A serious "passion"
 

"TO OWNER OPERATORS" I need help, I curently have a class A permit I need some one to show me the ropes about driving backing etc so i could take pretrip and road test at NC dmv i will pay for personal training if serious and you want to help me get started in a career i always had a passion for thank you.
My name is Mike, please call me at 252-281-5821 or 252-360-6277 or you could leave me your number as well also my email is [email protected]

I understand going to school is a better resource lots of companies out there are in need of good quality drivers and i think having my class a's will also put my foot in the door with companies that will continue to help better my driving skills.

I have a feeling i will catch a lot of crap for this post, but here it goes. You have the money to pay an O/O to train you, so your best bet is to run down to the closest truck stop, and ask around. Maybe go to the restauant, and belly up to the counter.

2nd thing is to go to a company that will train you then put you to work. If you dont bomb out of the school, and you still have a pulse, they will get you into a mentor's truck for 6 weeks, then you are solo.
(i went to swift school for 3 weeks, and currently am in the middle of my 6 weeks with a mentor)

But if you have a passion to drive, do what you need to do, even if that means getting a job at a truck stop at the fuel desk and ask around that way. I got good experience working at one for a month before i ran off to school.

Ah...gotta love it...

What Kevin DIDN'T say was that a new driver with a Class A and no experience is just about unemployable without going through a driving school. Going around, finding an O/O who you'll pay to train you would not only waste your time, but your money.

Maybe Kevin should read up on this stuff before spending other people's money.....

well, i atleast did my homework to know i'd be better off going thru the school of a company than it would to go to a community college, now didn't i. I was able to get a driving job with the very same company I went to school with. I wasnt guarenteed a job, even after all the hoops i had to jump thru.

It is very difficult for an owner operator to put an inexperienced driver in his truck due to insurance. Most insurance companies will not insure a driver without at least 2 years experience. That is one reason you will mostly find inexperienced drivers working for major carriers. Many of them self insure up to a certain point.

Thank you
 

I am one of those new bees who is getting into the trucking business and I am really glad for this post. You really have opened my eyes to a lot of the #$%$##$# that's going on and I wanted to stop in and say thank you I am also one of those ex-felons and now have almost 4years clean and sober and want to make this my life not only for the money but so my kids can have something nice to say about there dear old dad who gave them all the stuff that they needed and all that stuff. So once again thank you for that post I hope to read more:lol:from you in the future And last but not least if anyone know of anyone who will hire a recent grad from California with a 5 year felony write me back or e-mail me at [email protected] Thank you

I hope they called you
 

I went to a truck driving school and all i am driving right now is my laptop trying to find a job so that doesn't always work but if you can they have programs that will help you go through the school and all that. That's what i did if you want more info on this e-mail me at [email protected] worked for me in California maybe it will be the same out there

Information wanted
 

With the fountains of knowledge that are available could someone please let me know the protocol for obtaining a OTR job from Australia/NZ. :bow:
I have 20yrs experience and have done freezer/dry vans, oversize loads on lowbeds, auto carrying etc. I would like to see some more of the world and trucks are always a good way to do it.
If anyone is able to help me out I would appreciate any info - please send it through to [email protected].

Thank you in advance for your assistance.:clap:

This is one of the best posts I have read so far on here! I really think you need to take everything you hear with a grain of salt. With any company, or career, for that matter, you need to pay your dues and prove yourself. I totally agree that, at first, you will not make the big bucks and it will definitely take time to adjust to being on the road. This first year or so of driving will be the making or breaking point, I think. If truck driving is not in your blood, you will know, and leave the business. If it is, then you just keep on truckin' and eventually, reap your rewards. :clap:

yep, thats good information ,u got there roadhog, i wish i would have got this info when i started i would have known what to look for and what to expect ,because there is no certainty that u r going to get a good dm and they are going to supply u with all the info u need to perform efficiently,alot of it has to come from you and your knowlege of the job u r doing,now i'm unemployed and trying to get my dac clear because of lack of info and a company covering there on while i had mine exposed.

Thanx
 

This is helpful information, the reason being is that I recently graduated from a driving school and for the last 3 months I've been looking for a job to no avail.
By reading the bulletin I learned a little bit more of what to expect from companies and waht not.
Thanks again man

The best post
 

You can read an d you can learn from this post. I am very impress.

the driver and the employer, basic job hunting skills
 

very good post, this information should be used for all job's that you apply for.

It is actually applicable to any job.Many employer opens up an opportunity of work but it will also depend on the applicant.There are basic like mention of resume,experience or work history and expertise of skills.A person must have these qualities to be hire as an employee or driver.

I like the way you characterized them as good drivers should be hired.Drivers somehow handle the life of his passenger along the road while driving.They should be responsible,well trained and completely good drivers.

:banghead: Is it that hard to earn a living if you are a team player? Everyone makes it seem near impossible to make a living driving a truck.:banghead:

Thanks Roadhog, I'm leaving 28 years in the financial services to try this, much of what you said is common sence to me BUT when it comes to the Trucking Industry stuff I'm getting bombarded. I'll suck it up and try it for a year. Oh by the way, I know many people said I was crazy but to stay in the financial industry was insane - bit of a culture shock and probably half the income... but what the hell, ya only live once.

Thanks for a very informative post and thread...
 

I'm starting school next week and getting pre-hire interviews right now. I'm so glad I found this post.
It really makes me feel better prepared for the days ahead!

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I agree with these important points.It is the responsibility of every truck driver to follow these points.
Thanks

All the better paying companys Wal-mart, Walgreens, Roadway, Frito Lay, Etc, Etc. Will only hire you with a good driving record and job history. Protect your cdl, dont job jump and get some experience then apply for one these better paying companys. Or continue to work for low wages it's your choice. The future of the Trucking industry will be so strict that only the best will have a job worth a damm. The rest will continue to work for low wages because that's the only job they can get.

