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With 35 years driving I love some of what has been said in all these posts. Personally, for me, what has worked and continues to work is respect. Nah, not that the company respects me, or the next guy over. That I RESPECT me. I get up and put my boots on and come to work to do a job, I give that job everything I have, no hold-backs or excuses. End of the day I wash up, look at the person looking back at me and feel good that today I did my job. Along the way I look behind me and understand that it's ME covering that butt back there, my responsibility,no-one else's.
Maybe I'm nuts but the key for me is I LOVE the job. More than once, ( most all the time) I can't believe that someone pays me to do this. Sure there are up's and down's, welcome to life. Last I saw or heard though, nobody is forcing anyone to do anything. If it ain't right in your mind, change it. If that means leaving to go elsewhere, by all means do it. That thought of "the way it used to be" is so gone. I look at my check at the end of the week, if it looks right for what I did, guess what, I'm loyal to you for another week. If not, guess what? I'll be looking to get my fix ( driving) with someone else. Want to be successful in trucking? If you're a newbe, ( or not) keep the left door shut,keep your eyes open, recognize that new thing you'll learn every day. Understand that ALL companies ( as they should) operate on a bottom line, you should too. If you don't know, ASK, if you know and someone asks you, help them out and share what you know. Open your eyes when you get up and realize this is YOUR day, you control if it's going to be a good one or not, no-one else does. Be safe, and have fun. Life, it is suppose to be fun. |
great post and very true. sometimes we all fall into it is someone else's fault and not my own. Sometimes you just have to sit back take a hard look at yourself and give yourself a swift kick in the pants to get back on track
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While I didn't read all the previous posts...the best advice that I can give any Newby is: Don't believe a single thing you hear, believe only half of what you see with your own eyes...and you'll be halfway ok. Always remember....anyone who claims he called the US Marshall and they came and busted a whole warehouse full of ya-hoos is a liar.... The Marshall has better things to do than listen to you whine and complain.
Beyond that, understand this.... Being a Professional Driver is not necessarily an easy job.... Some take to it like a duck to water, while others struggle to make it, and many fail....and many do so in the first year or even 6 months. There is far more to it than wrapping a few fingers around a steering wheel and stomping on a fuel pedal.... |
Originally Posted by Skywalker
(Post 492228)
While I didn't read all the previous posts...the best advice that I can give any Newby is: Don't believe a single thing you hear, believe only half of what you see with your own eyes...and you'll be halfway ok. Always remember....anyone who claims he called the US Marshall and they came and busted a whole warehouse full of ya-hoos is a liar.... The Marshall has better things to do than listen to you whine and complain.
Beyond that, understand this.... Being a Professional Driver is not necessarily an easy job.... Some take to it like a duck to water, while others struggle to make it, and many fail....and many do so in the first year or even 6 months. There is far more to it than wrapping a few fingers around a steering wheel and stomping on a fuel pedal.... |
Nothing worth having comes easy.
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After reading this post I must chime in here. I dont know if I agree with everything said here for newbies or as in my case, a driver who got out for 13 years and decided to get back in(due to economic reasons). I have had 4 jobs in the last 10 months! The first one was a seasonal job and part time but it got me back in to trucking. The second job was a good one and I personally screwed it up by complaining about a warehouse wroker at Publix in Jacksonville (lazy ass checker) and it would up getting me fired from my job. The company did not even ask me my side opf the story they just said clear out your truck.
