I drive for a local company that does OTR in all the I-35 states and east, I'm amazed at how common it is to see drivers that simply do not abide by basic road signage. I was driving through a long construction zone yesterday on I-57 in Southern Illinois and there are multiple signs posted that state that trucks need to be in the left lane. I was in the left lane and there was a white Volvo in the right lane pacing my ICC bumper and thus blocking traffic flow in both lanes. I didn't know if he simply could not read the signs or if he just didn't care?
Driving through Chicago on four lane freeways, signs are clearly posted that truck traffic needs to remain in the two right lanes but it is very common to see trucks and all four lanes blocking traffic flow for miles on end. It is terribly frustrating when you're trying to get around trucks that stagger themselves in multiple Lanes to where you simply can't pass any of them. I have this happen to me on a regular basis whether I'm driving a CDL truck or just my personal vehicle.
If you have a pulse, they'll give you a cdl these days.
I heard Swift is like that as well.Buyer beware, some companies will give you CDL training if you agree to sign an inherently bad faith contract with them. The best example I can think of is Roehl Transport which regularly signs people up for CDL training sponsored by the company and then turns around and terminates their employment and immediately comes after them with collections trying to force them to pay $7,000 or more for CDL training.
This is one of the biggest scams I've ever seen in my life that is preying upon people who are legitimately seeking to act in good faith to benefit themselves and a company that they want to work for.
20 years ago, when I worked as a contractor at oil refineries and chemical plants doing NDT work, a condition of admission to the premises were you had to pass both a written and verbal safety procedures exam in English.The problem is that many CDL drivers often cant speak and read English very well.
I'm a semi mechanic and my parents are from Poland. I'm guessing when you see a Volvo semi roll in from a small trucking company, most likely he was born in Eastern Europe and cant converse well in English?
Thats one of the big reasons i decided not to get my cdl. Im not going to be "trained to get my cdl" and have it held over my head as they suck the life out of me day in and day out.No thank you.Buyer beware, some companies will give you CDL training if you agree to sign an inherently bad faith contract with them. The best example I can think of is Roehl Transport which regularly signs people up for CDL training sponsored by the company and then turns around and terminates their employment and immediately comes after them with collections trying to force them to pay $7,000 or more for CDL training.
This is one of the biggest scams I've ever seen in my life that is preying upon people who are legitimately seeking to act in good faith to benefit themselves and a company that they want to work for.
Those are the white Volvo mafia. The cajon pass near me is often snarled. Guys look at the gps and decide to take 138 through the mountains.The problem is that many CDL drivers often cant speak and read English very well.
I'm a semi mechanic and my parents are from Poland. I'm guessing when you see a Volvo semi roll in from a small trucking company, most likely he was born in Eastern Europe and cant converse well in English?
If you have a pulse, they'll give you a cdl these days.
They require a physical here, as well. The comment about “anyone” was hyperboleIt is an extensive course, and expensive, to get a class 1 drivers license here. We don't call it a cdl, but instead a class 1 in Canada.
A medical is also required every 2 years, so severe obesity isn't really an issue in Canada with truckers, because they lose their license due to failed medical. An extra 50 lbs sure, many can pass still, but if you are 100 lbs overweight it's unlikely.
Electronic logs have all but eliminated those drivers trying to run 20 hours without a break. Modern trucks handle better, stop better, and are also much more fuel efficient.
I was behind a Polish HGV 44 ton Volvo. He was coming off the motorway and obviously unsure where he was going. So the obvious thing for me is to hang back, keep in a position so I can see his mirrors.The problem is that many CDL drivers often cant speak and read English very well.
I'm a semi mechanic and my parents are from Poland. I'm guessing when you see a Volvo semi roll in from a small trucking company, most likely he was born in Eastern Europe and cant converse well in English?
Other trucking companies hire the best, Lily hires the rest!!!
View attachment 165999
Other trucking companies hire the best, Lily hires the rest!!!
View attachment 165999