Oakley?TransAm?Werner?

[brotherphilip]

I am looking to get back in driving full time after a 3-4 year absence. I have either ruled out or been ruled out by a few. Some I'm currently talking to are Oakley(out of Lake Wales, Fl)-TransAm (out of Olathe, KA)-and Werner. I've only seen a few comments on Werner and none on TransAM. Somebody please help. Im also talking to Knight out of Atlanta terminal but I've seen nothing but good posted about them.

[Jumbo]

What has caused you to be ruled out by a few? If you have any experience at all why would Werner be on your list?

[brotherphilip]

I have been driving PT the last 3-4 years while working in an assembly plant. Although I have 14 full time years before that many companies are treating me like an inexperienced driver. Covenant is the only 'offer' I have so far and I'm not interested in them.

[scythe08]

That's one thing that really infuriates me about this industry! I have been local for 2.5 years now, hauling super sets through Salt lake city and driving 350 miles a day. Came off the road after 2.5 years before that to get that local job. Now that I have been non otr for those 2.5 years, somehow that means I can drive a truck anymore apparently so most the companies I have research want to start me at the no-experience wage.
5 years, 600,000 accident free and ticket free miles and I'm expected to take the same pay as a newbie(no disrespect meant). I meant have the freeways moved? Is I95 running Texas or something now? Is maine now south of florida? Give me a break, this job isn't rocket science! Pick the freight up up and deliver it ontime with no damage while remaining legal, while exuding professionalism. Did I miss something?

Rant done.

I'd research that Knight terminal in Atlanta a little more. I thought there had been complaints on that one,,,or maybe it was the ones in texas? Good luck Buddy

[bulkdriverlp]

were are in the same boat. i drove for swift 8 years ago, for 2 years safe. then 4 yrs propane bobtails, 2.5 years garbage truck. what just cause i drove a garbage truck i have no resposiblilities? the 30 tons of trash is irrelevant? no big deal. propane is childs play? they are telling me i have to go through 30 days with phase 1 trainer, then 35 days with phaze 2 trainer. ive heard werner is ok, they dont pay very much. covenant is hiring newbies and shipping them down to chattanooga where they have a school. i called 14 different companies and most of them said, they didnt hire in my area (northern michigan) or i didnt have recent experience. so i could get hired right out of school with a certificate or out of a seat of another otr truck job. im in the middle, stupid. so c.r. england hired me, but i have to go through this too long refresher program. i dont know what to tell ya. im struggling myself just like you are, good luck driver

[brotherphilip]

Well at least I know I'm not the only frustrated, experienced driver being treated like the plague. I've read good and bad about Werner. I really want to be pulling a tank long term but so far Oakley is the only one considering me.

[devildice]

Well at least I know I'm not the only frustrated, experienced driver being treated like the plague. I've read good and bad about Werner. I really want to be pulling a tank long term but so far Oakley is the only one considering me.

I do not have any personal experience with Oakley but for what it's worth, I have spoken with several of their drivers in the past and they all were happy.

[thbogle]

I know your frustration, I was out a year doing local work and when I went back otr most companies would not even look at me and the ones that would wanted me to go back through training. Out of the three or four you mentioned I would go with Oakley, I have no personal experience with them other than talking with drivers but they all say how much they love it. A lot of the oakley drivers I have talked with have been there for many years. 2nd on my list from talking with drivers would have to be trans am if their freight has came back up, most of there drivers I talked with seemed to like them with only a couple of complaints mainly miles.

A year or two with a ok company could get you back in the good light with the great companies. just my 3 cents

[Skywalker]

If you have a choice that is limited to a "bottomfeeding" box or reefer outfit, and have the additional ability to go with a company like Oakley (Food Grade Tankers out of Lake Wales, FL).....thats a simple "hands down no brainer decision!~! Call Oakley now!! I was talking to one of their drivers the other day....he's been with them for a number of years and he likes it. I live in SW FL....talked to them years ago, but I opted to do something else.... But I honestly can't say I've heard anything negative enough about them that would give me cause to tell someone to stay away from them.

If you can get on board with them.....DO IT!! In this "wonderful" economy that we presently have, FG tankers are going to move more than boxes and some reefers even.....food always sells even if it slows down some.....