[Mike Hunt]

Originally Posted by mike3fan

How's the burger flipping going?

How's Xmas spent in the truckstop going? :lol:

[jonp]

Originally Posted by Mike Hunt

3.5 hours waiting for a load at the truckstop.
2 hours stuck in traffic.
1 hour to drop and hook.
20 minutes helping the Pumpkin guy back in.

So that's about 7 hours of unpaid work you put in. Bet you toplined all that time too. Most people work 8 hours and get paid for 8 hours. And then go home.

Now you know why these trucking companies can't find drivers.

Course I did. Never been to a customer yet that took more than 15 min to load or drop and hook. And you right, lots of free work for no pay.

[jonp]

Originally Posted by BHG0069

you have 16 yrs XP and went to work for JB Hunt?!?!?!?

Why????

Did you expect something different???

Why? I think I mentioned that. I couldnt find a local job. This was the closest SouthEast Regional job that I could find. I put my time in on OTR and wanted a break from it. I was working out of New England for the last 12 years and got sick of the traffic and the snow so headed south. Of course, it was at the time of an economic downswing so I'm stuck with what I could find. When It turns around you can be sure that I'll be trying for a local job.

[jonp]

Originally Posted by Budman

My as well come home! I have 14yrs of experience and i feel you on the NO JOBS!. I am getting laid off from a very good local job i been with for 7yrs. I have applications in for local jobs, and nobody is hiring. It may possibly pick up in the new year, or when freight picks up in the spring. I won't take OTR work. I paid my dues with that bullshit, and will dig ditches by the hour before i waste my life away OTR!

I hear ya. Can't get a job if no-one is hiring no matter how much experience you have.

[Phreddo]

Originally Posted by Mike Hunt

How's Xmas spent in the truckstop going? :lol:

I had to work on christmas day. Mail doesn't stop for no one. On my way home, I hit an oasis in IL, and both McDonald's and Starbuck's were open. So the burger flippers work christmas too. Personally, i was very appreciative.

Anyhow, if you drive for a living, you're going to have to make compromises. Doesn't hurt that my company has 10 paid holidays that pay out 8 hours each.

I'd rather work a straight schedule and work christmas than have to work months of irregular garbage only to get 2 days off for christmas. :/

[Orangetxguy]

Originally Posted by jonp

I hear ya. Can't get a job if no-one is hiring no matter how much experience you have.

Jon..don't know where you are located, but last week while running southbound on I-81, I listened to a driver who works for a big mail contractor out of Charlotte, who was yakking with an OD driver, whom he was running south with. The mail contractor is hiring drivers, and requires more than 7 years experience apparently. You should check out the Charroltte based mail contractors! I didn't ever catch up with them...and didn't hear the name of the contractor. White Mack Visions is what they drive, is all I can tell you.

[dieselpower]

I drive for a mail contractor and this company only requires 2 years t/t experience. At night the traffic is so slow that most of the time I am running along by myself. Last night I was the only truck for about 10 miles or so. My heart goes out to you guys that are running freight because I know it is slow right now. I also work christmas and we get 10 days of holiday pay. My mail run has been busy even in this economy I have at least 3/4 to a full trailer of mail every night. I have had at least 2 guys come up to me and ask me if we are hiring and I tell them that I don't know I just give them dispatch number and tell them to call and ask. One guy runs contaniers and he said he is sick of this slow time and the other guy drives OTR and he said he is looking for something steady. I hope the best for everyone that drives a truck for a living.

[disgruntled]

I'm just wondering, since you have flatbed experience, why don't you go work for a flatbed company, like Maverick, Boyd or TMC. They'll have you home almost every weekend and the pay's a lot better. Around 40-41 cpm vs 34.

[Cyanide]

Have you ever considered chemical tankers? We have three yards in NC with Superior Carriers. Granted, I don't know if any of them are hiring or not, but it would be worth a call if you wanna make decent money being paid for everything and, being home frequently as well...

Wilmington 800-333-3022

High Point 877-825-5238

Charlotte 800-637-3249

:thumbsup:

[Phreddo]

The one problem I'm starting to have pulling mail is that it's a little -too- steady.
I'm going a bit stir crazy going to detroit twice a week.
Bleah.

I personally miss tanker, but I saw an awful lot of hassle in that industry to make me think real hard about getting back in. Ever spent 10 hours in your cab under the rack while they mixed the chemicals in your tank? I had to hide, cuz if they saw me they would have made me get out and spend that time in the break room. Couldn't even drop the trailer, had to stay hooked. What the hell?