The third job was for an owner operator type with 3 tractors, I should have known better, but I trusted him and he royally screwed me with not paying for dead head miles (never mentioned that on interview) and also had to run with a broken trailer and load 3 more loads on it! My air ride suspension was damaged when both shocks broke and one of them punctured an air bag and was leaking when pressurised. Dispatch told me to keep on trucken even though I was worried about getting caught at a scale and shut down, they did not care. I quit that job as soon as I got back in to terminal. My 4 th job I was told ny the owner that they paid .36 cents per mile loaded and empty. My first check was .34 loaded and .22 empty. Totally ripping me off and he stated that he never had that discussion with me, a total lie. So I quit that job, I was not going to run for nothing. Finally, job #5! Maybe the magic charm, its with a national comapny with a good reputation and I start tomorrow running OTR regional. Pay was ok not the greatest but they said they have dedicated lanes and lots of miles. After speaking with some of there own drivers, they all saiad good things about the company. I guess my whole point is that sometimes its not "YOU" the driver, it really is the "COMPANY" thats bad. yes you should do your homework, but when you are desperate for a job and have bills to pay these things sometimes can not be done. I was not about to give up, I am old school and actually enjoy driving trucks OTR, I dont mind being out there making a living. I do like to be home on weekends and my new job can accommodate that so its a perfect match, I also have the option of staying out longer if I wish more miles. My advice for any drivers who are worried if they had more than a few jobs in a year, just explain why you left each job, most companies will understand, if they don't then they are not worth working for. No one should be pushed around in this industry and you should not be afraid to speak your mind or quit a bad job. I did, and I finally got the job I have been searching for. Instigator!~ |
Thank you for this very informative post, Steelhauler. It is something that you half to grasp with time, and hard work... I'll do my best to listen, and learn while I'm with my company.
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Learning how to make money driving a truck is more then just taking a load, and driving. Attitude is one key factor yes but also you need to learn the bussiness side of trucking. Know which lanes to run. If you get a load to southern florida in january, and you haul a dry van you will sit waiting on a load. It's better to go to Chicargo in january with a dry van. Also Dry van for a big company is the lowest salary in the industry. Try flatbed, tanker, local grocery delivery all of those pay better. There is so many things you can do to earn another $10,000 a year then you are already earning. If the company has load planners then dont work for them because the dispatcher has no say in the loads you get.
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Originally Posted by Instigator
(Post 498781)
After reading this post I must chime in here. I dont know if I agree with everything said here for newbies or as in my case, a driver who got out for 13 years and decided to get back in(due to economic reasons). I have had 4 jobs in the last 10 months! The first one was a seasonal job and part time but it got me back in to trucking. The second job was a good one and I personally screwed it up by complaining about a warehouse wroker at Publix in Jacksonville (lazy ass checker) and it would up getting me fired from my job. The company did not even ask me my side opf the story they just said clear out your truck.
The third job was for an owner operator type with 3 tractors, I should have known better, but I trusted him and he royally screwed me with not paying for dead head miles (never mentioned that on interview) and also had to run with a broken trailer and load 3 more loads on it! My air ride suspension was damaged when both shocks broke and one of them punctured an air bag and was leaking when pressurised. Dispatch told me to keep on trucken even though I was worried about getting caught at a scale and shut down, they did not care. I quit that job as soon as I got back in to terminal. My 4 th job I was told ny the owner that they paid .36 cents per mile loaded and empty. My first check was .34 loaded and .22 empty. Totally ripping me off and he stated that he never had that discussion with me, a total lie. So I quit that job, I was not going to run for nothing. Finally, job #5! Maybe the magic charm, its with a national comapny with a good reputation and I start tomorrow running OTR regional. Pay was ok not the greatest but they said they have dedicated lanes and lots of miles. After speaking with some of there own drivers, they all saiad good things about the company. I guess my whole point is that sometimes its not "YOU" the driver, it really is the "COMPANY" thats bad. yes you should do your homework, but when you are desperate for a job and have bills to pay these things sometimes can not be done. I was not about to give up, I am old school and actually enjoy driving trucks OTR, I dont mind being out there making a living. I do like to be home on weekends and my new job can accommodate that so its a perfect match, I also have the option of staying out longer if I wish more miles. My advice for any drivers who are worried if they had more than a few jobs in a year, just explain why you left each job, most companies will understand, if they don't then they are not worth working for. No one should be pushed around in this industry and you should not be afraid to speak your mind or quit a bad job. I did, and I finally got the job I have been searching for. Instigator!~ |
What exactly am I dreaming about mate ? I have had many jobs but I found one that I am sticking too. Drive safe brother.
