Comments By Metalhead

Congrats bud! I just got my CDL 2 weeks ago. I attended TDI in Christiana TN. They have schools all over the place. But I am honestly so glad that I did not go to company sponsored training. I financed my student loan and am not contracted or obligated to drive for a certain company. I have my orientation with Averitt the 4th. You can drive for whoever you choose. They have tons of recruiters come through the school's personally to give you there spill. Coming from a youngster, probably the best decision I've ever made. Good Luck to you whatever you choose. Apply to every company possible. Lol. It helps. Trust me.

Having completed orientation with Averitt in October, I think you will find you have made a good decision. The experience in Cookeville was well organized, welcoming, professional and fairly comprehensive. The food provided was great and the hotel accommodations were adequate and clean. I had a great OTR trainer that made me feel at home and comfortable in his truck. The backing/ finishing school at week 6 was helpful but maybe could have been made a bit more challenging. I would encourage you from at least day 3 or 4 of OTR training to ask your instructor to allow you to make all the real world backing maneuvers regardless of how challenging or long they take. It will build your confidence. Overall my personal experience with the company has been positive. There is some trial by fire to be had as a new guy and you will have to be a self starter and an independent thinker in many regards (some qualcomm messages are nothing short of criptic and dispatch is not always the comprehensive, quick and efficient source of helpful information in my view they should be) but it's my belief the company wants you to succeed and with some resourcefulness on your part will provide you with the tools to do so. Relax, have fun and enjoy. Averitt seems to be a good organization to work for.

Thanks! Just a quick question though, did you have any home time during your 6 week training? And I've heard more good about them then bad. Definitely one of the better companies. Especially for a rookie like myself.

Good evening everybody. I hope everybody had a great Christmas and made some memories with there loved ones and got some much needed rest.

I got my email confirming my orientation with Averitt Express January 4th. I have to check in the 3rd before 8pm cst. I'm very excited, but nervous at the same time. I searched and searched, but they seemed like the best company for me especially with me being a rookie driver. Even though she is supporting me 100%, I'm gonna miss my girlfriend. But it's all worth it, hopefully she can hold down the fort while I'm gone. Lol. I plan on keeping y'all updated on how things are going with my new adventure. Anyways, hope all is well with y'all out there. Safe travels and happy New Year! ! -Metalhead ✌

Horns up! I hate to break it to you, but all those guys travel in busses with pulled trailers. Shows aren't big enough for rigs, as everything they need fits into the trailer in the back of the bus. The venues they play in already have full PA and lighting, so they don't need to bring anything like that. When I was on tour with King Diamond we had a tractor and trailer, but he was pulling his full European festival stage set up, and that required one trailer. We almost couldn't fit that stage set ups in some venues.....

Merry Christmas!

That's okay lol. Maybe one day I'll be driving there tour bus😁

Hey Metalhead! Are you actually another metalhead? If so, hails!!

Averitt is a great place to start, from what I understand. PROTIP: I know you said you want to be home weekly, but after 4 months of driving with Averitt you can ask to be transferred to their OTL division. Basically, concert/entertainment trucking. Check the thread about OTL HERE. It keeps you out at least a month at a time, but touring is a great job. Take it from me.

Good luck no matter what path you choose!

Hails Mrs! I love all kinds of music, but a Metalhead through and through. It would be a dream to do OTL for a metal band like Lamb Of God, Soulfly, or Dream Theater, or somebody like that. Lol. Merry Christmas all!

Thanks y'all. It definitely takes a lot of research to find the right place. I wanted to go to maverick but they wouldn't take me because of me being an idiot and job hopping since I was out of high school. Though I've always had a great work ethic and attendance along with a spotless driving and criminal record. I'm squeaky clean. And unless I read wrong, tmc you have to be 23 to work for them. And I think the same for McElroy. Unless its changed. I've been working with a recruiter for averitt on my final paper work and what not, but I feel as though I can do better. I'm not down with the whole uniform deal. I chose this career for a sense of freedom and to be who I truly am. Lol.

Metalhead, Averitt is a good outfit. You'll do fine. They move a lot of gear for rock bands, concerts and shows. Could be a really cool gig for you as your handle suggests.

Let us know how this turns out. Good luck!

Thanks G-Town! They have the On Tour Logistics division which pays great money and has some pretty awesome perks as well. I would be all over it if I was a single guy or if they had a more lenient rider policy. But even though the pay isn't the greatest, there regional truckload division doesn't seem too shabby. So I think I'm sticking with them. Plus the service centers are a great bonus, and they're training from what I heard is second to none.

Thanks y'all. It definitely takes a lot of research to find the right place. I wanted to go to maverick but they wouldn't take me because of me being an idiot and job hopping since I was out of high school. Though I've always had a great work ethic and attendance along with a spotless driving and criminal record. I'm squeaky clean. And unless I read wrong, tmc you have to be 23 to work for them. And I think the same for McElroy. Unless its changed. I've been working with a recruiter for averitt on my final paper work and what not, but I feel as though I can do better. I'm not down with the whole uniform deal. I chose this career for a sense of freedom and to be who I truly am. Lol.

I recently got my CDL last week. The next step is finding the right company to start with. I would appreciate any advice! I'm 21 years old, from middle Tennessee. I know I have to pay my dues before I can land my dream job. But I would like to be home every week. I know it's hard to find out there, but I have important obligations at home. I would like to run either a dedicated or regional run. Thanks in advance for any input!

I would also like to add, I have a prehire from H.O Wolding. And have been accepted from Averitt Express. And have applied to Celedon, U.S Express, Werner, and Prime Inc.

I recently got my CDL last week. The next step is finding the right company to start with. I would appreciate any advice! I'm 21 years old, from middle Tennessee. I know I have to pay my dues before I can land my dream job. But I would like to be home every week. I know it's hard to find out there, but I have important obligations at home. I would like to run either a dedicated or regional run. Thanks in advance for any input!