Why does a truck driving school have such an impact to employers? I have been driving all different kinds of straight trucks (class b) for about 17 yrs, but none of that is acceptable as driving history. I had a class a learning permit for about 11 months, drove with an independent company took my test with DOT and passed with no problem. Im not claiming to be some fabulous driver but I do and have done well in the past. What knowledge do you get in the schools that you don't get on the road?

1 year contract no good
 

If you sign a 1 year contract to work for a company ask yourself? why should they care if i make a good paycheck this week? They know you cant go anywhere else for 1 year so who cares if you get the miles this week. Which is ok for a single person with no bills, but a married person with a family needs a steady paycheck. If you pay for your school then after you get a job they know you can leave at any time. You will get more miles, and more pay this way. Also make sure you do your research on whatever school you choose. Go down to the school, and see what type of equiptment they have. Ask for there certifications, how many hours behind the wheel, in the classroom etc etc. I did a lot of research on the schools before i posted a link to them on my blog. google me and you can get more information on this topic, and not just me there is plenty of sites out there like this forum.


"Do your Research ask questions" This is your future so it's important to take your time. The best advice any veteran truck driver can give is "Slow Down take your time"

You get Book knowledge .... one on one time with an instrutor under the hood of a semi and under the belly of the trailer .... and most important is ... you'll get the approval of the Instrutor and he will related that information to the office of the school, which will go into your files while in school. So once you have completed your time in school the school will be able to prove to the Trucking companys and their Insurance company that you went to school and passed with good grades. ..... Yes you will get more training On the road than seating in class for weeks .... but the Insurance companys have their reasons for making the Trucking companys ONLY hire new drivers that have gone through school. Good luck.

As a new driver and new to this industry can anybody tell me about watkins shepard??? This is the company i would like to start with...

Hello. I guess I am considered less than a tenderfoot to all of the long time truckers here BUT even though that may be so I want all to know I WANT to learn and do more. I have my CDL-A permit only. I cant afford driving school. My Dad was a lifetime company driver but he cant help me due to his medical conditions. I am in my mid 40s and single. I need a career change and am tired of manufacturing etc. I DO realize trucking is one of the hardest most demanding jobs out there but I want to do this.
If anyone knows of either an independent owner operator or a company that would hire me so I can get my miles in and take the test ready to pass I would be forever grateful.

I know its a long shot to ask but I promise you I will not let anyone down. I have been a hard worker all my adult life but am now caught in a place where I need help. My email is [email protected] or I can check this board.
Any guidance anyone could offer in good faith I would be appreciative.
Thanks
Jim

Where did you go to school? And can they help with financing as I am without a job right now and no money for school.
Thanks

Contender you have two real options. One is driving school paid for by a company. Star out of morton, il is an Excellent company. There IS another and it is ROUGH. 98% of the drivers on this board couldnt handle it.. most of them will admit it. Bedbugging.
Go to the local moving companies that have semis (allied etc) and hire on as a lumper letting them know your goal. Better if you get your class b at least first. This is ROUGH work... im 47 and it kicked my ass .. but i outworked everyone around me. Eventually you'll get the opportunity to go out with drivers and you should be able to get some practice in the yard there. Eventually you'll get your cdl and a driver will take you out as a trainee for a month. This will be ROUGH but mostly you'll be carrying furniture. YOU WILL NEVER BE TIRED... bedbuggers dont actually drive much. Then they'll send you out for a road test with a driver. You will be much less qualified now than a guy who's been to school. Now heres the kicker: Youre going to do some terrifying stuff. And i'd hire a bedbugger with a years experience WAY before i'd hire an otr driver with 20 years experience. You'll learn to put that truck in some INSANE places. You'll also get incredibly fit if you arent a lazy scumbag. If you arent an OO you can also stay at a hotel every night. or be paid pocket change to sleep in the truck with your helper. It's a good line of work and if the people running the company i bedbugged for werent scumbags id still be doing it.

What is a good trucking company to start with in down state New York? I will have my CDL A in about a month. My goal is to become an auto hauler.

Awesome post RoadHog
Job well done driver!

That was an awesome post!

If you start out by what are you going to make....the good recruiter is already sizing you up with a jaundice eye, but will hold off seeing how you play out.

I totally agree. The recruiters will get a driver anytime if he is ready to pay more than 40cpm. And most drivers feel that this is better, although this might not always be true. The other job might be an easier one.
If you are unemployed, they know you will accept anything, and do anything.

Totally agree with this one, too.
Good post, man!

Thanks!
...it's great to hear, and this is a great place for drivers!
Welcome! :)

Just because jobs are so plentiful, it is no excuse to get sloppy, show no respect, and job hop. Job hopping in itself is a huge mistake, if you care about advancing to a better opportunity, and make Trucking a career for yourself. There are numerous problems and a huge waste of money on both party's involved. We can discuss all the problems as this thread evolves...if need be.
But for now, I want to point out the basics of this relationship between Driver and Employers.

We are hiring
 

Transport Firm is hiring you can apply online here Careers

Hi Roadhog

Really its valuable post and I would like to update you all freshers and experienced truckers if you are searching a better job in USA Best transportation's and logistics companies then we are happy to help you

Thanks

Nice explanation

Great post! Reminds me of a great article I read online about what trucking companies look for when they hire a driver and what you can do to better your chances of getting hired here.

by the way .. very correct position

Great Goin Guys, Nice Discussion in this forum

And One Important announcement below :

United States Best Transportation and Logistics Hiring Truck Drivers

If you are looking for job in united states top trucking companies with good package then we are here to help you

Great, thanks for your opinion Roadhog!

Thank you, and welcome to CAD.



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