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Mitchno1 and op and those of you sucking that bs up... Trucking companies just looooove using you subservient authoritarians up. They sit you on the side of the road for 2 days, pay you 80% of the miles you run, put you in junk trucks, push you to drive illegal then punish you for it.. "forget " to get yo uhome or.. give you a swingby for half a day.. and you just suck it up. And then you get on the cb complaining how the gubmint or obama or god knows who is screwing you over. Real truckers dont and never have put up with that.
I've run all over and everything from dry van to bedbugging (which i actually like except for the hometime). I work for >MONEY<. I'm noones b*tch. I work HARD. Im on time. My logbooks are always legal. My truck is always legal and if somehow it aint or my dispatcher needs me to finish a run a hair shady ill get it done. In return i expect and Demand to be treated with respect. I demand my pay, all of it. Most of all i demand my hometime. Ive never had a problem with a dispatcher except one who Was NOT my dispatcher and called to complain i hadnt finished a 400 mile run they had dispatched me on 30 minutes earlier (yes i'm serious). So go on. Be servile. Listen to the idiot op. Suck it up.. make 700 a week living in a vibrating box getting fat and losing your friends and family. I deserve more than that. You all do too but a few of ya dont know it. And to ANY idiot who says "omg dont jobhop ever u should never quit if they treat yo ulike crap"... the day a hardworking class a driver cant get a job is the day this country no longer exists. |
cdreid,,,you got it right ,,newbes,,,learn from this..
rookie rating,,,well,,not quiet right,,,millon miler save driver.. |
Good post steelhauler...... I agree with you that you need to do a lot of research before getting into any industry (and company). The more you know about your industry, the better off you are. Also, you always get better with experience. The start of any career is always the toughest.
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It is best to work with companies that treat you well. It mostly happens with union companies, where the union has their set of rules for the drivers. Most of the non-union companies are popular for taking advantage of their drivers. You might face problems like less pay or not getting the time off for going home when you wish to.
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really ? this is my opinion you either started as a company driver for a corporation an have been molded in to a company driver or when the industry fell to the favor of the corporations you had no choice but to jump from o/o - l/o to company driver an have been converted to the majority of the bs on the other hand a few things you have expressed i agree with
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Good thread. Wish I'd know about this forum in 2003, when I was in school. Now sitting here, 10 years later, after getting my CDL-A, and having a problem and not working for like 8 years.
I really screwed myself, hardcore. |
Originally Posted by k8cpa
(Post 524358)
Good thread. Wish I'd know about this forum in 2003, when I was in school. Now sitting here, 10 years later, after getting my CDL-A, and having a problem and not working for like 8 years.
I really screwed myself, hardcore. apologies for silence - Thinking Americanist |
Just realized my blog is redirecting to an ad here on mobile. Not sure why. I go have ads but this is odd.
Sorry about that |
I agree that sometimes it is our problem when we are new in our job.Cause before i used to be a professional staff in a recruitment agency in Finland at http://www.raukola.fi/ i use to do a lot of mistake and i just develop my self to be professional and now i am driver and i left that agency cause i wanna explore my self and the fact that i am not a perfect cause i still do mistake even in driving.
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Hello everyone id like to know where you learn about freight lanes and rates like steel hauler said in number 12, I'd love to be a owner operator just not sure where to start been driving local at 57k a year but not satisfied with working for a corporate company anyone understand me??? I like competition hustling for my things and I love driving any advice???
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Originally Posted by yea buddy
(Post 531511)
Hello everyone id like to know where you learn about freight lanes and rates like steel hauler said in number 12, I'd love to be a owner operator just not sure where to start been driving local at 57k a year but not satisfied with working for a corporate company anyone understand me??? I like competition hustling for my things and I love driving any advice???
