So could I....when I was in the military. I almost did when I got laid off at my job. If I hadn't gotten a call the next day after I looked into it, I probably would have.

 

go to tech school and get them, i got the hope scholarship and it didn't cost me anything. they even gave me money to buy maps and books with! and if you just get them, no one takes a chance on hiring with no experience or schooling!

 

Everyone at my school said I wouldn't be able to get a local job with out 2 years over the road experience. 2 weeks later I had a local job making $20 a hour for a little company with only one truck. Dude just took me for a test drive around the block and said "yep you can drive, when can you start?"

 

I've been hearing a lot of news that we need more truck drivers in America... but the problem is, finding people like me that are very interested in it. I dunno, I just love driving... I never really get ticked off at other drivers... heck, I've done so much driving in especially the past 2 years, it's amazing how I just love to be out on the road.

 

CAT engines are great. We have 4 Peterbilt's with CAT motors. Although I am not impressed with the new motors that have to meet emissions standards. Only one of our Pete's has the new emissions compliant engines and you can definitely tell a difference in the power. They feel weaker than the older CAT motors even though they have the same horse power rating.

 

Be cautious about the major long haul carriers. If you take a driving course through them and quit/get fired before your contract runs out, you are obligated to pay for the course. I was lucky enough to get my CDL while working for Lowe's and it only cost me about $100. I then worked there long enough to get some seat time and got a real job.

 

I agree, CAT engines are great..... unless you have to buy the fuel for the thirsty SOB's.

 

How many CMV drivers here actually do a proper pre/post trip inspection?

 

Oh, I got the money to pay for it... that's not the problem...

I just want to do things right.

 

Good driver's are always in demand. I went to work for Texaco in 1971 as a terminal operator and was trained to be a relief truck operator. After 2 weeks I went on as a regular tank truck driver and drove for 12 yrs. I also pulled some company dry vans hauling drums of oil, grease etc. We didn't have cdl's back then or needed any haz-mat endorsement's. I work now for a company that has 4 Freightliner tractors and we pull 48'x112" flats hauling steel and utility poles in South Louisiana and Mississippi. All of our long distance hauling is mainly handled by Mercer, Landstar, Jones and Bennett. I don't have to drive anymore but trucking has put bread on the table for more than 35 yrs. If any of you guy's are interested check out Hank's truck pictures, a photo history of trucking. I even have a collection on that site.

 

Cat engines are great if you buy the extended warranty. Last couple of years they've had a tendency to suck the exhaust sleeves through the turbo. Then you have a turbo replacement, exhaust sleeves to replace and air charge cooler to remove and wash out the debris plus taking off all air intake ducting from the filters to the turbo inlet to clean, plus new air filters. It all adds up in parts and labor and will hit a pocket book pretty hard if it's not under warranty.
Around here even some of the die hard Cat guys are starting to spec the Cummins ISX in new trucks instead.

Granted we have yet to see one of the brand new Cat's with the spark plug in it. The new Cummins emissions system seems a lot simpler other than the egr valve failing quite often. I have some pics of the new Cat. I'll see if I can find them.

 

I was reading in an Diesel Tech magazine, about those Cummins ISX engines... They even went into depth about the DPF systems that they use for the CARB emissions and such... INSANE.

 

The new Cat common rail engines are powerful, quiet and can be tuned easily but the fuel system is going to cause expensive problems when people incorrectly change the fuel filters or use the wrong fuel.