listeners and finally addressed solving the problems within the trucking industry.

To date, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” has regular listeners in seven countries and brings in 100,000 plus listeners, once placed through out the world wide web.

If you missed the “live” show, you can catch it here:

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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What Every CDL Student Should Know

In today’s economy, many people are looking at professional truck driving as a possible career.  Their first stop?  CDL truck driver training school.  Before heading to the nearest CDL school,  CDL students need to know certain, important facts before making the move to OTR trucking.

From your MVR records to filling out the truck driving job applications to choosing the right truck driving school . . . the trucking job market has changed considerably in today’s economy.

Truth About Trucking “LIVE”Blog Talk Radio’s premier trucking talk show, discussed these facts this evening plus much more.  If you’re considering a career in over the road trucking, be sure to listen to what was appropriately titled:  What Every CDL Student Needs to Know.

This one show could save you thousands of dollars.

Our upcoming shows:

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at 7 PM EST – Truckers Convoy Aims to Rescue California Farmers From EPA Drought – Water restrictions that were imposed by our Federal Government in order to protect a little fish called the Delta Smelt, is putting California farmers out of business.  The situation is so bad, that a convoy of 18-wheelers are being put together in order to bring trailer loads of food to the farmers and those within the area facing the high loss of jobs and income.  Join Allen for this SPECIAL broadcast detailing how EPA regulations have made a tiny fish more important than our American farmers, and how truckers are working to bring relief to those in need.  Special guests:  JB and Fred Shaffner of The American Driver.

Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 3 PM EST :  American Trucking and Opening the Mexican Border.   Opening Mexico’s border and allowing their trucks to run through our 48 states could prove disastrous for the American driver.  Most companies and organizations write that they are against this plan, but are they really?  Or is this a plan that has been secretly building in the background for years?  With a combined driving experience of 65 years, Allen and co-host Barry Szczucki takes a look at what opening the Mexican border could do to the American trucker.  Special guest:  Daniel Audet of The Truck Star.

Come join the conversation!

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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We’d like to “freshen up” a few links to very important posts that need to be more easily accessible. Please add your comments to them accordingly.

1) Truck Driving Schools and Trucking Companies: Post Your Comments about Them Here:

There are almost 200 posts about schools and companies that could help you in this post. Also, it is an opportunity for you to post to others and help them out, as there could be a question about a company or school that you have experience with and would want to share.

2)  A Day in the Life of a Lady Trucker

This is Truck Desiree’s Journal, where she gives a daily description and trail of events of her life in CDL school and trucking company training. Desiree has become the favorite of many throughout the trucking world as she shares her life experiences in the hopes to help other students and trainees.  Some of her posts have stirred up quite a bit of contoversy and we suggest you read this if you want to know the “behind the scenes” of what really goes on.

3)  Truth About Trucking- Your Opinion, Comments, and Testimonials

Here are some more comments, questions, and testimonials from others.


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For those who have followed “A Day In the Life of a Lady Trucker“, here is an update of Desiree’s recent adventures:

Desiree is an OTR Driver who not only enjoys driving, but enjoys helping cdl students and new cdl drivers overcome obstacles every chance she gets, and she does . . . alot!  She is an advocate for truck driver training safety, the fair treatment of students by their trainers, women in trucking, and Green Trucking . . . but NOT at the expense of the Owner Operators, which appears to be the case these days.

Desiree will the guest on Allen’s Blog Talk Radio Show on Sunday February 22, 2009 at 6pm EST discussing: “The Harrassment of Women CDL Students and Drivers Within Trucking Companies” and also the Contoversial “CARB” ( California Air Resources Board) Topic, which has many,  especially owner operators,  quite disturbed to say the least.

TruckerDesiree ( as she is known ) has become quite popluar with many groups as she makes her stand for truckers everywhere.

She is quickly becoming “a voice for many” as she is frequently contacted by magazines, news networks, and organizational groups desiring her input, opinions and support.  Here is a page from her Facebook account which will give you an idea of “Who is Trucker Desiree” and what she wants to accomplish:

Trucker Desiree : California is where I was born & raised.  I am of a Family of Migrant Field Workers who came to California before the Freeways. I grew up at the beaches in Venice, Oxnard, Malibu, Arcata, Trinidad and Carlsbad as a child of the Welfare System.”

“After a life of struggles as a Single Mother, I am now an “Over the Road” Trucker.I fully understand where the miscommunication lies between Activists, Environmentalists & Truckers because I have lived on both sides of the argument and I have an Idea that can help.I am New to Trucking and I quickly learned to not tell people I was from California because of the manner Truckers are looked upon in my home state.”

