Does anyone know of a good company that uses straight trucks? I recently graduated from a technical college with a certificate in Truck Driving, I have a Class A CDL but don't have any endorsements. The weather in Wisconsin is crappy and isn't conducive to a new Semi -Driver with no experience. Hell, I am even thinking of driving a septic truck. Anyone with ideas on what to do would be greatly appreciated.

 

try: Local dairy delivering milk, delivering furniture(furniture stores), Appliance stores that deliver, Lowes(around here they use straight trucks), local food service companies.

Look around at the straight trucks that you see making delivers in your area and get a name oof the door and contact the company. They may need drivers.

BE WARNED: IF IN THE FUTURE YOY DECIDE THAT YOU WANT TO DRIVE A TRACTOR-TRAILER, MOST COMPANIES WILL WANT TO RETRAIN YOU. THEY WILL NOT COUNT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN A STRAIGHT TRUCK!
BOL

 

There are some expedited companies that use straight trucks. Most of them like FedEx Custom Critical, Panther II, etc. are 100% O/O, but they have fleet owners that hire drivers. Most of the expedited companies require hazmat though.

 

Wisconsin in the winter is a good time to learn to drive a semi. You can have four seasons in one day! Seriously, you're not gonna be on your own for awhile anyway, take advantage of a trainer's experience. BOL

 

you might try over here and see if this is to your liking good luck.

http://www.expeditersonline.com/

 

Straight trucks are tricky too! they tend to be less stable than combination vehicles, a swerve will lay it over...

 

Thats what i do now. It really aint that bad of a job. If you like local work. Used to drive dumps sometimes i wish i was back in the dump truck when you have to drag out 250ft or more of 3in hose and dig 16in in the ground for the tank. But Monday am getting a trailer job doing all big holding tanks. 8)

 

I drive straight trucks about once a week, I hate the suckers. They are unstable and wobbly. I'm sure some of the nicer straight trucks like the petes and kenworths etc are nicer, but there are some really garbage straight trucks out there. I'd rather be in something heavy and solid in the winter.

To the original poster, if you want to drive tractor trailer at some point, no point like the present. Like others said, companies will not count your experience driving a straight truck as experience, so when applying you'll need to find a training company and start all over.

 

You might check with Tri-State Expedited. They are based in Toledo, OH and mostly run the northern states and Canada, as I recall. I don't know if they have any company drivers, but I am sure there are owner operators who can use a good driver.

 

I ran a 53fter leased to Tristate and wouldnt go back due to too much sitting around... Theres some local companies that do deliveries with straight trucks and even those that run US Mail in straight trucks, I think thats the ticket!