In the movie classic “Wizard of Oz” the good witch Glenda tells Dorothy to click the heels of her red shoes together three times and say “There’s no place like home”. The movie ends with Dorothy waking up in her bed surrounded by worried family members…
My training time is over. I have put in about 310 drive time hours. My evaluation was excellent – but I have no job. No openings is what I am being told. This is not at all unexpected. In talking with other drivers, both for “my” company and others, I have heard story after story of waiting for a load, sometimes days at a time. “Freight is slow” is the catch phrase heard over and over again. MSNBC says my company has reduced the number of its drivers by 4% in the first quarter of this year. I have two options: I can stay with my trainer making about 300/week or take an unpaid leave of absence. After 30 days on this leave the company deems me as having voluntarily quit. Now I am not sure what I would be quitting from – I’m not hired as a driver! Well, anyway as you may have guessed from my previous posts I opted to go home. I really don’t believe that I will get a job with this company. I don’t think the company has been devious; they just haven’t been completely honest and up front with us.
My time was not wasted. I have learned a tremendous amount! I have a new found respect and admiration not only for truckers, but for anyone who spends a long time away from home and family (military comes to mind). The company I trained with has given me a certificate that says I am a qualified driver. Now I can look for work that is more local than the western United States. I am proud to say I tried trucking and won! It’s “my” company that lost.
To those who want to pursue a job in trucking I would strongly urge you to consider all that the members in Trucking Truth have to say. They have been there, done that, and bought the tee shirt! The knowledge presented here is invaluable to you as you make your decision. Trucking is not for everyone. There is no shame in deciding that it isn’t what you thought it would be.
So, as I close this post. I salute those who bring freight to us. You job is difficult and you are not appreciated as you should be. Keep up your good work. Who knows, we may meet by the roadside some day.
Keep the bugs off your glass and the bears off your … tail. God bless, Farmer Bob.
About Author Farmer Bob
I live in the desert area of Southern California. I retired after a long career in the telecommunications industry. I have wanted to drive for a long time and now seemed to be the right time to start. I am married with three grandkids. My wife doesn't work and is looking forward to being with me when I am driving on my own. My personal creed is simple: "Do what you have promised and don't encroach upon others"
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Most Recent By Farmer Bob
I’m sorry to hear about your situation but I do want you to know there are still jobs out there and now that you do have a little experience it should be nothing but help when looking for another job. The web is a great place to look. You will find tons of companies online and you can even apply online. Remember to take time and complete your applications just right. Yes, the industry is slow, but there is still work.
Lastly, if you decide to take some time off, make sure to keep up with your CDL. Do not let your CDL expire. You earned it and you should keep it, its always good to have, even if you’re not using it right now.
Good luck, take care and Drive Safe,
Tanya
Hey FarmerBob, I’m sorry to hear things didn’t work out with your first company. Tis the times. But it sounds like you are remaining very posititve about everything and that’s very admirable. Congrats on getting through training. Who would have thought truck driving is the way it is.
Anyway, good luck to you and please email me if you want some contact names of the company I’m with. I’ll try to help out if you’re interested. Good luck brother!
I’m totally confused, Pardner. You’re a newbie and elected to go home and not make any money as opposed to staying on with your trainer and making some money and getting more experience. HUH? Now you get to add a short term job to your applications and have a nice gap between jobs. HUH? After sitting around the house a couple of weeks, You’ll come to your senses. Of course, the company you just quit won’t give you the time of day at that point. Oh well, guess you know what you’re doing. FFfF
Hi Farmer Bob!
What a mess! Yes you have accomplished much and now know driving the big rigs is not easy like many think. Yes, freight is slow in many areas and not bad in others. There are jobs out there and it takes time. Keep on looking and let us know if you need any contacts.