Comments By SQ TierHog

I wouldn't let it be a factor in my decision making. Theres so much bigger and more important things you have to think about. You won't be turning down loads, especially as a rookie. Honestly, you could really dig yourself a deep grave if you use this "power" often.

So I'm going to go against the tide here and say it doesn't matter. If you aren't forced dispatch that's great, if you are that's great too. This isn't something that should even be a factor in your decision.

Daniel,

Thank you Sir, for that response. I was kinda feeling that's how I'd be operating, especially considering I'm the noob driver. I'm not a push-over, but, I surely don't wanna be the one they're gonna roll their eyes at every time they deal with me. I'd rather be the guy they know'll get the job done. Would I get dumped on (handed what would be considered by experienced drivers 'bad' loads)? Probably. But, I'm the new guy, I'd expect it. Maybe it doesn't matter in this line of work, but, I would want the respect of the senior drivers and I'd expect they've 'earned' the good runs. Heck, they're gonna pay me, right? lol...

Thanks to all who're posting the questions and the folks giving us the answers!

SQ TierHog

I hope this thread isn't being perceived as an indictment on Schneider. They're not my company, but as far as I know, they're a good and fair company, one that is more respectful to new drivers than other companies.

The fact is, the kind of people who post on this website, drivers who are helpful and proud of what they do, they are in the vast minority of what you will see out there. The people who will post here are people who love the job. The vast majority don't, they are in it for the money, they are selfish, rude and unprofessional, they set a gallon of **** next to the fuel pump, and they are the reason you have to take a 30.

Every company has that driver in vast abundance.

You need to have thick skin and a big stick out here, regardless of what company you're at.

'The Dude'..... Brotha! Thank you for that advice! The job I finally retired from was like that, so, hehe, I'll fit right in out there! lol...

Yeah, I'd figure many folks also might feel uncomfortable about answering questions to what they probably see as strangers....non drivers. At least that's what I might think. Somewhere here, someone did mention that it would be a good idea to approach these folks and ask 'em about their opinions and such. While I'd be okay answering questions to a newbie if I was a driver, I could see where many would not be comfortable with it... they don't know you are who you say you are, etc. That's why I'm glad I found this site. Here, drivers of all levels of experience who respond are obviously okay with 'our' questions and are willing to give us the straight scoop on things. By the way, thank all of you for volunteering your time to be here and help us wanna-be-noobs and noobs.

How I'm feelin' by now, is read as many forum posts as possible, If you don't find the answers within those posts, ask away. The more I stay here (with this website), the more I feel comfortable with suggestions from the administrators of this site and the other drivers that post their opinions and experiences, to make some sound decisions on what to do...and not to do. Considering where I come from (the line of work I retired from), I'm pumped to find out that hey, if I'm not happy somewhere, I can leave! lol. Heck, startin' out new as a driver...it seems the only up front obligation I'd owe a company would be the first year of employment with them. I do feel that would be sufficient time for me to figure out if I'm diggin' it, or not.

Again, thanks you to all folks here, drivers and non-drivers, for all the writing you post. I highly appreciate and consider it all! I value everyone's time put in here, I'm the one reaping the benefits of having a 'heads-up' before I jump in! Thank you!

SQ TierHog

Thought I'd check in to see if Weatherman got the help he needed. Hope all went well. Since I've never been a driver, I sure didn't think about the other drivers not having on their radios (I didn't think CB's were still used, lol). But, although everyone's on a schedule to make money, wouldn't it have been possible for someone to make an effort to pull over and see if the guy needed help? I could try and imagine that it'd be a pain for other drivers to do that, but, I dunno, it's easy for me to make comment (I probably shouldn't have!) not being a driver. Regardless, wish Weatherman well!

Safe travels,

SQ TierHog

TW, I was totally worried about the age thing (I'll be 52 in april) until I started reading the forums here. It seems that there's many folks older than I am. The only thing I'm concerned about is the physical. I plan on looking around the forums to see what I can find out regarding that issue. Regardless, my attitude is that if I want it bad enough, I'll do what it takes to get in the seat and rollin' down the road! :)

Thanks for the post, G'luck to ya!

SQ TierHog

So I'm sitting on the shoulder of I 20 near Covington, Georgia for almost an hour now with an exploded inside trailer tire. At least 150 trucks have passed by and not one call on the CB asking, "You alright there driver?" Its so sad out here the way things are now. moo

Hey brother,

I promise ya, if I saw ya, I'd make the effort and take time to help. Good Karma. Regardless, I know a post doesn't help you, but, hopefully help will be there to save the day (or night!). Be safe.

SQ TierHog

Thought their was something better out there but I will go to Swift and be the best employee possible and always remember they gave me a chance when no one else did!!!!!

Have you tried Prime, Inc.?? Best of the big training companies as far as pay and other considerations . . . just wondering . . .

Jopa

If you have any questions about Prime... I'll be glad to answer them. Ive been with them for 3 years now I am a Certified CDL Instructor with them and I've been training students for almost 2 of those years

Terry, Thanks for that offer about answering questions. I sent ya a PM.

David, Wow, thanks for that post! Thanks for serving our country, standard phrase nowadays, but, I do mean that. I was Navy, early 80's. Congratulations on your retirement! I surely know how that feels, I retired on my 50th birthday (State of CA), was the best present to myself , was a very long road getting there. Like you, I've many, many times wondered what it would be like and wished I could "drive truck" (as someone once told me it was called). But, I couldn't apply because I had too much invested in my line of work to quit. Well, like you, I made it finally. And, as I'm sure you know how it feels, I'm free now, to do what I want! So, first that came to my mind was...lol...yep...Drive Truck!! lol. I found this place (TT) not too long ago and as I read the stories, I find myself getting that twitchy feeling in my gut, an excited feeling, a feeling like when you're a kid. Dumb feeling I know, to feel that way at such an older age... Anyhow, I wanted to thank you for sharing here, congratulate you on your CDL exam and wish you the best of luck with Schneider.

Best of luck,

SQ TierHog

Dave, you may think I'm crazy, but I want to challenge you to forget about even looking at that Texas CMV handbook. Trust me on this - you're going to ace those exams just by using the High Road Training Program and you're retention of the material will be there whenever you need it. I hope you'll take my advice, because I can guarantee you it's solid and proven.

Old School, Thank for sharing that!

Errol, Sir, thank you tons, for posting your journal! I learned a few things, one of which is being concerned that my age (52 in april) was gonna get in the way of me being hired by a reputable company. You're in your early 60's, that made me feel a bit better. :) I do have a few questions about the physicals, but I'll look around the forums before I bug anyone with my concerns. It seems that other than the backup skills (although I consider myself a damn good driver, even in reverse, I'd be sweatin' bullets on backin' up the trailer), that driver 'clock' is tedious. Tryin' to get your runs done while staying within the legal driving time limits is a juggling act.

Anyhow, just wished to share with you that I'm glad you started your journal as you were beginning school, you gave me a little insight there, as well.

Thanks and safe driving to you Sir!

SQ TierHog