Comments By Rolling Thunder

Ok, so I would apply before I obtained my CDL? And if I was to apply, what position would I be applying for? I'm pretty sure regional is not it. Would it be the Dedicated/Supply Chain Student Driver Training Program?

Coolio. Not having to uproot my husband would be awesome.

That's good. I would love to have a schedule of about 4 - 6 weeks on, 1 week off. That's standard touring time, and if off time is 1 - 2 weeks in between that's totally doable and exactly what I would be looking for. However, if touring runs are 2 - 3 months (or more) at a time I'm TOTALLY ok with that! More road time = better everything!

And I'm pretty sure I'm not sketchy. I've worked around enough "famous" people that other than giving them the respect they deserve, I don't freak out if I see someone famous. (I reserve the right to stare awkwardly if I ever run into Robert Plant though.....)

Funny you should say that. I ran across him at Bonnaroo earlier this year and almost literally ran into Billy Joel while walking to catering.

You would apply to regional truck load. Then when hired you let them know your intent to become a member of the OTL team. Pretty much it. Show them what your made of for 4 mo, remind them and they will likely schedule you for the OTL class/interview process. It is only one (paid) day.

We don't do tankers at all.

If you were to be hired by Averitt out of school, you would be with a trainer for 5 wks then go solo. The four months would start when training ends.

We go to any and all venues. I am on a 9 truck tour right now.

Now my curiosity is super piqued. I'll definitely look into Averitt. If I'm interested, I would have to complete CDL training on my own first, and then apply, correct? Also, if I live in VA will that be an issue? And, finally, are you at liberty to say how much road time you average in a year?

Nah, it's better to apply while in school. This will give them time to do their thing and get back to you in time so that you do not have a long gap between school and driving.

We have yards in VA, so, no problem there.

A lot. I usually take a few days off after a tour and may run truck load for a week until I am put on another. That truly depends on the driver. If the attitude is sketchy, it will be reflected with little tour time.

Sounds like a fun gig. Last year when I was considering getting my cdl I actually thought about something like this. I actually read about a class that stagecoach offers in Nashville for entertainment industry driving. I only live a couple hours north of there.

Never hurts to talk to them. May find exactly what you're looking for...

We don't do tankers at all.

If you were to be hired by Averitt out of school, you would be with a trainer for 5 wks then go solo. The four months would start when training ends.

We go to any and all venues. I am on a 9 truck tour right now.

Just read what I have written and want to elaborate on the "right stuff" comment.

It does not matter at all how you look, your lifestyle or anything else superficial like that. We truly become family out here so a good attitude is the number one item we look at. A calm demeanor, willingness to participate in our shenanigans, lack of being star struck, willingness to work and interact as a team member and the ability to smile are also key.

This is awesome! I was considering doing entertainment trucking after getting a couple of years driving under my belt, possibly even tour bus driving. I've toured with bands before (on the production team) and I'm going to miss the environment.

I'm curious about the hazmat and flatbed requirements. Most concert trucks I've seen have been regular box trailers. Can I ask what else is transported that would need these qualifications?

I had considered looking into Upstaging Lighting and Transport, Stagecall, and Star Coaches (for tour bus driving.) I'll be sure to keep On Tour Logistics on my list of possibilities after I've gotten some experience under my belt.

Absolutely do some research on the other companies and coach.

We also haul staging (flatbed) around. I have done it only once and it's not so bad. We pick 'em up already loaded and strapped. Double check straps, pre-trip and roll. We pull up, they pop straps, unload and we go away. Very easy stuff. There are more perks, but, it is easier for me to answer questions directly instead trying to list them.

This may be changing very soon, but, right now we have the option of running truckload between tours to keep the money flowing. In order to get us where we need to be (usually Nashville) to start a tour, Hazmat runs give the FM's a lot more loads to choose from so, it is currently a requirement. It is for Averitt truckload anyway.

Fyi, you do not need 2yrs experience to drive for OTL. Not even 1yr. It is possible to be doing this after only 4 months... Even out of school. We have an awesome training and evaluation process that can take a rookie with the right stuff and bring them along.

As I said above, do all the research you can to make the right move.

One more fyi from a coach drivers mouth, they have to clean the busses... You toured so, let that sink in.

Good luck on whatever path you take and be safe.

Hey Devan,

Slow and smoothe is how I approach wintery roads. If the conditions are too bad then get off of the road. No load is worth more than you. I have found that the northern roads are better than southern when snow is falling. They have the equipment and experience to handle it. As for icy roads, I don't move unless I absolutely have to, and, that will be at a snail pace.

Severe storms can pop up anywhere, but, you can get a heads up with some weather apps. Preparation is always key to having a smoothe safe run. If you do find yourself driving towards a storm, I would be looking for places to stop and park until it passed. Again, put your safety first.

Good luck and safe driving

Hey Brett and Mods, I hope I can post this here. If not, do your thing.

On Tour Logistics, a division of Averitt Express, is looking for professional drivers with a no fail work ethic and a good attitude to be a tour and/or production driver for the entertainment industry. This division is growing at a very rapid rate for us and we need drivers.

Here are some of the current requirements:

• Clean safety record
• Clean criminal history
• 4 months of employment with Averitt as a driver in any division. While in that 4 month period the driver must maintain at least 8 safety points (you start with 8 from day 1).
• Hazmat certification
• A recommendation from your FM.
• Having a passport and being flatbed certified are mandatory, but, these can be completed after acceptance.

The driver will be out from a couple weeks to several months at a time depending on the needs of the client. (my longest stretch has been just over 2 mo.).

Pay is on a salary basis while on tour. Production runs are paid by the mile plus extras.

You can PM me for more info.

All of this speculation and "what I would do is..." kind of stuff is fine for teaching purposes, but, the reality is you have absolutely no idea what you would do in any given traffic hazard the required a split second reaction. There are way too many factors involved to predict what would be the right response.

As has already been said, the best way to avoid a potential crash is to not be in it. Keeping a good distance is the only right answer.

It saddens me to see stories like this or drive by crashes where it is obvious live(s) have been lost no matter the cause. Someone lost a loved one.

Short answer: You had insurance most of 2015, changed jobs, and your employer offers it, but you do not yet qualify for company coverage. That makes you exempt from any fine.

Really no big deal. Read up on the IRS site.