“Similiar to the way I conceal I am Mexican as I travel across the U.S. as a Trucker to areas that Mexicans are also misunderstood. The Geography of my home state isolates population centers from understanding that Industry requires dirty stinking trucks that work 24/7 to move sensitive high dollar freight from the Ports & Agriculture from rural areas of the State.”

“Trucking is a detail oriented job that requires much more than driving skill. Good planning to move freight out of California in Particular, makes this State… the least desired State to work in as a Trucker. Mostly because California targets Truckers without regard to how difficult this job is and what they do for California Industry.”

“California has the worst infrastructure I have seen since I became a Trucker.  No Parking is available to accommodate sleepy drivers, especially in areas where Freight must be shipped from. The transit time to move freight out of the state at the Truck speed of 55 mph thru the traffic centers of Southern California & geographic locations in Central California affect a driver’s ability to NOT violate Federal “Hours of Service”. Therefore, California places Truck Drivers at risk by NOT providing them adequate space to rest, forcing them to continue to drive out of the state in many cases to get to “Friendlier States” where they can sleep safely.”

“Sleeping safely includes Idling because currently no other system in California has other options for drivers to sleep properly & have temperature controls in their cabs. A safe driver is well rested, not roasting or freezing which is the case now because Idling laws do not take into account that Truckers live in their Trucks & must congregate where shippers are located for proper planning to move sensitive California Freight out of the State.”

“Truckers are targets for Hijackers, esspecially in this economic downturn. Much of the Freight from the Port is extremely High-Dollar that must not stop for at least 200 miles from the time the trailer is sealed at the shipper.”

“Freight moves 24/7 so a driver must be on call to drive 24/7, this is why many trucking companies have Terminals in the Long Beach Port & other Port Areas. Owner-Operators do not have anywhere to go but wherever they can to sit and wait. Both Company Drivers & O/O must idle to rest & be ready at a moment’s notice.

“Many times, arriving at the shipper, the load is not ready. Sometimes I have waited 14 hours, my entire Legal shift for a load at the shipper. I am only paid to drive, nothing else. Legally, I cannot drive. I must be in the sleeper 10 hours to go back on duty, but with no temperature control?  Even if I am in the sleeper in the shippers dock during that 14 hours I cannot have temperature control to sleep properly under California’s current policy. When I am waiting at my company terminal in Long Beach, Pomona, French Camp waiting for a load, sometimes for days on end I have nowhere to go, I live in my truck to move freight.”

“Many O/O in this downturned economy do as well. California needs to implement in their Infrastructure plans a “Green” solution for Truckers that everyone can afford, not just targeted at “Mom & Pop” Truckers who have only their Truck in the whole World where they live & work to move California’s Freight out of the State.”

“Shippers, Receivers, Big Trucking Companies who have Terminals in California & the State of California need to combine forces to reduce emissions.The burden on O/O is too great, they are being singled out because they have just that “Old Truck” that is their life’s blood. As a Student Trucker I am appalled to see companies charging drivers to Idle in Freezing Winter Temperatures at a price higher than Diesel per gallon & the turning around and accepting the “Smart Way EPA Award.”

“A true Smart Way would be to require innovation to combine existing technologies in Trucking & provide adequate space for Truckers to park & rest.This includes at Shipper/Receiver facilities, Terminals & areas for O/O. Companies that manufactuer APU units to reduce idleing have struggled in our downturned economy. Truckers who have purchased expensive APU units to comply with emissions regulations now have an additional concern that they cannot get warranty or repairs done.”

“Idleaire, the company that is in use at some Travel Plazas, is not a viable option for mass appeal because technology has advanced to the point that their product is quickly becoming obsolete.”

“Currently, Wal-Mart has a no idle policy on at their Distribution Centers.  For Wal-Mart Tractors, a unit is provided in the bobtail parking section that keeps the engine block from freezing in Winter Temperatures. This unit currently does not provide temperature control for the driver, only for the engine. Some Tractors come equipped with bunk heaters, but many Big Trucking Companies buy only the Standard Model for their Fleets that do not have bunk heaters.”

“In California, Temperatures do not fall low enough to jeopardize the engine block, but they do get too cold & too hot for the driver to rest properly without temperature Control. RV’s can plug into electric power, Ships in port can receive shore power, but nothing is available to Truck Drivers to accommodate their comfort for safe driving to move freight from the State of California.”