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There's a great article about trucking companies hiring drivers with little to no experience and what you can do to increase your chances of getting hired right out of school. One of the things the article talks about is getting pre-approval letters and how to apply for pre-approval. Plus, there's a huge list of trucking companies that are currently hiring inexperienced drivers.
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Great post
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I know our company does hire new drivers on a case by case basis. We offer training and a lot of support for newly licensed drivers. If anyone is interested in talking to us about what we have to offer feel free to contact me at 704-750-4900 X703 or send resume to [email protected]
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Originally Posted by steelhauler
(Post 430979)
OK, since many of you come here and ask about companies.... I want to share my opinons with you, which may or may not help, but will eventually make scense.
#1 Is the company a problem, or are you? If you have driven for more than 4 companies in 2 years, chances are youll never find the right company, because your not taking care of the real problem...YOU. Sometimes you have to give a little, sometimes your gonna do something you dont like, sometimes you might not make it home, etc. Sometimes you have to do your homework before you sign on. If you want a 100% perfect job, go on welfare. #2 Do not go to work for a company that "runs under the radar"....if you want to run legal. When doing your homework, one of the questions should be, Do you run legal? or Do you run to get the load there? If the company wants you to run 100% legal, dont be upset when they "shut you down" for over 11/14 violations, etc If the company wants you to "git r done" dont claim "I dont have the hours" because you knew going in, or should have asked, what type of driver they/you are expecting to be. #3...in connection to #2, If you are gonna play the "log book game"...I dont have the hours game. Keep to your word when your 30 min from home on a Friday night. Dont play the hours game, only when it suits you....then you can refer back to rule #1 #4...dont complain about JB,Schneider,Swift,etc screwing you over....again did you do your homework? You should know by now that you will be out weeks at a time, you will be every which direction, and hometime isnt a necessity, so why think otherwise? #5...I believe a majority of the Truck owners(not owner/ops) buy a truck because they can not function with ANY company, so they want to be thier "own boss" Because da*nit, no body is gonna tell me what to do, I own the truck...or I want a few days off...etc This is also why so many trucks get repo'd...because many do not have a clue as to how a business is ran, its just easier to blame someone else. #6...The term owner operator is mostly used incorrectly. If you are leased to a company, you are a truck owner, they are the operator. If you run under your own Operating Authority with DOT/MCC numbers, you can call yourself an owner/op. #7...There are those who want to drive truck, enjoy driving, are competitive, etc These guys/gals will always beat the ones who-got into driving because it was something to do-type. Dont get discouraged, when your laughing it up at the truck stop, some of us are waiting in line to deliver, when you work for the same company, its usually the reason Im getting a better load, and your not. Because I try and you like the truck stop(you get the point) #8...Did I already mention, some people are the problem, not the company. But if yu listen to them, everyone else is out to :moon: them. #9...If your company runs OTR, and you run OTR, dont get upset if your not home. Get a local job #10...Try your smartest...no matter what company your with. Those who try to do the job as hard as they can, will loose out to the ones who work as smart as they can. Guys who have done the job for 20-30 years, dont necessarily do it right, sometimes they just do it. Guys that sit in the t/s all evening, then run all night getting 2-3 hrs sleep, may be working harder...however they are so far back in line many times, that they fall behind those who are smarter. #11...sign on bonus. If I have to pay you $$ just to come to work for me, its because I have no other reasons for you to do so. I am a firm believer that the best companies, have a waiting list, and therefore dont need to play some stupid $$ game. #12...Educate your self on freight lanes/rates. If you get paid percentage then understand