What about trips to Canada?

[1Canuck]

Hi all:

I am currently giving some serious thought about a career change into the field of OTR driving. One of the issues that comes to mind is that of a driver's choice or preference of destination areas for their assigned loads. By that I mean, are there any companies out there, who by perhaps their sheer fleet size alone, are known to make any effort at all to accommodate a driver's preference of where geographically they'd typically like to drive on a regular basis?

In my case, I live about midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, but I am a born/raised Canadian citizen (moved to the US in Dec/2001). So, for me, I would love the opportunity to be asked to deliver loads anywhere in Canada on a regular basis. Would such a request be seen by an employer as unreasonable by a driver in my situation? If not, would there be any companies who would be more likely able to accommodate such a request over other companies?

Thanks in advance for whatever input anyone is able to share.

[aztrucker]

Ashley furiture runs in Canada. They are an exellent co. to work for. Drivers make big bucks. Everything is boxed, so unloading is not bad, all you have to do is slide the boxs to the back of the trailer. There based out of Arcadia Wisconsin. They have many loads going to all parts of Canada.....good luck.....God Bless

[1Canuck]

Do you know if they hire rookie drivers though? I don't currently have my CDL, and would be a total newbie for whoever would hire me.

[aztrucker]

ooohhhh..I didn't know that. They only hire experieneced drivers.



You'll have to go with a mega co. like Crete or Knight. Most all of the big companies run Canada. Where are you from? I'm a dually too.

[1Canuck]

Born Glace Bay, NS but lived most of my life in southwestern Ontario. Currently live in Kenosha, Wisconsin (pretty much smack in the middle between Milwaukee and Chicago). What about you, where are you from in Canada originally?

[aztrucker]

I was born and raised in Kankakee, IL. Moved to Cananda in 1983. Worked as an o/o for six years, then moved back in 1989. Moved back to Canada in 2000 and stayed there until May of last year. I lived in the Fort Francis ON. area. I now live in sunny warm Mesa, Arizona.

[mapleleaf_1]

There are several companies that would love it if you told them you'd like to run to Canada. Many drivers don't wanted to be bothered with the hassles of doing cross border. Ashley Furniture, J.B. Hunt and Schneider are three I can think of off the top of my head.
Whereabouts in southwestern Ontario are you from. I was in Port Dover. Now residing in southwestern Wisconsin since Nov/2004. Drive safe everyone.

[1Canuck]

Hey Mapleleaf, thanks for your input.

In SW Ontario I lived in: Winona, Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Caister Centre (just south of Hamilton), London and Belmont (just south of London).

I can understand how many drivers would not want to deal with the delays and hassles of the border crossings (plus the idle time of not being paid while they sit in the lineups going over). But for me, the enjoyment of traveling the roads back home (and enjoying some Timmy's on the way) would make the annoyance of the crossing worthwhile. I guess we each have our own reasons for why we like to go to certain areas (or hate other areas), but I know that I would certainly enjoy driving everyday as a career if I was able to tour more of my homeland while I working.

[mapleleaf_1]

When we travel back home as soon as we cross the border the first place we head for is Tim Hortons. Sure do miss not being able to go there down here. Also miss Smarties LOL They're way better than M & M's. Kraft Peanut Butter too. Drive safe everyone.

[BanditsCousin]

Lots of people gripe about Canada, but they probably have their reasons.

For instance LACK of border crossing pay is one of them. Also, drivers usually don't have their paperwork in order when they get there, and wonder why Customs gives them a hard time :wink:

One thing i can say about Canada is make sure you don't have a domestic or drug charge on the record or they'll stop you at the border :shock:

[1Canuck]

No problem there, my record is squeaky clean. But I do agree with you, for those that try to cross with those sorts of things on their records, the days of getting away with that are long gone and your trip can be a one-way trip depending on where/when they stop you. I have a friend who is a PhD and was a professor at a Christian College in Arkansas (he is a Canadian). He went back to Canada for a summer vacation three years ago and to this day he's still now allowed back into the US (even though he had already been issued a visa by US Immigration to work here). So, he lost his professor job and has had to re-adjust to life again in Canada.

[mi_rookie]

I just spoke with a Werner recruiter and one route is a Detroit to Canada route. I am willing to do anything if the pay is right. I am completing my first week of driving school and looking for a company to sign on with.

She also said on that route I would be home at least weekly.

[Kintama]

Lots of people gripe about Canada, but they probably have their reasons.

For instance LACK of border crossing pay is one of them. Also, drivers usually don't have their paperwork in order when they get there, and wonder why Customs gives them a hard time :wink:

One thing i can say about Canada is make sure you don't have a domestic or drug charge on the record or they'll stop you at the border :shock:

And arrest you.

[1Canuck]

FYI, after emailing this very question to Schneider today (to which they responded the same day) here was their reply which seemed fair and honest enough (no false promises):

We cannot guarantee that you would get a majority of loads going into Canada as our freight is assigned by greatest needs first. You will get to that area from time to time, however.

[Useless]

I've made several trips to Canada, and never had any trouble. There was some delay crossing the border, but it was relatively painless. I always used my passport; don't think that carrying your birth certificate is a very good idea.

[homer]

first time i crossed into canada i didnt care if they let me in.i told them my life story.they didnt like it but they let me in after an hour or so. that lady that worked a kingsgate bc could not stand me.she always sent me to immigration and called them after i arrived. i got hooked after 6 trips.really liked bc and alberta.never had time to do anything tho. i made it as far as whitecourt ab.i gotta go to bc on holiday someday.