Well I finally got off the pot and decided !!!!!!!!!!

[WOLF RIVER]

After alot of comparing companies, packages, equipment and all of the rest, I made up my mind. Im going to work for YRC Logistics (Saukville WI.) The are the nonunion side of YRC. I will be a flatbed driver after all hauling mostly steel through out the midwest with a little to the east coast on occasion. They run all Internationals w/ 10 speeds and mostly I will be pulling a spread axle covered wagon.

I think for the newbie they have a pretty good package. Training is 5 weeks long. Securment training is the first week along with the other orientaion stuff. I get paid $400. for week 1 plus meals are picked up. Weeks 2 - 5 are basically just day runs with a trainer to the surrounding states. During my training I will be put up in a hotel (by myself) and not sharing a truck with someone else. I get paid $450. per week plus meals are picked up.

After training is complete I get my own truck running regional home on Friday sometime and back out very early Monday. Drivers are averaging 3000 miles per week. New drivers pay is .38 per loaded mile and .33 per unloaded mile. With bi monthly raises to get me up to .43 by my 1 year aniversary. Good benifits and a good 401k still .50 on the dollar up to 6%. Benifits kick in at 30 days and there is no vesting period. They pay for layover and detention pay too. I also get $50. per week food bonus?

After a year I would be able to get a local gig hauling steel for them too. So overall I dont think its too bad for a newbie. Although I wish they would have me out with a trainer so I could at least run through the mountains (any) with a trainer.

Well I start on Monday June 2nd so its time to stop looking.

[Sabine]

congratulations, sounds like a really good deal

[rons247]

congratulations, sounds like a really good deal

[Soladad]

not trying to hijack the thread but sending you a PM Sabine.

[Snowman7]

I also started as a steel hauler. Good money and hometime for a new driver. Sounds good but the only thing I question is the 3000 miles a week. Unless your on some type of schedule or dedicated run its nearly impossible to do 3000 miles Mon thru Fri doing regional runs, especially steel. Too much loading and unloading. You'll average 1 load a day which will be more like 2200-2700 miles. 3000 would be rare with either a Sunday aft start or a Sat arrival. Some guys may say they do it but believe me they arent doing it legal. Their working 6 AM to 1-2 in the morning. You spend the first 6 hours a day trying to get empty and reloaded and then drive all night to get where you're going.

[BigWheels]

Good for you Wolf River!

I go by their location a couple-of-times a week delivering to Charter Steel.

Didn't know that YRC Logistics was a non-union barn...strange since YRC is.

[golfhobo]

Good on ya, Wolf!! Hope you like it! But just make sure you're REALLY off the pot for good.... and for at least 30 days before orientation! :wink:

There's NO ROOM in this industry for POT heads!!! :wink:

[larryh31]

Sounds like a really good deal for a new driver. Be safe out there.

[CrazyTulip]

Congratulations on the new job! Have fun and be safe out there.

[Sealord]

"$50 per week food bonus?" You might want to ask 'em if that's per diem? BOL