supply and demand(economics 101) when the demand of freight is high(right now) and the supply of trucks is high...ie more trucks than loads...the rates will be low. When the demand of freight by companies is low(plenty of freight) and the supply of trucks is low...the rates will be high. I hate hearing that companies are scraping here and skimming here, when you have no clue what the rates are to begin with. (yes skimming does happen) If your paid by mile, then dont ask for short loads....youll starve. #13...Dont ask the top guys what they make. #1 your not a top guy, even if your a smart runner, you wont have the senority that they do. Since drivers change companies like thier cell phone chargers(underwear doesnt get changed by many) The highest senority drivers, usually will get loads, etc that you will not see until you have prooven yourself. Give it time. Best advice...ask a new hire, thats running the same lanes you wish. Websites will tell you "1st year drivers can make $45,000" However those drivers are the ones out all year long. If you want hometime, chances are you wont make what the "website claims" Find company drivers who are running similar lanes, with similar hometime, and ask them. #14...Percentage pay. Dont be star-eyed because of huge percentages. The percentage is nothing. The dollar$$ amount is everything. The smaller pay checks I made were with companies claiming, "YOU CAN MAKE 32%" The best paychecks I made were with companies paying me 25%. Why? Because 25% of $1000 is $250. But 32% of a skimmed, or de-rated $750 load only equals $240, but they want you to see the 32%, and how much higher it is over the 25%, not how much lower they have the freight priced. #15...Have fun, work smart, and keep safe. Remember...if you are constantly looking for a new job...the problem is you...not them. When you correct #1 on the list, you see whether the profession is for you or not. This is a LIFESTYLE, not just a job. If you want a 9-5, work a 9-5. Thanks. |
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Originally Posted by steelhauler
(Post 430979)
OK, since many of you come here and ask about companies.... I want to share my opinons with you, which may or may not help, but will eventually make scense.
#1 Is the company a problem, or are you? If you have driven for more than 4 companies in 2 years, chances are youll never find the right company, because your not taking care of the real problem...YOU. Sometimes you have to give a little, sometimes your gonna do something you dont like, sometimes you might not make it home, etc. Sometimes you have to do your homework before you sign on. If you want a 100% perfect job, go on welfare. #2 Do not go to work for a company that "runs under the radar"....if you want to run legal. When doing your homework, one of the questions should be, Do you run legal? or Do you run to get the load there? If the company wants you to run 100% legal, dont be upset when they "shut you down" for over 11/14 violations, etc If the company wants you to "git r done" dont claim "I dont have the hours" because you knew going in, or should have asked, what type of driver they/you are expecting to be. #3...in connection to #2, If you are gonna play the "log book game"...I dont have the hours game. Keep to your word when your 30 min from home on a Friday night. Dont play the hours game, only when it suits you....then you can refer back to rule #1 #4...dont complain about JB,Schneider,Swift,etc screwing you over....again did you do your homework? You should know by now that you will be out weeks at a time, you will be every which direction, and hometime isnt a necessity, so why think otherwise? #5...I believe a majority of the Truck owners(not owner/ops) buy a truck because they can not function with ANY company, so they want to be thier "own boss" Because da*nit, no body is gonna tell me what to do, I own the truck...or I want a few days off...etc This is also why so many trucks get repo'd...because many do not have a clue as to how a business is ran, its just easier to blame someone else. #6...The term owner operator is mostly used incorrectly. If you are leased to a company, you are a truck owner, they are the operator. If you run under your own Operating Authority with DOT/MCC numbers, you can call yourself an owner/op. #7...There are those who want to drive truck, enjoy driving, are competitive, etc These guys/gals will always beat the ones who-got into driving because it was something to do-type. Dont get discouraged, when your laughing it up at the truck stop, some of us are waiting in line to deliver, when you work for the same