Questions beginners might ask. Opinions please

[claimjumper]

Always loved driving so going to get my CDL (again....)

However, I'm 50 (in excellent health) any negatives about starting a driving career at that age??

I have a felony conviction (burglary) as a teenager some 30+ years ago. Do you think that would pose and problems?

What and how much do companies reimburse for otr? : hotels, meals, waiting???

What's a fair price for a truck driving school cdl program? (for a local in Chicago area)

For that matter what's a good driving school in the Chicago area?

How do you stay awake while driving without caffeine?

What is sleeping in those cabs like?

Finally, is it theoretically possible (don't now ), to drive so often that you can live on the road and in your truck??

Thanks for all imput. It will help a lot.

CJ

[JLKKLJ777]

Originally Posted by claimjumper

Always loved driving so going to get my CDL (again....)

However, I'm 50 (in excellent health) any negatives about starting a driving career at that age??

Provided you can pass a DOT physical and a possible stress test at the company you apply to you should be fine.

I have a felony conviction (burglary) as a teenager some 30+ years ago. Do you think that would pose and problems?

It should not be an issue but be sure to disclose it on your job application. Many employment apps now a days are phrased "have you ever been convicted of a felony." The older ones used to read "within the past 10 years" but no longer.

What and how much do companies reimburse for otr? : hotels, meals, waiting???

Some carriers will offer a per diem pay to their drivers (I recommend not taking it) to give them more take home pay (untaxed) at the end of the week. Hotels are normally provided at no cost to the driver during orientation and when the truck is in the shop overnight (and no replacement truck is available to slip seat into). Breakfast will (normally) be provided at the hotel, Lunch will (normally) be provided while in class during orientation. Dinner will be on you. As for waiting, the only compensation you "might" receive is for layover. This is a token amount; 50 to 75 dollars usually (depends on company though) after 24 hours. As for pay received during orientation you may receive 100 per day AFTER you complete the class and have made the grade (meaning your background check has been completed, your drug screen is clean, your work history has been verified, you passed the DOT physical, and you passed the road test). There may even be a sign on bonus offered.

What's a fair price for a truck driving school cdl program? (for a local in Chicago area)

It varies from school to school based on the length of the class. I have heard of programs through local help wanted agencies which will in essence pay for the training if you have been laid off and qualify for retraining. Other than that the prices may range from 2500 to 7500 dollars. Be sure to pick an accredited school. This will help you land a job after school.

For that matter what's a good driving school in the Chicago area?

I cannot answer this one as I am unfamiliar with this areas trucking schools.

How do you stay awake while driving without caffeine?

Through getting a good night sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping through the night, snore loudly, wake up during the night multiple times, thrash around repeatedly, have acid reflux, remember no dreams after waking, are over weight, feel tired during the day or generally lethargic you may have sleep apnea. You may be fitted for a cpap machine and this will fix the problem. Having sleep apnea doe NOT disqualify a driver from driving so do not be afraid to get tested if you have the above symptoms.

What is sleeping in those cabs like?

The space in a trucks sleeper berth is large enough to permit a man to sleep easily. Most sleepers are at least 7 foot wide and have a twin or even a full size mattress. I am 6' 2" and have no problem sleeping in my Volvo 610 (model) which actually has a narrower bunk area than other makes. Other than the physical dimensions there are privacy curtains which can be closed to block out the light while you are trying to sleep. Many trucks have APU's now a days and will keep the temperature inside comfortable. In the case of no APU then idling a truck during extreme temps will be necessary. The only other issues will be the noises of passing trucks and people, the vibrations from the idling engine or APU, the smells of diesel exhaust (and possibly urine) if you roll the windows down or use window screens during the night, and the colorful ladies of the night aka lot lizards, recreational reptiles, commercial company, prostitutes. These things will all happen and you will adapt to them over time.

Finally, is it theoretically possible (don't now ), to drive so often that you can live on the road and in your truck??

Many drivers and couples do exactly that. They travel the country and basically live in the truck. They pay their bills on line and have a friend or family member house sit. Be aware though that if you sell your home or apartment you will be ineligible for the "per diem" tax deduction that transportation workers are entitled to. 80% of $52.00 per day provided you were away from your tax home for a required rest period.

Thanks for all input. It will help a lot.

CJ

I hope this helps. If I can be of further assistance just ask.

[Krzy18whlr]

Some large carriers provide CDL training but then you'll be required to work for them for a term. If you leave before your term you'll be liable to pay back a portion of your training. It sounds like you have no home commitments so you should be able to stick out any contract and be flexible.