Truck Driving Jobs

Azrunner · #1 02-07-2008, 02:19 AM

I find myself asking...WHY..did I pay over $5000 to learn how to pull a 53' trailer? WHY..did I think the work was going to be good? WHY.. did I think there was a shortage of drivers? WHY... is it so hard to find a local job? Why... do most trucking companies lie about everything? Why... must I be forced dispatched? WHY... am I unemployed?

All I want is to drive but be safe at the same time...too much to ask for?

Thanks for reading..I had to vent

Bumper · #2 02-07-2008, 02:28 AM

The vast majority of local jobs here in Lost Angeles area want you to pull doubles and I have zero desire to have a Wiggle Wagon behind me just a waiting to go into the ditch.....seen enough of O.D.'s and Fedex's there to know it is going to happen sooner or later.

Conway, SAIA they want doubles and triples too.

No thanks.

BHG0069 · #3 02-07-2008, 03:01 AM

You just about have to work for a "trainer" company for a minimum of one year to get a good job. Now there are exceptions, but this is the general "rule".

Bumper · #4 02-07-2008, 03:03 AM

Talked to them today, nothing open.

I have a call into Da Boers recruiting office...they have a intermodal run from Fontana to L.A. route.

BHG0069 · #5 02-07-2008, 03:04 AM

BTW just about every single company you will work for is forced dispatched. The only way around that is to become an O/O or I/C.

ChikinTrucka · #6 02-07-2008, 03:09 AM

Plentie o' jobs in the Northeast, maybe you should move?
I pulled wiggle wagons for about a year, was my first real over-the-road job too. It wasn't bad at all, if it wasn't a team operation, I'd still be doing it. I think two 28' trailers are easier to get around with than one 53' trailer! Just take your time and pay attention. I've seen a lot of 53' trailer in the ditch too. It's not the truck, it's the driver. The other nice thing about doubles, it's all drop and hook, no waiting for a load/unload!

Quote:

The vast majority of local jobs here in Lost Angeles area want you to pull doubles and I have zero desire to have a Wiggle Wagon behind me just a waiting to go into the ditch.....seen enough of O.D.'s and Fedex's there to know it is going to happen sooner or later.

Bumper · #7 02-07-2008, 03:11 AM

Im kinda stuck in Southern California for a little while yet.....I might escape to Arizona next year though.

all18wheels · #8 02-07-2008, 11:45 PM

i found out the same way. its tough out there. i looked high and low for a local job. finally got a call from ABF frieght as a city driver.
ended up working on the dock for 3 weeks and then they let me go for no reason given. when i tried to get another job @ WS and conway truckload. they told me i have been out of school more than 45 days and had no driving experience @ ABF so i am not eligible to work for them.

I am so screwed now. sorry to step on your thread. but i feel your pain.

gmh · #9 02-08-2008, 12:03 AM

Call Crete. I just hired today (going with trainer tomorrow). There was another guy in the terminal who went out with a Schaeffer trainer today.

Maybe they aren't hiring, but it's worth a call.

ChikinTrucka · #10 02-08-2008, 12:07 AM

I can't believe it's like that out west. In New England I hear about companies that are always looking for drivers. My last two jobs the boss told me it was almost impossible to find good drivers. Lots of 'steering wheel holders' but no 'truck drivers'. If you know how to drive a truck, I could probably find 4 or 5 places that would hire you. Might be the bottom of the barrel jobs, but they'd get you the needed experience.
Rock on.