Comments By Jason

For me I live in an area where there are around 100 or more trucking companies. I am currently OTR but I was local with great hours 7a-3p got a salary until I herniated a disc in my neck and required surgery and a plate in my neck. I was on work comp for 8 mos, then I found myself at square one. Most of the local companies work 12-14hr days where I am at because they go over the 100 air mile rules. So for me it was no different than being over the road, I rarely saw my children except for weekends, so now I am back OTR and making a little more money, but I am in no different of a situation.

If the hours a good hours and you will see your children and wife more, I would say give it a shot. Just remember though that it’s going to be an adjustment being home all the time vs OTR. I took an OTR position with this current company as they have local 12hr positions that pay hourly plus overtime. I just have to run this until a local opens up, however with being the sole provider as I have 3 children daycare age, I am in it for the money and if OTR averages more than the 1300 week gross the local pays, I will stay OTR until the kids get a little older and are all in school as not to have to pay daycare costs.

You are truly going to have to figure out your motivation to go local, and it’s a decision you and your wife have to discuss. I will tell you no one on here is going to fault you one way or the other, as I will be happy for you and your family no matter the decision. Remember happy wife, happy life.

My phone acts goofy with typos because of very limited internet signal. Sorry everyone I am definitely not one for grammatical errors, just my phone gets glitchy sometimes.

I will say I am from Iowa and TMC would be a great starter company to get the experience and knowledge of flatbed operations. They keep their equipment in tip top shape and have never seen a bad tarp job. Their trucks are governed at around 62 but even if you are governed at 68-70 most likely by the time a faster truck by 5-6mph more gets through the check in you would be pulling in to do the same. I work for a company out of Iowa now, and I would say TMC is not a bad option if you wanna the experience

I will say I am from Iowa and TMC would be a great starter company to get the experience and knowledge of flatbed operations. They keep their equipment in tip top shape and have never seen a bad tarp job. Their trucks are governed at around 62 but even if you are governed at 68-70 most likely by the time a faster truck by 5-6mph more gets through the check in you would be pulling in to do the same. I work for a company out of Iowa now, and I would say TMC is not a bad option if you wanna the experience

Reminds me of Needles AZ they check cab card every time

Michael N. Now that you have your CDL, you are required by law when you apply at a new company to list the last 10yrs of employment history as an operator of a commercial vehicle 383.35 pg 195 of the FMC Safety Regs pocketbook aka the green book. Also refer to 391.21 page 313 (11). I am a driver and feel the government is clamping down too hard, however I can see a little bit of the logic. You should have listened those 2 employers and at least gave an explanation of why you left them after a week. Some companies are understanding and others look at it as you will do the same to them.

Like I stated above its the law that you document each and every employer whether its a week or a day, your SS# is linked to them unless you are on 1099, then at the end of the year the IRS will find out, and then your SS# is linked. There are companies that will find out and there are ones that won’t. Honesty is the best policy and when it comes to being 100% truthful on basically a document that is going to be submitted to the FMCSA most likely. I would err on the side of caution and list em, but with an explanation.

Just my opinion and I have a very clean CDL as I pride myself on Safe miles with a Clean CDL. As I stated before pretty much 2yrs stable employment with a clean CDL, you can pretty much write your own ticket and go almost anywhere making some pretty decent money, or stay with the company and you will be somewhere near the top of the list for drivers.

Just my opinion

I have learned to love the lazy drivers. It’s because of them and my hard work that I stand out and can never complain about my paycheck. I also love doing those little things to make others life easier because like you all said it does bring extra cash. Also its the euphemism “I scratch your back, you scratch mine”

One thing I have learned is that horror stories exist at every company, however I have never experienced any of them.

I would always recommend sticking it out with one company especially the first one for a year, that way you get the experience, and if you can stick it out for 2yrs with no points on your CDL, then you can pretty much write your own ticket and get pretty good money in this business. What one person may have experienced, does not mean you will experience it.

I have driven some really nice looking trucks on the outside that were not worth a darn. My current company has a ton of bad press in reviews, however I am treated very well, run 3,000 + miles a week, make good money, have a truck that gets from point A-B and can pass an inspection through any scale house in the lower 48. I run dry van. I have run flatbed, heavy haul/OD, reefer, and van. So far I actually like the freight I am hauling now. If they took the time to invest in you as a person and potential driver, it would only be courteous to extend to them the Commitment that you signed up for.

Just my opinion........

Right I misunderstood what was being said. I had thought that there was a full release initially 12yrs ago, I apologize for the misunderstanding.

You are covered by The ADA "Americans with Disabilities Act". I had herniated a disc in my neck and required surgery and now have a plate and screws in my neck holding the vertebrae together and had a fusion. My attorney told me when seeking employment not to mention it until I absolutely have to. As it doesn't interfere with my Job anymore it doesn't need to be disclosed, and its illegal for an employer to bar me from employment due to the surgery. Since I disclosed it during my DOT physical and gave them the release for full duty to the examiner, and when I went in for a strength test with my employer I disclosed it as that form asked if I had any prior surgeries. Long story short you are federally covered if it doesn't interfere with your possible employment

Brett wonderful piece. I as well when I got into trucking I read your book and lurked around and followed the advice given to others, it made me a better truck driver in all aspects. Even though I am experienced I still listen to others that may have a better easier and safer way of doing things. Great Work Brett