Comments By Justin C.

Sorry, I don't see how to edit my posts. That last sentence seemed argumentative.

What I meant to say was I made it clear to the person I talked to from the trucking that I have no over the road experience.

You aren’t hearing us…

It’s liquid in a tank, far more dangerous and unforgiving than running dry van or reefer.

I should elaborate, I was told that the change a couple of years ago from MSDS to SDS changed a lot for them. Most of what they haul is now classified as hazardous due to small amounts of formaldehyde in the products. He said 1%.

I hear you guys. I'll have to bring all this up in the interview then and see what they have to say.

This seems to be a pretty established trucking company.

I definitely made it clear from the get go that I have no over the road experience.

I should elaborate, I was told that the change a couple of years ago from MSDS to SDS changed a lot for them. Most of what they haul is now classified as hazardous due to small amounts of formaldehyde in the products. He said 1%.

Justin, did you hear about that terrible tanker roll over and explosion under I95 in Philadelphia recently? That driver very likely burned to death. Had he been driving a dry van or reefer, he would probably have survived a roll over.

Still want to start your career pulling a tanker????????

Thank you for your concern. They do not haul fuel. It's product's for paper and wood resins

Running tankers is NOT a recommended path for an entry level driver.

I'd also suggest that a company owner willing to trust an entry level driver with a liquid hazmat is irresponsible. I'd be shocked if he could even insure you. You have zero experience, get 1 year of safe performance before considering this.

It's best to gain experience with a more static type of load transported in either a dry van or reefer (liquid moves around a lot, surges) and also one that is less volatile.

I just talked to a friend of a friend who has a trucking company that has tanker that goes to the western 11 states and occasionally into BC. This is an exciting opportunity that I could have no predicted.

I'm told I'll need to get my hazmat endorsement, my twic card and my passport. I have an in person interview this week with everyone there.

This company is very close to my home as well.

It will be products for the paper and wood processing industry.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that he said they occasionally have routes that go to Alabama and Arkansas.

There is one specific route he mentioned that went south from Oregon to Bakersfield, CA, sometimes LA, then out to Salt lake, UT, sometimes to Denver, then back to Oregon. Kind of a big triangle.

I just talked to a friend of a friend who has a trucking company that has tanker that goes to the western 11 states and occasionally into BC. This is an exciting opportunity that I could have no predicted.

I'm told I'll need to get my hazmat endorsement, my twic card and my passport. I have an in person interview this week with everyone there.

This company is very close to my home as well.

I appreciate everyone's responses. It's given me something to chew on...

I just went to a friend's wedding this weekend with my fiancee, had a wonderful weekend in a big city with lots to see and are now celebrating her birthday in a historical hotel in the beautiful country side. We took tomorrow, Monday, off to enjoy a slow morning on our way back home.

All the things I mentioned above are things I'd worry about missing out on being away while on the road.

It's a sacrifice and maybe I'll eventually get more than 34 hrs weekend time...

Justin, does that 34hr reset each week work for you? I mean, do you think it will be a schedule you'd like to be on long-term?

Well this is a thought provoking question... My gut feeling is that I will adapt,. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned at that small window of home time.

This is VERY valuable advice from Real Diehl. I drive regionally and am home every weekend. 34 sucks as I have seen a few times due to the W.T.F. factor that gets me home Saturday instead of Friday (Weather, Traffic, Freight) As PackRat mentioned, by the time you feel fresh to do something, its time to get back on the road.

Take it from a married man that is 5 months in the industry, get that weekend break as close to 48 hours as possible if you go regional. If that's the path you take, it should get easier to manage your schedule with getting home Friday night and leaving either Sunday night or Monday AM while getting the miles you need. As stated, after you prove yourself a safe and reliable team player, your fleet leader should work with you on a more consistent and balanced schedule. Work hard, be a team player, but make sure to manage your home time as best you can. Just remember if dispatch will not be flexible and run a hard 34 on your hometime provide you a divorce attorney if you don't respectfully and assertively state your expectations for home time and balance time with your spouse.

Lastly, beware of what recruiters tell you. It's their job to bring warm bodies to the table and critical items should be verified in writing before you make a decision.

Best of success buddy!!!

Justin, does that 34hr reset each week work for you? I mean, do you think it will be a schedule you'd like to be on long-term?

I only ask bc I did not like the short "weekend" at all. I did something similar for 6 months and that 34 hour reset felt more like a tease. It was difficult to get things done, see friends, and plan when to sleep during that 34hr period. I honestly preferred staying out over the road for a month and having 4 days off in a row. Obviously your home situation might limit your options, so staying out for a month at a time might not work for you.

I'm certainly not trying to discourage you from accepting the offer from Swift. You might find it easier to adjust to that schedule than I did. Also, if you decide it is not a good schedule for you, you can ask Swift if there are other options available after you've gained some experience and proven yourself to be a reliable driver. Whatever you choose, I hope your dream of driving becomes your reality!

Thank you for cautioning me. I could see this potentially causing some strain if I can't manage the 34 hr weekend's. I understand this is a challenge but rewarding career. Without a doubt some sacrifices will have to be made. I'm going to be talking to the recruiter again soon so I'll get some more clarity on exactly what my schedule might be like and what accounts may open up.