CDL? 10-4.
That three-letter acronym for Commercial Driver’s License also stands for one of my biggest life achievements. Until two years ago, I had no idea how to drive a stick shift. Not even in a car. But our family farm needed more truck drivers, and I wanted to contribute. I stood determined to drive a 10-speed-transmission semi and learn to double clutch while mindful of a 42-foot-long trailer behind me.
Semis arrived on our farm about 30 years ago, a need driven by greater crop productivity, bigger farm equipment and the desire for efficiency. Today, we require people with this licensed skill in the spring to deliver seed and fertilizer to planters in the field, in the summer to get product to the sprayer, in the fall to move grain from field to storage, and another nine months of the year to haul grain to market.
Given my serious lack of experience, I must credit the patience of six men with licenses on the farm who encouraged and helped me earn a full-fledged CDL about 14 months ago. Poor Kent on the first day I attempted to learn straight-line backing, and poor Dale, who witnessed me crawl a hill in first gear from a standstill while fully loaded.
With the help of YouTube and excessive amounts of practice with members of our farm team riding shotgun, I passed all the required tests: the three written exams, the detailed under-hood inspection, the skills course, and the drive. Per test requirements, I parallel-parked the semi and grain trailer, successfully putting all 18 wheels inside the lines from the driver’s side. (Just in case I ever need to parallel park on a one-way street.) I aced offset backing with no pull-ups on my second skills course attempt, and afterward drove the city streets and interstate without missing a gear. Whew.
Most importantly, I gained empathy and respect for our team and other men and women who have mastered the skill. I now drive my minivan differently, understanding the risks that drivers of passenger vehicles can create in their sudden stops, haphazard lane changes and merges without consideration. All drivers should take a written CDL exam, if nothing more than to learn the length a semi needs to stop. To that, I would expect a loud and clear 10-4.
See more: Farmers Use the Sky to Practice Soil and Water Stewardship (VIDEO)
About the Author: Joanie Stiers farms with her family in West-Central Illinois, where they grow corn, soybeans, hay and cover crops and raise beef cattle, backyard chickens and farmkids.
I’m glad that farmers & mechanics need CDL’s. Anyone that could have an accident without a CDL could cause major issues for them and the other person. I’ve had a CSL for 45+. I’ve pulled everything from A-train to B-train, farm equipment, construction equipment, flatbed, and I’ve seen many, many accidents that could have been evoided by the driver if they had spoken English to read the signs. They should not read them the CDL test in different languages. I have seen them do it many times at DMV.
I agree but don’t need cdl if farm use
If farmers can drive in a local area , I am a diesel mechanic, and I have to have a CDL license to test drive after a repair. That’s bullshit.
Agree Steven –
Anyone driving an 18 wheeler needs a CDL – so do all of the idiots driving around in their motor homes pulling their SUV’s and boats that don’t have a clue – been in this business all of my life and it is just getting terrible out there!!
The federal law says: ‘YOU MUST BE ABLE TO READ, WRITE, AND SPEAK ENGLISH TO MAINTAIN YOUR CDL’ – we have personally had two DOT’s tell us they cannot enforce this federal law – total CRAP!!! We farm, ranch and truck and my husband has had his CDL since he was able to take the test – our oldest son got his CDL so he can drive our commercial licensed trucks if we need him even though he is an agronomist and works with livestock daily.
Farmers dont have to pay sales tax on on those truck parts either
40yrplus trucker and damm pleased to hear you passed makes my trips down the 2 lane narrow roads a bit safer for all to drive . Keep your head up pedal down and at the end of the trip everyone gets home! Thats old school rules. Short Stick
I just retired after 35 years of over the road and I would like to congratulate you.The problem I see nowadays is there is no communication and back in my day the older drivers always would be there to tell you the correct way if doing things especially on the C B radio which also made the highway safer because of COMMUNICATION. Tank you great article
John –
This is a very good artilce – and Congratulations on getting your CDL – great accomplishment and good for you for doing this right!
This is a fact – we farm, ranch and truck and it is just terrible out there these days – loved the good old days (we trucked flatbed coast to coast) and everyone chatted on the CB – problem now – part of these morons can’t speak English (which is a federal violation) and they can’t actually drive a truck – they have their automatic that they race around in like a car!! Congratulations on your retirement!!
The farmers should have a cdl also because they share the roads with the public and they should have to pass the same skills test that cdl holders have to. There is also farmers that are doing commercial hauling for local companies and not having cdl drives doing it and paying them less to do it
Agree – We have been in the trucking business all of our lives – over 50 years – and this is crap that Farmer’s do not need CDL’s – We farm, ranch and truck – glad you got your CDL – I so agree with Dennis – there are farmer’s here and everywhere lying and hauling thier buddies grain cut rating crap and we all pay the price!!! Not to mention the monons driving around in the super size campers pulling their SUV’s or boats – they need a CDL as well!! Then to top it off there is a FEDERAL REGULATION THAT STATES – ‘YOU MUST BE ABLE TO READ, WRITE AND SPEAK ENGLISH TO MAINTAIN A CDL’ – the DOT is not allowed to enforce this now and it is crap!!!
Yup. Specifically 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2):
Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records;
I usually pull a Hopper and I haul melons
Farmers dont need a CDL here just stay in 150 mile radius
Same here in Nebraska – but it is just WRONG!!!
I have CDL with 11 years deliver for farmers.