company, its usually the reason Im getting a better load, and your not. Because I try and you like the truck stop(you get the point) #8...Did I already mention, some people are the problem, not the company. But if yu listen to them, everyone else is out to :moon: them. #9...If your company runs OTR, and you run OTR, dont get upset if your not home. Get a local job #10...Try your smartest...no matter what company your with. Those who try to do the job as hard as they can, will loose out to the ones who work as smart as they can. Guys who have done the job for 20-30 years, dont necessarily do it right, sometimes they just do it. Guys that sit in the t/s all evening, then run all night getting 2-3 hrs sleep, may be working harder...however they are so far back in line many times, that they fall behind those who are smarter. #11...sign on bonus. If I have to pay you $$ just to come to work for me, its because I have no other reasons for you to do so. I am a firm believer that the best companies, have a waiting list, and therefore dont need to play some stupid $$ game. #12...Educate your self on freight lanes/rates. If you get paid percentage then understand supply and demand(economics 101) when the demand of freight is high(right now) and the supply of trucks is high...ie more trucks than loads...the rates will be low. When the demand of freight by companies is low(plenty of freight) and the supply of trucks is low...the rates will be high. I hate hearing that companies are scraping here and skimming here, when you have no clue what the rates are to begin with. (yes skimming does happen) If your paid by mile, then dont ask for short loads....youll starve. #13...Dont ask the top guys what they make. #1 your not a top guy, even if your a smart runner, you wont have the senority that they do. Since drivers change companies like thier cell phone chargers(underwear doesnt get changed by many) The highest senority drivers, usually will get loads, etc that you will not see until you have prooven yourself. Give it time. Best advice...ask a new hire, thats running the same lanes you wish. Websites will tell you "1st year drivers can make $45,000" However those drivers are the ones out all year long. If you want hometime, chances are you wont make what the "website claims" Find company drivers who are running similar lanes, with similar hometime, and ask them. #14...Percentage pay. Dont be star-eyed because of huge percentages. The percentage is nothing. The dollar$$ amount is everything. The smaller pay checks I made were with companies claiming, "YOU CAN MAKE 32%" The best paychecks I made were with companies paying me 25%. Why? Because 25% of $1000 is $250. But 32% of a skimmed, or de-rated $750 load only equals $240, but they want you to see the 32%, and how much higher it is over the 25%, not how much lower they have the freight priced. #15...Have fun, work smart, and keep safe. Remember...if you are constantly looking for a new job...the problem is you...not them. When you correct #1 on the list, you see whether the profession is for you or not. This is a LIFESTYLE, not just a job. If you want a 9-5, work a 9-5. Thanks. Really the biggest problem is usually #1 on your list. |
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Originally Posted by steelhauler
(Post 430979)
OK, since many of you come here and ask about companies.... I want to share my opinons with you, which may or may not help, but will eventually make scense.
#1 Is the company a problem, or are you? If you have driven for more than 4 companies in 2 years, chances are youll never find the right company, because your not taking care of the real problem...YOU. Sometimes you have to give a little, sometimes your gonna do something you dont like, sometimes you might not make it home, etc. Sometimes you have to do your homework before you sign on. If you want a 100% perfect job, go on welfare. #2 Do not go to work for a company that "runs under the radar"....if you want to run legal. When doing your homework, one of the questions should be, Do you run legal? or Do you run to get the load there? If the company wants you to run 100% legal, dont be upset when they "shut you down" for over 11/14 violations, etc If the company wants you to "git r done" dont claim "I dont have the hours" because you knew going in, or should have asked, what type of driver they/you are expecting to be. #3...in connection to #2, If you are gonna play the "log book game"...I dont have the hours game. Keep to your word when your 30 min from home on a Friday night. Dont play the hours game, only when it suits you....then you can refer back to rule #1 #4...dont complain about JB,Schneider,Swift,etc screwing you over....again did you do your homework? You should know by now that you will be out weeks at a time, you will be every which direction, and hometime isnt a necessity, so why think otherwise? #5...I believe a majority of the Truck owners(not owner/ops) buy a truck because they can not function with ANY company, so they want to be thier "own boss" Because da*nit, no body is gonna tell me what to do, I own the truck...or I want a few days off...etc This is also why so many trucks get repo'd...because many do not have a clue as to how a business is ran, its just easier to blame someone else. #6...The term owner operator is mostly used incorrectly. If you are leased to a company, you are a truck owner, they are the operator. If you run under your own Operating Authority with DOT/MCC numbers, you can call yourself an owner/op. #7...There are those who want to drive truck, enjoy driving, are competitive, etc These guys/gals will always beat the ones who-got into driving because it was something to do-type. Dont get discouraged, when your laughing it up at the truck stop, some of us are waiting in line to deliver, when you work for the same company, its usually the reason Im getting a better load, and your not. Because I try and you like the truck stop(you get the point) #8...Did I already mention, some people are the problem, not the company. But if yu listen to them, everyone else is out to :moon: them. #9...If your company runs OTR, and you run OTR, dont get upset if your not home. Get a local job #10...Try your smartest...no matter what company your with. Those who try to do the job as hard as they can, will loose out to the ones who work as smart as they can. Guys who have done the job for 20-30 years, dont necessarily do it right, sometimes they just do it. Guys that sit in the t/s all evening, then run all night getting 2-3 hrs sleep, may be working harder...however they are so far back in line many times, that they fall behind those who are smarter. #11...sign on bonus. If I have to pay you $$ just to come to work for me, its because I have no other reasons for you to do so. I am a firm believer that the best companies, have a waiting list, and therefore dont need to play some stupid $$ game. #12...Educate your self on freight lanes/rates. If you get paid percentage then understand supply and demand(economics 101) when the demand of freight is high(right now) and the supply of trucks is high...ie more trucks than loads...the rates will be low. When the demand of freight by companies is low(plenty of freight) and the supply of trucks is low...the rates will be high. I hate hearing that companies are scraping here and skimming here, when you have no clue what the rates are to begin with. (yes skimming does happen) If your paid by mile, then dont ask for short loads....youll starve. #13...Dont ask the top guys what they make. #1 your not a top guy, even if your a smart runner, you wont have the senority that they do. Since drivers change companies like thier cell phone chargers(underwear doesnt get changed by many) The highest senority drivers, usually will get loads, etc that you will not see until you have prooven yourself. Give it time. Best advice...ask a new hire, thats running the same lanes you wish. Websites will tell you "1st year drivers can make $45,000" However those drivers are the ones out all year long. If you want hometime, chances are you wont make what the "website claims" Find company drivers who are running similar lanes, with similar hometime, and ask them. #14...Percentage pay. Dont be star-eyed because of huge percentages. The percentage is nothing. The dollar$$ amount is everything. The smaller pay checks I made were with companies claiming, "YOU CAN MAKE 32%" The best paychecks I made were with companies paying me 25%. Why? Because 25% of $1000 is $250. But 32% of a skimmed, or de-rated $750 load only equals $240, but they want you to see the 32%, and how much higher it is over the 25%, not how much lower they have the freight priced. #15...Have fun, work smart, and keep safe. Remember...if you are constantly looking for a new job...the problem is you...not them. When you correct #1 on the list, you see whether the profession is for you or not. This is a LIFESTYLE, not just a job. If you want a 9-5, work a 9-5. Thanks. |
Genuine connect with the transportation carriers ... Hats off.
Originally Posted by steelhauler
(Post 430979)
OK, since many of you come here and ask about companies.... I want to share my opinons with you, which may or may not help, but will eventually make scense.
