Going back OTR after running local for the last 8 months

[Ford390pwr]

Got an email from the Recruiter this morning saying that the drug test / hair sample came back clean, as we knew it would, and that I would be hearing from my DM soon. Talked to the DM a few moments later telling me that he was looking for a truck. They are expecting some more new ones in Phoenix soon, just not sure when. So now I need to sit and wait.......

I did receive the "orientation pay" direct deposited into my bank account, so at least I know they are on top of that!

[Ford390pwr]

Finally got a call from my DM @ 0830 Monday morning. "We will have a truck available in Lakeland between 1400 and 1500". So I was able to load all my gear that I unloaded when I was packing to fly to Phoenix. Arrived in Lakeland at 1430 and was given the keys to a 2011 Volvo with 18,450 miles. The pig that just moved it's gear out left it filthy. My DM sent me over to the local detail shop where I was able to get it cleaned pretty well.Spent the next few hours loading my gear, installing my XM, and getting things organized just right. He had already dispatched me on a load for 0700 Tuesday in Clearwater FL, about 60 miles away. So here I am at Good Humor Ice Cream getting loaded to go north to Indiana.All said, I am happy with Knight Refrigerated so far. Obviously I wasn't happy sitting at home for a week waiting for a truck, but I can understand the reason. Now I just need to learn all these new macro's and get accustomed to the EOBR.

[Ford390pwr]

Here is a pic of my new truck!

[Orangetxguy]

Here is a pic of my new truck!

HEY! LOOK!! They got a ramp there for doing the "Redneck" thing!!

Weeeeeee!!!

[scythe08]

The drivers that were bitching about having to find empty trailers were spot on! That was one of my major gripes when I was with knight(2 years). I hated drop and hooks because I never would have a trailer at the drop and then would have to spend 3 unpaid hours looking for one or the DM would route me to one and then 4 other trucks would show up, each claiming it was his.. I was very lucky my final year with as I had a dedicated run but the first year was hell! I hope the refrigerated treats you well!

[poorboy126]

Well Ford390pwr how has the first 2 weeks gone? Getting miles? What about finding empties?

[Ford390pwr]

Well Ford390pwr how has the first 2 weeks gone? Getting miles? What about finding empties?

I am loving it! Had to make some real short runs during Irene, but still got ok miles. Again, I am on the Refrigerated side, and have not had any problems getting a trailer. Matter of fact, I have only had 3 trailers in two weeks. That being said, I am getting a lot of detention pay on these live loads. I am finding that I need to be on top of the things that I am getting paid for. So far they have not put the detention on my check, but when I tell them about it they have been able to figure it out.

I am loving this truck. It sure is nice to be running equipment that isn't falling apart! I have spent some time waiting for a load, but not too terrible. Most of the appointments are late at night or early in the morning, with a few runs that pick up, need to run all night, and deliver in the morning. That seems to be pretty common for refers since the grocery DC's receive early.

My DM is finally getting me away from the East Coast! After all the short 300-400 mile trips, I am going on a 2083 mile trip in the morning. That is my reward for putting up with all the crap during Irene. Had a really fun time delivering to a Food Lion store in Easton MD at 1800 on Saturday, right in the middle of the storm. That Bay Bridge was really scary with the high winds, and pounding rain. They had a weight restriction saying you had to be over 64,000 lbs. Of course I was not that heavy, and Food Lion got an exemption to get the trailer into Easton. When I went back over the bridge again on Sunday at 1800, it was a gorgeous ride.

So here is a break down of my last 2 weeks:
Week 1 was 08/15/11-08/22/11, and I ran a total of 2,749 paid miles.
Week 2 was 08/23/11-08/30/11, and I ran a total of 2,661 paid miles.

Again I have sat at a lot of shippers and receivers where I have gotten detention, and this has all been short trips on the East Coast.

So, to answer your question, I have had a very good first 2 weeks. I love being back out on the road, and I am very happy with my decision to drive for Knight Refrigerated!

[freebirdrfd]

Hopefully things stay good for you at knight

[ClayGuy]

You would think companies would put their best foot forward during orientation, bad sign when trainers don't show up on time... 3 tries for a hair test is crazy, probably left you as bald as, well, me are all companies doing hair now, is this a new dot policy? long wait for a truck, but very nice ride! Glad the first 2 weeks have gone well, hope they keep it up and you enjoy your work with them.

[poorboy126]

Good to hear things are working out ford390pwr, I hope it stays that way and keep us updated. Be safe driver.

[silvan]

That Bay Bridge was really scary with the high winds, and pounding rain.

Wow, I'm going to have nightmares thinking about that one. I HATE that bridge on a clear, sunny day.

It's nice reading about somebody having a basically positive experience for once. It sounds like you're doing OK for yourself.

[blacksmithjr]

Please call W H Smith LLC in Atlanta GA. Have three trucks and need one driver. Pay is .30 per mile and deadhead pay after 70 miles per trip.

Must have clean record, no drugs or alcohol use.

Email blacksmithjr@yahoo.com. Phone 678 464-8804.

[Ford390pwr]

Things are going really well with Knight Refrigerated! My DM does a decent job of keeping me moving, and home time has been about every 3 weeks. Been out 3 weeks as of yesterday and getting close to WA State where I asked to get a few days to see my kids. Miles are decent, and the equipment is awesome! The EOBR is not as bad as I thought it would be, even though it has changed my duty status willie nillie a couple of times.
I have figured out to stay away from the "Terminals" unless absolutely necessary. They are basically a parking lot with a shop, small drivers lounge and usually 1-2 showers.

All in all I am still very happy here.