dehammer...
To answer the question in your previous post...you can still get a CDL without going to an expensive school. Regulations have not been implemented yet to prevent this.
Now, putting aside the current economic situation, the current situation in our industry, and every other piece of bs. I think it's time for those of us that know the business to first make something clear to those that want to get into the business. I'm constantly reading comments about how bad it is right now...or what you should or shouldn't do...instead of first sharing an understanding of exactly what a person is getting into when they decide they want to be a trucker. So I'll ask you, as my uncle did me when I decided to pursue a life as a trucker many many years ago, the most important question you must answer first.
This is America and a man has the God given right to pursue whatever dream he so chooses. The life of a trucker is not an easy one. It is a life full of much sacrifice and responsibility...and the level of your success as a trucker is equal to the level of sacrifices you are willing to make. Truckers are the life-blood of our great country...they are what makes the comforts Americans enjoy possible. And it is for this reason that a trucker stands proud...knowing we are the main cog in the engine of our society.
This is what my uncle said to me before asking this very question...
Are you prepared to make the commitment of sacrifice for your fellow Americans?
Now if you are prepared to make this commitment...it doesn't matter what anyone says, or what's occuring in this economic climate. A man committed to succeeding, will succeed.
So are you prepared to make this serious commitment? If so...go down to the DMV and pick up a CDL booklet. Study it and take the tests. You don't need to go to school to obtain a CDL permit. That will open some doors for ya.
-ss-
You made a good point about schooling not being mandatory yet . But a plan is not yet in place and once requirements are established it wil be at least 3 years before the requirements are mandated . But that is on the Federal level . Some states already have mandatory training requirements
FMCSA 13-07
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
FMCSA Proposes Rule with Mandatory Training Requirements for
Commercial Driver’s License Applicants
WASHINGTON– Dec. 26 – Individuals seeking new commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) would be required to complete both classroom and behind-the-wheel training from an accredited educational program or institution under a proposed rule announced today by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
“This proposed rule will give truck drivers additional skills needed to keep our roads safe,” FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill said.
Beginning three years after the effective date of a final rule, all applicants for a CDL or upgraded CDL would be required to provide a valid certificate from a truck driving program or institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. The rule would not affect current CDL holders.
For a “Class A” CDL (tractor-trailers), the proposed rule would require a minimum of 76 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training for a total of 120 hours. For “Class B” (large “box” or van trucks) and “Class C” CDLs (hazardous materials or certain passenger-carrying vehicles), the proposed rule would require a minimum of 58 hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours behind-the-wheel training for a total of 90 hours. The training curriculum includes CDL safety regulations, vehicle operation and safe operating practices.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed rule. Instructions are available at
www.regulations.gov, docket number FMCSA-2007-27748. Public comments will be accepted until March 25, 2008.
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
CDL law changes
- Starting January 2, 2009, you will be required to meet minimum training requirements before getting a CDL.
- CDL skills tests may be conducted by Department of Licensing (DOL) testers at regional locations throughout the state.
- Skills test fees have increased to $100 ($75 for Head Start/ ECEAP organizations )
As for the level of sacrifice having to do with the success in the industry , what happens when you have 50,000 people willing to make equal sacrifices but only 5,000 job openings ?
