Posted: 8 years, 1 month ago
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True, true, Brett, I challenge anyone to name one industry where there is such a huge demand for good workers, yet even with a clean driving record, no convictions, and good credit, you have to put up with more drama than in any other profession.
Posted: 8 years, 1 month ago
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Thanks for the info, Rhythm, you might just have helped me make the decision to pull the trigger on my thoughts of getting out of this business for good. You see, I'm collecting a pension from a union job that closed down, but its not enough to maintain my currant lifestyle, not to mention I also need medical benefits. I had a union job for 21 years, doing pick ups and deliveries, with a big truck, but not within a cross-dock operation. From what I understand, there is a lot more pressure on you in a traditional P&D job. I'm at a point in my life where I want to start winding a bit until i can retire completely. I'm not looking to get rich at this point. I would just like a fair paying job, maybe even a low paying job with reasonable hours during the day, and some reasonable medical benefits. You can't believe how hard it is to accomplish that in the trucking industry these days. I'm even thinking of driving a school bus, but that would mean cutting back in life style in order to make ends meet. But hay, a simpler life might be just what I need.
Thanks
Posted: 8 years, 1 month ago
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Thanks for the feedback Brett ,
I was hoping to hear from anyone who has worked for them. As i'm sure your aware, most info on the net (outside of this site) is usually unnecessarily negative. However, I have seen this company on the road for years and have to say that the equipment is not the prettiest. I'm not new to old equipment, but it has to be safe. The terminal near me advertised that they got new tractors, so I thought I would apply since their so close. But tractors are only part of your equipment and I've been reading that they don't take care of their trailers, forklifts, as well as other equipment, even the scanners used to check the freight. I read that if the scanner breaks, you don't get paid for that time since the scanner has to show activity or it will log you off (Its an hourly paid job). Anyway, they sent me for a physical, and it's looks like they might call me this week. I think that what I am just going to have to do is have a frank conversation with the TM about these concerns. I figure if he doesn't like my asking about it, (negative stuff is all over the internet, even some you tube videos) then maybe there is some truth to these rumors. I can't see that good trucking company would be upset about a driver that's concerned about safety.
Thanks again. (And thanks for this site, you do a great job with it)
Mike
Posted: 8 years, 1 month ago
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Has anyone here heard, or know anything about Central Transport? I think they are based in Michigan, but i'm not sure. They're the ones with the (ugly) yellow trucks. LOL. They have a terminal very close to me so I applied for a local job there. They sent me for a physical and drug test and it looks like they are going to call me this week. HOWEVER, I have been reading a lot of negative stuff about them. I've never seen so much negative stuff about one company. I'm looking to this forum because I know I'll get the truth about them here.
I'm not trying to patronize anyone here. The fact is, this site is appropriately named. All the other sites seem to be filled with hate and exaggerations. But even there you will usually find some positive stuff. Not the case with Central Transport. Its all bad.
I need help to make a decision.
Thanks Mike
Posted: 8 years, 3 months ago
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Yeah, thats what I though. Thanks for the reply.
Posted: 8 years, 3 months ago
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Posted: 8 years, 3 months ago
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HI All,
I've been driving for a long time but this is something brand new to me. I tried to find this topic in the forum but with no success.
Anyway, I just got a new job and have to go to training for about 3 - 4 days to learn how to operate a pneumatic trailer, something that's also new to me. The company is putting me up in a hotel. I decided to drive my own vehicle there simply because it would be easier than taking a bus or train. I didn't ask if it was "paid training" or not(I'm not too worried if its not). I'm just wondering what companies typically pay, or reimburse to drivers for training like this. I'm sure there are good companies and bad companies. This is a good company. Can anyone tell me what I can expect in compensation or reimbursements
Thanks
Posted: 8 years, 5 months ago
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Thanks. I was just about to go with the other one that was suggested GoodHire.com. I read some good stuff about them, and the pricing seemed right. But I go back and look at hireright again
Posted: 8 years, 5 months ago
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Try hireright.com or goodhire.com call both of them and ask what is in their detailed report. This way you don't spend your money for nothing. Hopefully you get exactly what you need. Good luck.
Thanks Will look at those sites
So much for hireright.com Check this out https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2012/08/where-hireright-solutions-went-wrong
I'll check the other one
Posted: 8 years ago
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Hourly or by the mile
I have been driving a truck for over 25 years as an hourly paid, local driver, so I know nothing about getting paid by the trip or mileage. I'm getting too old to be fingerprinting freight anymore so a left a job to get to something that's "no touch". I just took a job that advertised 18.00 an hour (ouch, but I'll take it since it's no touch). After going through all the drug and background check they eagerly hired me. I even turned down a few jobs and stopped looking thinking that this was the job I would stick with. Low and behold, once I start I'm told that I'm home ever night, but the trips that are over 300 miles are paid at .42 a mile. The boss told me that they would calculate it both ways and give me which ever is higher ( hourly or mileage). After talking to some of the other drivers, they say that never happens. Im with the company for about a week now and I only worked 1 day on the clock. If a load pays .42 a mile for 400 miles (its actually 417 but who's counting) that comes out to $168. I spent 11 hours from the time I started my pre-trip until I finished my post-trip, NOT including 30 min break. $168 divided by 11 hours comes out to $15.27 an hour! And it was a great day, no traffic, and no delays. I can't imagine what it would be like with bad weather and delays. After I get my first check, I'll sit down with the boss and discuss this and hopefully work this out. Everyone in the office is extremely nice, but at this point I'm feeling like I've been bamboozled.
Is this what it's like? Have any of you guys ever sat down to look at what your actually earning per hour. I see plenty of jobs advertised as 60-70K a year but they don't say how much you have to work to make that. When you think of how much responsibility it is to get a rig from point A to B, the salaries that are being offered are a disgrace.
Your opinions, PLEASE
Thanks, Mike