Profile For Mike

I am about 60 miles west of Chicago.

I was in Round Lake Park, last Thursday

Thats about an hour from me...My understanding is MTL also does a lot with US Gypsum out of Waukeegan too. I am looking forward to getting in early on the Midwest build-up for MTL.

So maybe I will get a chance to train up here, I was told they are a little light up here with regard to trainers and couldn't promise I would be able to train up here. I was planning on staying down there for the full 7 weeks. That would be a bonus to train in the Midwest. I am in the Rockford area. I wish I could get some windshield time before going down for orientation. Not very likely though. Dont worry, if they do put us together I have been traveling for 15+ years all over the Midwest, Colorado & Texas, mostly by car so I know how to plan a trip. I come from a long line of truckers including my dad, stepdad, brother, and two stepbrothers so I am pretty current on the industry and am not going in blind and have no illusions about the first year. I will bust my a** and all I would ask is to be treated right and taught good, safe habits. I will do the rest. I fully understand this will be what I make of it. I look forward to meeting you, and training with you if that happens.

I am about 60 miles west of Chicago.

Thanks to you too Samuel!

Thanks for the input Squid!! I am anxious to get started, dont hesitate with any tips/suggestions. I start the 28th.

Thanks Parrothead! I am set to start orientation Dec 28th. I expect to work hard and being part of a company that demands professionalism is exciting to me. I am glad they are picky and don't take or put up with slackers. I also don't mind a company in this industry that at least has strong values and sticks to them. I have every intention of putting my best foot forward and being a professional driver. I am not necessarily looking forward to the 7 weeks away from my kids but the sacrifice should be worthwhile. I will be driving regional so once the training is over I will be fine. I am looking forward to getting started. Thanks again and I hope you and yours have a great holiday season!!

When I first started this thread they were offering free health insurance...Is that still true?

Hi Anchorman, yes the ins is still free if you are single, and still pretty cheap even for the family option.

Thanks all for the feed back here! I will be finishing up CDL school in a couple weeks and am going with McElroy as well. As everyone has stated the recruiter was very professional and open about the job and the company. The gals in the office have been very professional as well. I am one of those mid 50's guys that got laid off in another profession and cant get another job at that level so here I am...I also still have young kids at home so the benefits are almost as important as the pay and home time. Not being a religious guy I was a little concerned but the strict home time is a good thing and if they are picky that's ok by me. I come from a work background where being a professional on the job is part of the gig. I also like the fact they are not too big, I would prefer to stick around and not skate after 1 year. I also love the idea of driving flatbed without all the tarping...I dont mind some but being in my mid 50's that would probably get old pretty quick, and they are looking to build the Midwest fleet to accommodate their customers and I am 5 minutes from the tollway in Illinois. And 90%+ of the Midwest freight is pre-tarped, gotta love that!

Also, I have to say this site has been incredibly helpful with testing and just has a positive vibe that is not always present at other sites...the experienced drivers here are very honest, helpful, and willing to help. I think a big part of the difference here is most of the drivers like what they do and understand you get out of something what you put in. We will not get rich doing this but the industry is starved for good people and drivers, and the benefits are pretty darn good too. I come from a long line of truckers and have no illusions about the industry or the job, but what I do know is if I go in with a positive, professional attitude I will be one of the good ones.

Thanks again all and I will check back once I get my foot in the door and my feet wet at orientation.

Hi All:

I am one of the soon to be newbies that have been reading these forums for a couple years without responding. As I get closer to school and start getting pre-hire letters I will need to decide in the next couple months who to go with. I am leaning towards Hummer because of a few reasons including the pay, their reputation for taking care of their drivers, and a mid sized company with what seems to be an overall very good reputation. I would appreciate any feedback from drivers with firsthand knowledge of the company. Thanks in advance for feedback to this thread and all the others that has made this upcoming transition not just exciting but very educational.

Also, thanks to Trucking Truth for the outstanding training modules and continued positive presence for us newbies!!