Comments By Roger P.

"Nobody bothers me" is a big deal for me and basically why linehaul is attractive.

How many miles do you get per week? What was it like starting there? Did you already have a CDL?

Oh yeah, Bobcat Bob: Is it true that you don't get OT at OD until 60 hours? If so, how does this impact your feelings about pay there?

I forgot to mention, as far as I know all the major LTL companies at one point offered some sort of dock to driver to program but right now freight volume is way down and there have been some lay offs so I would assume most of them have suspended it for now. As Mr. Banks said Fed Ex as and I know OD has a hiring freeze and probably won't need any trainees for awhile.

Appreciate your perspective about OD. All good information.

I am looking to enter the industry around August of next year around the time that my kid starts school, so "a while" is fine.

Yup..."no idea".

Roger have you looked at the job postings on the ABF and YRC websites? I suggest you invest time with both of them, if you haven't already.

I have. Looking at job postings in the middle of a nationwide shutdown doesn't seem to me to be indicative of what the climate is like more generally and I'm looking for a year down the road. So I asked some questions.

That said, ABF wants 12 months of experience for the numerous driver jobs listed (most are P&D and not something any rookie should attempt) and likely you will be spending more time than not schlepping freight on their docks because you will be lowest man on the totem pole. Of the two, YRC seems to be the friendlier when it comes to entry-level drivers; they offer CDL training (at least that's what is on their website), but again you will be working on the dock a good bit of time. Is that the best way to gain valuable driving experience? Although somewhat rhetorical, I'll let you answer that...

I don't mind working on a dock for a bit to get in the door.

Honestly not concerned personally what you think Roger, but your "nuts" comment was way out of line considering you were seeking advice and help. Bad form...really bad.

You're obviously very concerned as you won't stop bringing it up. It didn't even occur to me that you were going to take this so personally, man.

That said:

- Right now I know several LTL Union guys who are not working. I am Non-Union and busier than I've ever been. They sit, while I drive. Does that make me "nuts" Roger? For over 7 years Swift has treated me like gold. Although it was earned; I state this because Swift is the darling of the "internet bashers"; basically failed drivers flapping their gums, ducking personal accountability and "running" their former employers "through".

- Secondly, and perhaps more relevant in the long run, I have never, ever witnessed or know of a non-union driver being let-go "without just cause". And usually (unless drugs or alcohol is involved) after multiple events. Do you really think a union shop will allow you to continue driving or continue gainful employment after a failing a random, or multiple rookie-like citations/infractions/events, or plowing into the back of a mini-van? I am not going to answer that either (lest you think I am "nuts")... Suffice it to say however, the job protection you assume you'll be getting in a union shop (as a rookie no less) might be very different than the reality you perceive. I suggest looking a lot deeper.

Coming from a union family I think there are two kinds of workplaces: The kind where you have absolutely zero rights, just the goodwill of your employer, and a union shop. I'm not worried about the union having my back because I can't pass a drug test or I keep crashing into stuff. Forgive me if I want something to protect my job beyond the goodwill of my employer.

Your best entry point into this business is right here: Paid CDL Training Programs

Like I have already suggested, trucking is different and your reply basically proved my point.

I have spent the last week reading everything there. I'm not really sure what your point is or how I've "proved it."

Thanks for the daily chuckle, Roger.

No idea what I said that was funny, but I'd love to be clued in.

One important thought I’ll leave with you; we create our job security out here by becoming top-performing drivers, practice safety at all times and consistently “getting the work done”. If you achieve that level of performance, you’ll never need to worry about a good-paying trucking job anywhere.

Good luck no matter what you decide!

Ok, well I guess calling ABF is the way to go.

FWIW, reading more about the work, union definitely sounds the way to go to me and with respect, I think you guys are nuts for not wanting to be union. "At-will" employment is for the birds.

If there's anyone at YRC who can tell me a bit about moving up off the extras board / off the dock, I'd appreciate it.

My other question is: If I start in, for example, ABF in ABQ but I get a transfer to Colorado Springs, do I lose all of my seniority?

Does ABF train new drivers?

I've been all over this site and read every topic on the subject of linehaul LTL driving.

First, a bit about my personal situation: I've run my own company for the last ten years. After ten years, the money ain't the same and my heart isn't in it, so I'm considering a career change. I'm looking into trucking because for the last year I've been living in a travel trailer, moving around a lot and I like driving / seeing the world from the highway. It also doesn't take 12 years to learn and doesn't land me in an office. It's obviously not the same, but I rushed my family from Las Cruces, NM to Grand Rapids, MI in two days when COVID started ramping up.

After researching for the last two weeks, I would really like to get into linehaul. I have a wife and a young son and while I want to provide for them financially, I also want to be there for them. Linehaul seems to offer the most home time.

I want to work in a union shop for a variety of reasons, but the most relevant one is that I come from a union family (father is an ironworker) and want the job security that comes with a CBA. I'm fine with working my way up the seniority rankings, to me that's just how jobs like this work.

Some questions I have:

First and foremost, for a guy who wants to work at one company, preferably in one city (I would love to relocate the family to Colorado Springs -- and am able to do so on my own dime), what is the best union LTL company to work for?

Beyond this, how long does it take to get off the extras board and get a bid? And while you're on the extras board, what kind of monfey are you making?

I do not have a CDL and a company that will train me is preferred to driving school. I can start on the docks, but prefer not to. My time from for starting is either this fall (if we can't travel for another year) or the end of next summer (f we can).

I know there's a lot of "it depends" in here and I'm fine with that. Just looking for a place where I can work for 25 years, get a pension and retire without moving around. Am mostly looking at YRC, but figure you guys can help me to both broaden and refine my search.