I was transferred to the active reserve for the next six years. I lived in Rockaway Beach, NY and I was assigned to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. When I reported to Fort Hamilton I explained that I lived in Rockaway and Fort Tilden in Rockaway was just minutes from my home. Could I be transferred there which would save a lot of driving time. Within a week I was assigned to an JD Truck Training Centre anti-aircraft battery at Tilden. I would be trained as a lineman stringing communication wire. I could hardly wait.
We all know what it means to change lanes. You are merging from one side of the road to the other. But now you are a trucker and that makes all the difference. Having your CDL license and operating a big truck is all the difference between you and the regular cars out there on the road.
Accreditation refers to schools that have been accredited by an agency that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Only Truck driving school that have been accredited are entitled to have access to federal student grants and loans. There are very few truck driving schools that have achieved accreditation because of the tough standards and the expensive process. A truck driving school that has been accredited, shows that they have met the highest standards for education.
Yes, the banks seem to always be touting the fact that they have money and want to fund small businesses. But besides taking collateral on your house, they will also want to collateralize your favorite dog and youngest child. Of course I'm joking - but have you tried to get traditional bank financing? Especially if you have not had a long time relationship with the bank?
First I like to point out the legal side. This is a BIG ONE. Being a truck driver is fun and you can make a lot, or a ton of money. So what do I mean legal? Because we both know that you need a CDL license to drive... When I say legal we are looking at your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record). Why is this important? If you have 1 too many violations most trucking companies will not hire you. This is what the HR Truck Licence schools do not tell you.
Now second and lastly I like to talk about your experience. Some of you may have already been in a truck driving school truck and know what it is like. Others have not a clue what to expect and are eager to know. So breaking the ice of the unknown will greatly increases your chances of survival of going through the school of hard knocks.
You must be able to pass a physical exam and a drug test given by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is to ensure you have no physical conditions (or substance abuse) that will interfere with the safe handling of a commercial truck. During your employment, you will also be subject to random drug testing. You must also pass the physical exam every two years while employed as a truck driver.