Comments By a20fan4ever2

Lol....but you're not judging me?

Contrary to what everyone thinks I put 100% into whatever I do. I am going to Trans Am and they will get just that 100%. As far as committing to spend my first year with them, that all depends on how things go between myself and Trans Am. I do know what I'm getting into and know how to go about it. If it doesn't work out at Trans Am then it wasn't meant to be. Believe what you want about me thats your choice. I'm done having to defend myself for the choices I feel I must make in this situation. I'd much rather take the advice of personally known lifelong truck drivers than someone on the internet who can say their one thing but be another. I simply asked a simple question to begin with "What would you do?"

Thats funny. I know I'm a rookie and not a "NFL SUPERSTAR" as you put it. So you're saying I'm supposed to commit to a company for a year making less than I could be making if i committed to a different company? Honestly I don't understand that logic. If I'm able to obtain my training and experience at a higher rate of pay why should I have to do it and make less money doing it? May Trucking has a guaranteed pay scale that would be sufficient for me to pay my bills and my child support every month with some extra for myself. Trans Am is a very successful company, yes I know that, and they will continue to be that with or without me there. My family has all drive trucks for many years and to go with the higher pay is what kept my uncle on the road for 45 yrs before he happily retired. My grandfather owned 16 trucks and each one made him plenty of money by following the same rule. Personally I'm following the advice of my family who were all very successful drivers. If I can't provide for my children like a man should then what does that say about me? Maybe you don't see my point of view as valid but as a man and a father I must do what I have to do to give my children the future they deserve. I don't want anyone thinking less of me because of the choices I am making because in the end there's only one that can judge me and that's all the matters. "Do not judge lest you be judged" So I'm sorry if you don't agree with my way of thinking, that's your choice, but to judge me and belittle me also shows me a lot.

Brett you make it sound like I'm out to screw over Trans Am! If you took it that way then I'm sorry for you misreading my posts. I committed to go to Trans Am and give them a shot just like they committed to giving me a chance. You make it sound like a bad thing to want to better myself if I don't feel Trans Am is the place for me! If you missed my post concerning my children and child support then I'm also sorry. My previous employer was taking $165 a week out of my check to keep me current. Now that was when I was making $440 a week. Trans Am only pays $350 a week before taxes. Which leaves me with ???? to live off after $165 is sent to child support. In order to survive, pay my bills, and keep my license from being suspended I need to go where the money is.

Does that make sense?

Errol I understand completely where you're coming from. I am sticking by my decision because when I commit to something I'm the type of person to follow through. I have read up on Trans Am also. From what I've read they are a great company to work for but they pay is subpart compared to other companies. I know I have to get a start somewhere and very grateful they have offered me that chance. Because of that I'm going to give them my best and hope it pays off in the end. But if it's not paying off then I do know I have other options available.

In the end, I have to do what's best for my children which is where my decisions are made from.

Today is a good day! Another Trucker in America with a Conscience that honors his Commitments. A shrinking population. Welcome to the Club Sir!

Thank you! My integrity and commitment to what I day I'll do is a big part of all my choices in life. But don't get me wrong....one slip by Trans Am and I will be making a phone call to May! With $640 month in child support it was extremely hard to turn May down. And now that I've read some other posts about them on here it's starting to eat at me that I turned em down. But like I said I have to stick by my word and give Trans Am a shot to make me happy. Ive heard Trams Am trucks come fully equipped which I'm thinking they use as a crutch to not pay as well. But for myself I could do without some extras to make myself, my kids and my wallet much happier!

I think you handled it perfectly. Didn't burn a bridge with TA. Left another door wide open at the "Other" Company. Hey..... Most Companies will stick you on a Grey Dog with some of societies less than desirables! You git a PLANE TICKET! Wise choice. Good Luck!

Thanks Tractor! As bad as I wanted to say yes to May Trucking my conscious just wouldn't let me and I was told that they respected my decision cause they wouldn't want anyone to skip out on them in the same fashion. It's made me feel better about myself but I still need the money they offer. Guess I'll just take it one day at a time and see what happens!

Does the second company have a name? Mystery and intrigue,...TT has it all.

The second company is May Trucking based out of Oregon. Orientation is held beginning on Tuesdays every week and they would send me to Lebanon, TN due to my home address.

My experience has been that some companies will work with you having one ticket 15 over the limit. But be prepared for many to not accept it at all. I have 2 of them from 2014 and have been turned down by almost every carrier out there except by Western Express, Trans Am and Swift.

That ticket may only be for speeding but companies look at it as reckless driving which I have found out will hurt you tremendously in this industry. Good luck in your search.

What would you do?

I already have a plane ticket purchased by Trans Am to go to orientation on Tuesday in Rockwall, TX. I was hired by them on Wednesday night. Then I received a call Friday evening that I was approved by another company. In comparing the 2 companies, the 2nd one seems to be a much better offer. Here's why:

Trans Am pays $350 a week for orientation and training. Start at .30 cent a mile and 1/2 cent raise every 6 months, can't guarantee when I'll be home after training ends and I am given my own truck.

2nd company pays $630 a week for orientation and training. Starts at .35 cents a mile and 2 cent raise after 6 months and again after a year. Said when training is over I'm issued my own truck and sent home for 3 days to get what I need to be on the road for 3-4 weeks at a time.

I'm ultimately going to Trams Am on Tuesday because I accepted their offer first. I just wouldn't feel right after the plane ticket was already purchased. I don't want to burn any bridges if I don't have too. Now the 2nd company has told me that if for some reason it doesn't work out at Trans Am then their offer still stands whether it's a week, a month or a year from now.

Just wondering how other drivers would handle this situation.