#1 Is the company a problem, or are you? If you have driven for more than 4 companies in 2 years, chances are youll never find the right company, because your not taking care of the real problem...YOU. Sometimes you have to give a little, sometimes your gonna do something you dont like, sometimes you might not make it home, etc. Sometimes you have to do your homework before you sign on. If you want a 100% perfect job, go on welfare. #2 Do not go to work for a company that "runs under the radar"....if you want to run legal. When doing your homework, one of the questions should be, Do you run legal? or Do you run to get the load there? If the company wants you to run 100% legal, dont be upset when they "shut you down" for over 11/14 violations, etc If the company wants you to "git r done" dont claim "I dont have the hours" because you knew going in, or should have asked, what type of driver they/you are expecting to be. #3...in connection to #2, If you are gonna play the "log book game"...I dont have the hours game. Keep to your word when your 30 min from home on a Friday night. Dont play the hours game, only when it suits you....then you can refer back to rule #1 #4...dont complain about JB,Schneider,Swift,etc screwing you over....again did you do your homework? You should know by now that you will be out weeks at a time, you will be every which direction, and hometime isnt a necessity, so why think otherwise? #5...I believe a majority of the Truck owners(not owner/ops) buy a truck because they can not function with ANY company, so they want to be thier "own boss" Because da*nit, no body is gonna tell me what to do, I own the truck...or I want a few days off...etc This is also why so many trucks get repo'd...because many do not have a clue as to how a business is ran, its just easier to blame someone else. #6...The term owner operator is mostly used incorrectly. If you are leased to a company, you are a truck owner, they are the operator. If you run under your own Operating Authority with DOT/MCC numbers, you can call yourself an owner/op. #7...There are those who want to drive truck or get into the transportation carriers industry, enjoy driving, are competitive, etc These guys/gals will always beat the ones who-got into driving because it was something to do-type. Dont get discouraged, when your laughing it up at the truck stop, some of us are waiting in line to deliver, when you work for the same company, its usually the reason Im getting a better load, and your not. Because I try and you like the truck stop(you get the point) #8...Did I already mention, some people are the problem, not the company. But if yu listen to them, everyone else is out to :moon: them. #9...If your company runs OTR, and you run OTR, dont get upset if your not home. Get a local job #10...Try your smartest...no matter what company your with. Those who try to do the job as hard as they can, will loose out to the ones who work as smart as they can. Guys who have done the job for 20-30 years, dont necessarily do it right, sometimes they just do it. Guys that sit in the t/s all evening, then run all night getting 2-3 hrs sleep, may be working harder...however they are so far back in line many times, that they fall behind those who are smarter. #11...sign on bonus. If I have to pay you $$ just to come to work for me, its because I have no other reasons for you to do so. I am a firm believer that the best companies, have a waiting list, and therefore dont need to play some stupid $$ game. #12...Educate your self on freight lanes/rates. If you get paid percentage then understand supply and demand(economics 101) when the demand of freight is high(right now) and the supply of trucks is high...ie more trucks than loads...the rates will be low. When the demand of freight by companies is low(plenty of freight) and the supply of trucks is low...the rates will be high. I hate hearing that companies are scraping here and skimming here, when you have no clue what the rates are to begin with. (yes skimming does happen) If your paid by mile, then dont ask for short loads....youll starve. #13...Dont ask the top guys what they make. #1 your not a top guy, even if your a smart runner, you wont have the senority that they do. Since drivers change companies like thier cell phone chargers(underwear doesnt get changed by many) The highest senority drivers, usually will get loads, etc that you will not see until you have prooven yourself. Give it time. Best advice...ask a new hire, thats running the same lanes you wish. Websites will tell you "1st year drivers can make $45,000" However those drivers are the ones out all year long. If you want hometime, chances are you wont make what the "website claims" Find company drivers who are running similar lanes, with similar hometime, and ask them. #14...Percentage pay. Dont be star-eyed because of huge percentages. The percentage is nothing. The dollar$$ amount is everything. The smaller pay checks I made were with companies claiming, "YOU CAN MAKE 32%" The best paychecks I made were with companies paying me 25%. Why? Because 25% of $1000 is $250. But 32% of a skimmed, or de-rated $750 load only equals $240, but they want you to see the 32%, and how much higher it is over the 25%, not how much lower they have the freight priced. #15...Have fun, work smart, and keep safe. Remember...if you are constantly looking for a new job...the problem is you...not them. When you correct #1 on the list, you see whether the profession is for you or not. This is a LIFESTYLE, not just a job. If you want a 9-5, work a 9-5. Thanks. Feel free to connect. |
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