[freebird]

Originally Posted by Retired in Nevada

I will have to go with a training company such as one of these three because I do not have the money to pay for a school on my own.

Just wondering, do you have the $$$ to live on and pay the bills at home while you are getting started?
The first paycheck and getting the cash flow started are going to be slow in coming.
When I was training this was quite often a problem with my students.

[zipy46]

Driven both...(dry and reefer)...currently reefer.

In spite of the phenomenal wait time at shippers and receivers

associated with Reefer,

the pay checks are far larger at the end of the week because

food is critical and the miles are consistent...people need food..simple

The miles are there...i had zero luck dry van (Millis)...but then that's
just the way it played out for me.

Current miles are about 360-480 a day avg...works out well as the week

unfolds.

Also we run legal where i work now...so all is good...sleep well at night :wink:

[Retired in Nevada]

Originally Posted by freebird

Just wondering, do you have the $$$ to live on and pay the bills at home while you are getting started?
The first paycheck and getting the cash flow started are going to be slow in coming.
When I was training this was quite often a problem with my students.

Yes, I do. My home and car are completely paid for, so my bills are very reasonable. Just do not have the $4,000 or so to pay for my own schooling.

[SlingBlade07]

Originally Posted by zipy46

Driven both...(dry and reefer)...currently reefer.

In spite of the phenomenal wait time at shippers and receivers

associated with Reefer,

the pay checks are far larger at the end of the week because

food is critical and the miles are consistent...people need food..simple

The miles are there...i had zero luck dry van (Millis)...but then that's
just the way it played out for me.

Current miles are about 360-480 a day avg...works out well as the week

unfolds.

Also we run legal where i work now...so all is good...sleep well at night :wink:

Zippy tried to pm you but cant dont have enough posts. What was your issue with millis, reason I ask is thats one of the companys I am leaning towards to start out.

[zipy46]

Originally Posted by SlingBlade07

Zippy tried to pm you but cant dont have enough posts. What was your issue with millis, reason I ask is thats one of the companys I am leaning towards to start out.

Constantly having to 'adjust' the logbooks in order to chase down what little freight would come my way...

Rarely ever made more than about 1800 to 2000 miles a week.


...but i can only speak for me.

There were alot of drivers who did well there and they have very nice trucks and good maintenance

To sum up.....in this industry it all boils down you and your dispatcher regardless of the name on the side of the rig.

[Fredog]

Originally Posted by Retired in Nevada

I am looking at getting into the trucking industry as a second career. I have narrowed my choices down to Watkins-Shepard, Central Refrigerated, and Swift, as all have driver training schools. I will have to go with a training company such as one of these three because I do not have the money to pay for a school on my own.

I will appreciate any input regarding driving reefers vs. driving dry vans, and any input on these three companies.

I live in Pahrump, NV, which is about 70 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Does any of these companies have lanes through this area and/or dedicated runs near Pahrump so that I can get home a little more often? If not, any other training companies that have frequent runs through this area?

I have been reading the forums here at CAD for a few years. I know that there are several past threads on these companies and reefers vs. vans. I am seeking any new, fresh input on these topics.

TIA.

you cant drive either one, you have to pull them behind a tractor :lol: :lol:

[Useless]

My Recommendation??

You can make BIG money, and I do mean MUCHO DINERO, hauling REEFERS around the country....... as long as you don't get caught!!

[Windwalker]

Originally Posted by Retired in Nevada

I am looking at getting into the trucking industry as a second career. I have narrowed my choices down to Watkins-Shepard, Central Refrigerated, and Swift, as all have driver training schools. I will have to go with a training company such as one of these three because I do not have the money to pay for a school on my own.

I got to watch a trainer try to have his trainee try to park the rig in a Flying J last night. I once had a safety director that said there was no reason for ANY driver to BLINDSIDE a truck, EVER. And, he was talking about seasoned drivers. There have been places where I have had no choice, but they have been few and far between. But, this guy was going to have his trainee put it into a space BLINDSIDE.... Until half a dozen guys got out of their trucks. For a few minutes, I thought there was going to be a fist-fight. But then, the trainer had the trainee go down to the end of the row and turn around. Sighted-side, he pulled ahead about five or six times, but blindside, he was fixing to take off a few fenders, including his own. That was C. R. England.

You might try Roehl our of Marshfield, WI. I know they have a terminal in Ontario, CA (or somewhere really close to there) and regular runs through Vegas. They do not have reefers, just flatbed, dryvan, and curtain-side. I have heard some poor word about them lately, but I believe they still rank above the ones you mentioned.

[Retired in Nevada]

Originally Posted by Windwalker

I got to watch a trainer try to have his trainee try to park the rig in a Flying J last night. I once had a safety director that said there was no reason for ANY driver to BLINDSIDE a truck, EVER. And, he was talking about seasoned drivers. There have been places where I have had no choice, but they have been few and far between. But, this guy was going to have his trainee put it into a space BLINDSIDE.... Until half a dozen guys got out of their trucks. For a few minutes, I thought there was going to be a fist-fight. But then, the trainer had the trainee go down to the end of the row and turn around. Sighted-side, he pulled ahead about five or six times, but blindside, he was fixing to take off a few fenders, including his own. That was C. R. England.

You might try Roehl our of Marshfield, WI. I know they have a terminal in Ontario, CA (or somewhere really close to there) and regular runs through Vegas. They do not have reefers, just flatbed, dryvan, and curtain-side. I have heard some poor word about them lately, but I believe they still rank above the ones you mentioned.

Thanks for your suggestion. I just perused Roehl's Web site. It's pretty lame. There is no mention of where their terminals are, what their regional runs are, etc.

Nevertheless, I will call them and speak with one of their recruiters tomorrow.

You also said, "I have heard some poor word about them lately, but I believe they still rank above the ones you mentioned." Please tell me, what negative have you heard about Watkins-Shepard lately?

[Windwalker]

Between, Watkins-Shepard, Central Refrigerated, and Swift, I've heard a whole lot of bad about (not so)Swift. Central Refrigerated doesn't seem to be as bad as England. And, I can't say I've really heard a lot about Watkins-Shepard. I just thought I'd try to give you another choice besides Swift. For quite some time, Roehl seemed to be one of the most liberal companies out here. However, with the companies that have parked their equipment and freed up how many drivers, Roehl may not have as many empty trucks, and things may have changed. I really don't know.