Comments By Papa G

So sorry to hear about your problems. I am starting with a company next week, and I chose them because they only do UA testing. I have a real problem with any testing that suggests I am a drug addict just because I was standing next to some folks at a Greatful Dead show. I truly believe trucking companies are hurting themselves with this type of testing. They are missing out on some potentially great employees that otherwise would have made them a ****-pot of money!

If you read the Newsweek link in the last post you will see that standing next to someone smoking pot will not get you to test positive.

No offense to Newsweek, but that's not what this driver is saying. The original post talks in terms of second hand pot smoke, which just goes to show that weed has come a long way since the days of buying a lid of Mexican!

So sorry to hear about your problems. I am starting with a company next week, and I chose them because they only do UA testing. I have a real problem with any testing that suggests I am a drug addict just because I was standing next to some folks at a Greatful Dead show. I truly believe trucking companies are hurting themselves with this type of testing. They are missing out on some potentially great employees that otherwise would have made them a ****-pot of money!

You'll definitely make more money, about 30 percent more, but for me it isn't worth it....not even close to worth it. You lose the ability to really determine your own schedule, most of your off duty hours and what little sleep you can manage to get will be while moving, of course the obviously unfavorable nature of sharing cramped quarters with someone you're probably not in love with (to say the least) virtually 24/7...and that's if everything goes RIGHT. If it goes wrong you get a partner who steals from you. Or is so lazy he puts himself on duty before a stretch of ten hours spent idle at a truck stop, so he'll only have to work four hours the next day. Or so lazy he defecates in a bucket when you leave the sleeper berth rather than walk 100 yards to a toilet. Or perhaps all three and then some.

Ouch! Just call me lonely George!

What about US Express? I was told they only do UA.

I'm trying to narrow down a company that offers training and will hire me after graduation. I am looking at Roehl and PAM. Any info on the subject is appreciated.

Roehl does hair follicle testing, so be ready for that. It goes way back!

This week I passed all of my skills exams (Pre-trip, Backing, and On The Road)! I am indebted to my instructor, Doug, and my school, Diesel Driving Academy. The work was hard and challenging, but the feeling of suceess when I passed all of the tests was exhilarating! Now it's on to the hard part.... An actual job with all the trimmings. Like responsibilities, deadlines, expectations, headaches, etc., etc.. Bring it on! I need ghe paycheck!

....their training experiences with me. I am scheduled to start orientation on May 27th in Dallas. They say the portion of training with the onboard trainer is 6 weeks. Is this set in stone, or is it more or less based on how long it takes me to show I can handle the job? Any and all stories, tips, advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

Thanks for the advice OS. I guess I'll be getting a taste of what teaming is like since I'll be spending some weeks with a trainer. But I will probably opt for solo after that training period, get my 1st year of experience, and then draw on that experience to make my decision for the future. We did have a recruiter from Covenant visit our school last week, and he told the students that Covenant is paying 52 cpm to each team member (not split). I was always under the assumption that when a trucking company said they pay teams 52 cpm it meant the team split that rate (i.e., 26 cpm per person). These guys made it sound like you would be paid 52 cpm even while sleeping in the sleeper berth. Anyway, I'll understand all of this better a year from now (or at least I hope so). Cheers!

I have decided to start my career with USX. After reading the sage advice from pros, such as Old School and others, I am going to attack this with a positive attitude and professional work ethic. I am ready to pay my dues as a rookie, and learn the ropes. I have prepared myself to give USX a solid year of my best effort. Now I am trying to decide if I should try to team up with someone (hopefully compatible), or go solo. I have read TT blogs, and they tend to advise against teaming. Reading the literature for USX, the opportunities and pay seem to be greater for teams. Anyone want to weigh in on this? I appreciate any advice y'all have to offer. Cheers!

Aaaaaaahhhhh! I am a newbie, and I wish I had never read this post! My head is spinning out of control!