“My Idea is a unit of similar size which is currently used by Wal-Mart to provide warmth to the engine block.  It is less cumbersome than Idleaire.


It would not pump in foreign air like IdleAire which is an added security risk, because of Hijackers & Criminals who target Truckers and rob them. This unit could run off electricity but could be developed into a solar unit, perhaps wind power as well.”

“The Long Beach “Green Port” Project is the Ideal place to implement such a prototype because of the forward thinking innovation they are currently using to modernize this urban center.  I am concerned when I read the Conference entitled “Faster-Freight, Clearner Air” has no VIP Speakers who are Truckers who live this life.  I only see VIP Speakers who sell Trucks.”  http://www.ffcacalifornia.com

“When I watched the Port of Long Beach Webcast about The Green Port Project,  I heard about Innovations for Ships but not for Trucks that move the freight and fight Southern California Traffic to do it. To solve this problem, Californians need to understand Industry of this State is conducted away from the beach and the beautiful scenery.  Its a dirty, stinky business that must be done. Who wants to put some plasma screens in their mercedes and drive them across the country?   Anyone?”    — TruckerDesiree@gmail.com

http://www.askthetrucker.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-lady-trucker/

http://www.twitter.com/TruckerDesiree

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Women in Trucking can Make a Difference

One of the most courageous woman truckers right now is writing on the AskTheTrucker blog, exposing the treatment and tactics allowed to continue within the trucking industry, as viewed through her eyes and own experiences.  The purpose for these posts are two fold:

1) To warn women desiring to get into OTR trucking about the many “red flags they must be aware of so they may avoid them.

2) To encourage other woman in trucking to speak up and not be intimidated or fearful of “losing their job.”

Desiree has a written a Journal type posting which I encourage women to read. She posts regularly, and in my opinion it’s like getting a treasure of info, which I’m sure many would be more than glad to “pay for”" if it was available in  book form.

Her experiences start all the way from day 1 in truck driving school, where she first began in her quest for the coveted CDL license. It then continues into driver training and team driving. This persistant woman would not allow ANYTHING to prevent her from attaining her #1 goal of driving the big rigs. Her experiences are at times like something you would  read in a novel or watch at the movie theatre.

She is a testimony of integrity, commitment, and perseverance.

If you are anyone interested in a trucking career, looking into truck driver training, are already a truck driver, or just interested in knowing what is still allowed to go on within the trucking industry, then I believe you will benefit from these journaled blog posts.

Thanks,
Donna

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Truck Driver Training – Automatic or Manual?

I am asked quite often by those considering a career in trucking, if training and taking the CDL driving test in an automatic or manual transmission would have any affect on their career.  Also, are there any “restrictions” placed on the CDL if automatic is used?   As of this date, it is my understanding that there are none, and it would not matter.  However, important issues are surfacing that you need to be aware of . . .

First, in the real world, you are more than likely going to be placed in a manual vehicle, so if you have been trained in an automatic, and took your driving test in an automatic, when you “hit” the real world, you may find yourself “lost” when your new employer places you in a 10-speed standard.  Also, it is quite possible, that when you go to take the driving test . . . it’s going to be in a manual!   What then?   Unless your school and the testing facility has agreed that you can use the auto for your test, you may be in for a surprise with your CDL training.

Secondly, why limit yourself?  There are companies using automatics, but the majority are operating the standard, manual vehicles.  It would be best to learn by standard and have the knowledge to operate both kinds of transmissions.  With experience, shifting through the gears will become so second-nature, that soon you will not even be thinking about it.

Finally, the FMCSA has issued a proposal to set new standards on rules concerning CDL and CLP testing procedures.  One of these proposals could bring about the action of placing an “automatic restriction” on your license.  The proposal was actually brought about last April, 2008. 

You can read the FMCSA’s proposal at Truth About Trucking’s – Advisory Report.

Just something I wanted to pass on to those considering a career in trucking . . .

Allen

Truck Driver Training

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Ethanol Problems

With the return of Ethanol gasoline into the market, so comes the return of problems we faced back in the ‘70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It is only a matter of time that the problems will grow and perhaps make their way into the news. Of course, the media can squash any news they want, so maybe we will hear nothing more about it.

At least for now, some of the misfortune of using gasohol is creeping ever so slightly into the news realm. Ethanol problems are being noticed here and there and I wonder how long will this “new” form of energy last this time.

People are now experiencing problems with getting their cars to start after using ethanol blended gasoline. Read more about what problems you may experience down the road with gasohol.

Read about Ethanol Problems and let us know what you think.

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