Another "Boomer" team starts an adventure

[Roadie]

Update to our progress, we did a day and a half last week (wed nite, and all day thurs) then went to DMV for our written test. We now have our learner permits and all endorsements. (helps to study CDL manuals before going to school!!!)
So far we have done preflights, (errr,,I mean pre-trips) and had classes on Preventive Maint., Pre-trip/post trip, brakes, systems, HOS, and trip planning. Last nite we got into trip planning some, and Wingz was complaing that I have spoiled her with always taking care of that in the past with our travels. Now she gets to learn it and carry her own weight,,,lol. (actually, we'll probably be using Co-pilot software and gps, or the new system being installed in the trucks that have comm, gps, street level directions, internet, etc. don't remember the name of it, Driver something)
We do not do any driving during the first several weeks, only pre-trips and in cab brake checks. Anxious to get to the driving part!
Cheers

[rjallen]

Update to our progress, we did a day and a half last week (wed nite, and all day thurs) then went to DMV for our written test. We now have our learner permits and all endorsements. (helps to study CDL manuals before going to school!!!)
So far we have done preflights, (errr,,I mean pre-trips) and had classes on Preventive Maint., Pre-trip/post trip, brakes, systems, HOS, and trip planning. Last nite we got into trip planning some, and Wingz was complaing that I have spoiled her with always taking care of that in the past with our travels. Now she gets to learn it and carry her own weight,,,lol. (actually, we'll probably be using Co-pilot software and gps, or the new system being installed in the trucks that have comm, gps, street level directions, internet, etc. don't remember the name of it, Driver something)
We do not do any driving during the first several weeks, only pre-trips and in cab brake checks. Anxious to get to the driving part!
Cheers

Congrats on your tests!

Wow several weeks before getting into the cab for a drive. Different from Montana!
My wife and I looked at Interstate. Seems to be a good company and are team oriented. I-90 corridor is covered up with their units. Hordes of units spend each night here at Muralt's TS in Missoula. They would not talk to us as they said they did not hire from western Montana.

I do suggest you at least look into US Xpress. With Hazmat, new teams work for .42 cpm. If you carry an actual Hazmat load, you get an additional .04 cpm. I wouldn't work for them as a solo- low pay and low miles but they do have a good team program.

Rick

[Roadie]

Thanks Rick
We'll look into them a litle more.
Hope things are going well with your school and your wife is getting over the rough spots!!
Cheers

[worldisnotenough]

oh, great, I was just getting ready to call Interstate too. We need to leave our current company. They have no idea what they are doing and today may be the last straw. I have heard horror stories about US Express. But that doesn't mean much. I heard CFI was the best ever and I think they have no clue what they are doing half the time. It is discouraging but that is what it is like first couple of years.

[Roadie]

Hey WOrld
Interstate has rep for treating teams good, solos not good. I ahve also heard some not so good about USX. Was just reading on another forum about some not so good on Interstate. Seems if ANYTHING happens to give you a preventable, your gone. But there are many happy people there tooo.
DAMMM,,,just what to believe, where to go. I like the team training together with Interstate. But it is loooong. Not sure what USX is. Gotta research more!! lol
BOL, let me know what your doin!
Cheers

[worldisnotenough]

yeah, cfi is pretty good about giving out preventable. Even when nothing happened. I think they all are like that actually.

[Skywalker]

I think if I was going to run team.... and had a choice between USXpress and Interstate....I would go to Interstate. Here's why:

I just spoke with Steve Blackett at 1-800-374-8348 in Interstate's Recruiting Department, and he told me that they PAY PRACTICAL MILES!! A team with 6 months to 1 yrs experience gets 46 CPM, more than a year... 47cpm. More here: http://www.truckflix.com/company.php?compid=48

AND they will hire teams from around OKC!! 8)

USXpress pays HHG miles....and lower cpm for teams..... :? :x :P

[worldisnotenough]

AND they will hire teams from around OKC!!

[Skywalker]

AND they will hire teams from around OKC!!

:shock: Or thereabouts?? :? 8)

[Skywalker]

Hey WOrld
Interstate has rep for treating teams good, solos not good. I ahve also heard some not so good about USX. Was just reading on another forum about some not so good on Interstate. Seems if ANYTHING happens to give you a preventable, your gone.

I would suggest that you take what you read about someone being let go for a "preventable".....with a large grain of salt, especially if it is said in a forum. You only get one side of the equation, and much is either concealed or purposely omitted, less for brevity than self aggrandizement. :shock: I've never really heard anything negative about Interstate.... But USX on the other hand...is another story.

But there are many happy people there tooo.
DAMMM,,,just what to believe, where to go. I like the team training together with Interstate. But it is loooong. Not sure what USX is. Gotta research more!! lol
BOL, let me know what your doin!
Cheers

Longer training is better training to some extent. Shorter or real short training depending on the scenario is just another way to "put meat in the seat".

What is the pay situation while training with Interstate?

[Roadie]

Interstate pays $400/wk for weeks 1-3, then $500/wk weeks 4-7. Better than some, not as good as others, but it is income.
Thanks for all comments guys, and appreciate the thoughts on the companies Skywalker!
We are progressing right along in school, wading thru all the classroom stuff. Got to out and drive around the lot a little today. I Unhooked a trailer and Instr had me pull tractor out. We took turns driving around a little loop then instructor had me back up to another trailer. Wifey got a little extra drive time today. Instr scared the caca out of her the other day, so he owed her one!! lol
Had recruiters in today from Werner and Gordon. Gordon wouldn't be bad, pay is comparable to Interstate, and seem to take good care of drivers, but have strict no pet policy. We plan on bringing our dog once we get rolling a little bit. Werner is just a no for us.

[worldisnotenough]

yeah!!!! dogs!!!! that is another reason why we may be leaving CFI. They are becoming anti-pets! keep us informed roadie! and remember to keep your trailer to the left!