209, I counted.
That’s how many applications I have filled out for trucking companies.
Of those only 4 trucking companies have even made an attempt to send me some type of response.
32 of these Apps. will exceed the 90 day limit in 2 days, so to keep them fresh I will have to send those trucking companies another reminder about me.
It seems so much easier in this day of E-mail and fax etc.etc.etc.
But… I stop an wonder at the trucking companies who hire without even looking at a person. If I owned my own truckin’ outfit, I would want to meet, in person, the person I’m about to give BIG RIG responsibility to. I would want to look at the personal hygiene of anyone who wishes to be in my employment. After all, if a person doesn’t give a damn about keepin’ one’s own ass washed, then how can I be assured they will keep my tractor trailer in good workin’ order?
I have been around long enough to see that if a person don’t care about keeping themselves clean, they sure as hell ain’t gonna care about your property.
I’m shootin’ straight from the hip here folks. I ain’t even gotta pull out my pistol to hit this nerve.
Truck.
Trucking.
Tractor.
Rig.
Big Rig.
CDL SCHOOLs hmm i forgot where i was going.
Anyways just lettin’ yall know I’m still alive. God help me.
In case yall was wonderin’ “What’s up wit’ Pappy”?
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Ya know, you make a good point about personal hygiene. It’s true that if people won’t take care of themselves, they sure what take care of anyone else. Mechanics can be judged that way. If their shop is a mess, so is their work usually.
Hey Pappy, I hope something comes along for you. One thing I noticed with my applications is if I don’t call them, I will never hear from them. Actually, one company I applied to, I called the very next day to “make sure [they] got my application.” The lady on the phone flat out said, “well if you haven’t called to talk with anybody, then nobody has looked at it yet.” I’ve found a common theme. If you wait for a call back after submitting an application, you’ll be waiting next to a silent phone. It seems like it’s just one more way to weed people out. Sigh.
Best of luck to you Pappy. After so many years out on the road, you deserve better!
Most are followed by a call at least once a week.
BUT… I have been informed by most of the companies, that will answer the phone, ” We are in a hiring freeze because of the economy at this time”.
I have gotten the obligatory ” Your Application will be held on file for (X NUMBER DAYS)”.
What it all points to is… Companies are there to make money. If you can line your pockets quicker and easier by paying employees less, then you do that.
Come on man! Why pay one driver 37 or 39 cents a mile and give him a truck that can only roll 11 hours a day, when you can get someone to train for weeks or months pay him nothing or a fixed amount and say it’s called schooling and have a truck rolling 22 hours a day!
Think about it! It makes perfect sense!
One truck only rolls 11 hours a day legally! Another truck rolls 22 hours a day legally and your only paying half the cost of a driver!!
OKay.. now you have made some kid drive your Rig for several weeks or months at low or NO pay! Right?
Then you give him a Rig for himself and pay him 27 or 29 cents a mile and tell him its paying for the training you have recieved. He drives for a year for you. During which time you bait him into training another kid.
I ask you honestly.
Would you pay 37 or 39 cents a mile to anyone?
PAPPY, AIN’T STUPID!
PAPPY, SEES THE HAND, WRITING ON THE WALL!
PAPPY, WILL DIE BEFORE I DRIVE FOR 27 or 29 cents a mile and stay out for weeks at a time driving illegally trying to keep what I have earned honestly, at 32 to 39 cents a mile!!!!!!
If the economy turns to the point that 27 or 29 cents a mile is equal to 37 or 39 cents a mile…Then I will get behind the wheel for that amount of pay!
I been keepin’ my piece about it but sooner or later the truth will get out.
Sorry to hear you’re having such a hard time finding work, Pappy. I too am unemployed, however, I have never driven a big rig. I discovered The Truth About Trucking because I was researching becoming a truck driver. When I came up with the name “Driver Ed”, I honestly thought that I would be driving a truck by now. However, because of the way things have been going lately, with over 5 million people out of work, and thanks to some invaluable insight I received from you and Brett and others on this website, I have delayed pursuing a career as a trucker. Hopefully someday I will be a trucker like you. But right now, I’m Driver Ed in name only.
I wish you the very best in finding employment, and I enjoy reading your blog. Take it easy Pappy.
Driver Ed
I will place you in my prayers also.
Please do not become a stranger.
I look forward to hearing from you again.
I will always do my best to answer questions and give advice. Even if it’s not what is ‘Politically Correct’.