Comments By Joe H.

I'm currently with Knight, started with them in September.

Are there better companies out there? Possibly (probably).

Are there worse companies out there. Definitely.

So far I'm mostly happy with them and how I've been treated, the miles/loads they give me and right now I see myself being with them for quite a while.

One thing I've noticed about this industry (and I'm making a very broad generalization here) is that truck drivers are the biggest bunch of whiney babies I've ever encountered. And I used to work for the government. Our government. In Washington, DC.

Most of the drivers I've talked to who speak positively about the company where they are working are those who have been with the company for a long time. Those who badmouthed it are the guys who seem to switch companies often...and they usually have something to say about every company they work for.

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread...I'm just saying that to let you know to be sure to get both sides of a story before you make up your mind about one company over another.

Gordy's Truck Stop, US 97, LA Pine, OR. AMAZING food, and never had trouble finding parking no matter what time of day or what the weather's doing.

Have to agree with you about Gordy's. Good food, nice people, friendly drivers and plenty of parking. Was there a few weeks back and look who was taking a break in the driver's lounge....

Some places just think they are above the law.....

I was interviewed for a diesel mechanic job in Fontana, Cali (no company names) lol 1st interview I "caught" when he mentioned hours 60-70 per week, 6 days. And NO O/T paid?? (hmmm ok I think to self...)

Called in for 2nd interview, the next week. Well the foreman proceeds to describe the job functions etc.

On the 1st interview I "caught" when he mentioned hours 60-70 per week, 6 days. And NO O/T paid?? ok I think to self... Company headquartered out of Tennesee.

So I ask him "ok you mentioned no O/T?? How do you get away with that?? lol He says "Oh I'm just saying what the company says. (now I really don't even want this job)

So, knowing California's labor laws I say well "In Calif the law says anything over 8 hours a day or 40 per week, IS O/T no matter where corporate is located, so no thanks. have a nice day"

Overtime laws are federally mandated in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Typically, mechanics, when hired by a motor carrier, are exempt from the standard 8 hour day/40 hour work week when determining OT.

Whew! It's not just me. I remembered to check this thread this evening about 3 seconds after I got done cussing after hitting my head on the overhead storage thingie while getting in my rig.

Thanks!

I've always considered myself to be of at least average intelligence with the ability to work things through with little to no assistance. But I'm having trouble with on aspect of trucking.

I've been impressed with the lack of judgement and open-mindedness on this forum when it comes the newbs so I thought I'd take a chance and put this out there for some feedback and maybe some advice.

How long will it take before I stop banging my head on things (the underside of the trailer, the ceiling of my rig, etc.)??

Perhaps a TT decal for our trucks...?

Last week I wrapped up my training with Knight. Yesterday I tested and passed the skills and road test so now I have my CDL.

They said it will be a couple days before they can hook me up with a trainer so I can start on the road. A couple days of down time won't bother me, though since I just moved into a new apartment.

Training wasn't nearly as difficult as I imagined it would be. And the test turned out to be a breeze, too.

See you soon out on the road. =)

Which location are you attending? And is it the whole squire program now that their not going to provide the hotel room?

I'll be in Phoenix. Not sure if it's the whole program. The recruiter I talked to just said they weren't offering that anymore due to the costs.

I've been lurking around the forums for a while now and have been really impressed and thankful for all the information provided here. It's been a huge help.

I received word from the recruiter at Knight that I'll be starting with the Squire program on the 15th. Looking forward to getting things rolling since I've been wanting to get into to trucking for quite a long time.

One thing that may throw a minor monkey wrench into the works is that they are no longer offering lodging to their students during training. The recruiter said he'd try to see if he could get me grandfathered in since I had applied before they made the decision. I'll be there, either way. It will be nice, though, if they provide the hotel for the first week or so. It also makes me wonder what other incentives they're going to taking off the table. I'll have to wait and see, I guess.

For now I'm excited to have a firm date and to move on to a different adventure.

Oh, and Brett, Knight does both the urine and hair follicle drug test.