Profile For Mike D.

Thank you, Peter.

Best of luck to you.

That was a truly impressive synopsis. Thank you.

Pay is important, of course, but so is home time.

I just want to interject something into this conversation. I think it's important or I wouldn't be bothering. Having been a part of this forum for many years now, I begin to see things that are brought up frequently. This idea of getting top pay and lots of time at home is something a lot of newbies specify as critical to their decision on a company to start with.

Trucking is an incredibly diverse industry. There are jobs available to meet a really wide set of expectations. It's also an incredibly competitive environment that requires plenty of work, yet yields relatively slim margins. Productivity is key to it's success. That goes for all the people working in this business from the upper level managers to the lowliest of them all, the driver.

As drivers we are the "boots on the ground." We make up the front line in this army. It's critical that we are making great things happen out here. We are relied on heavily, and hyper productive drivers are valued greatly. Anybody can do this job, but any cursory search of the internet concerning trucking jobs and/or companies will reveal that only a few do it well.

I think I'm just wanting to point out how you get to experience top pay and also enjoy the time you desire at home. Those two things don't spring from company policy. They are produced by a driver's ability to be really productive. Now there's a lot to being productive, and much of it is misunderstood. That's why we have such voluminous accounts of truck drivers airing out their complaints online. They don't get the results they want, and they blame their failures on the industry and/or their dispatcher/company.

Anybody wanting to maximize their earnings, and go home when needed, must establish themselves as Top Tier Drivers. That's something that isn't affected by the name of the company emblazoned on your truck.

I see reports all the time of drivers claiming to be treated as slaves because they weren't allowed to go home. Anytime you read something like that you have to read into it something more. What you're probably seeing is a driver who isn't earning a dime for the company and their dispatcher is desperately trying to develop them into someone productive. You aren't seeing a modern day version of life on the plantation.

I was blessed to learn so much in this forum, and quickly realized how to produce results out here. Sometimes I practice things that others don't even attempt, but I'm always angling to be the best I can be at this job. That has resulted in very good treatment by my employers, my dispatchers, and other managers. I can simply make a request for something and they start moving mountains to make it happen. That has nothing to do with the name on my truck. It has everything to do with the way they appreciate having a productive driver on their team.

I'm sorry - I'm making a short story long. I'm bad about that. The bottom line is that to get the things we want out of this career, we must put in the things that are necessary. Don't look to company policies for direction on how to succeed at this career. Look to your own efforts and levels of productivity. Trucking company policies bend and adjust themselves to productive drivers. If you want special treatment it's available, but you'll need to earn it.

Millis as well. They have a terminal in Ohio and give you three days for every two weeks on the road.

Thanks for the replies. I’ll look into those other companies, too. I’ve been thinking about doling this for a long time. I actually joined this site a few years ago and decided to just stay where I was instead. Now I’m just ready to make the change.

Wilson Logistics is pretty big in the west.

Thank you, Laura for your great advice

I wish I would have done first but now I am looking for a company to start with no experience

I am sorry for your loss as well.

I found a company that a friend of mine owns. I am going to see him tomorrow. He said he's willing to train me if I can get hired on with them

So wish me luck tomorrow.

Thank

Mark

32 years ago for me, as well.

Where does the time go.

I'm short in the army at Fort Hood

LOL!! Short. Thanks for the memories!

I've been out 32 years and still remember being "Short" before going PCS or when I separated.

Laura

I know a young man at Fort Hood who is also considered it.

I'm short in the army at Fort Hood and I'm looking at the possibility of driving as a civilian when I get out. Many people in the service say that lifestyle is hard to beat considering the pay and the relatively little out-of-pocket living expenses. No rent, no electric bills, no doctors bills, no dental bills and three squares a day on top of a basic paycheck which is mostly money to squander away on a nice car, a new Harley-Davidson or whatever. Is driving a Big Rig for a "Big Wig" carrier really a lifestyle that's really tough to beat for a bachelor with no spouse or children when one considers what it potentially pays and how much sweat and knuckle-busting is involved in the employment? One also has to consider how tough the job market really is.

Bob Baffert has a colt that they paid $2.5 million for.

Those people have more money than they know what to do with.

According to Nancy, when the foals are about 2 years they have a veterinarian report done and then sold at auction. One of her foals sold at auction for $900,000.

I'm in the wrong business.

100%. I am going in with the attitude and desire that I will retire with Millis. Will I? Who knows but I know the longer I work for them and if I don't mess up, I'll get seniority, raises, etc. And where did I learn that?

Here, on TruckingTruth. TMC seemed great but I am in my early 50's and while I don't shirk work, folding an 80 pound tarp in freezing rain isn't as much fun as it would have been 10-20 years ago, so I'm taking this as a blessing and an opportunity, not a disappointment.

I was a little upset when TMC changed course but I think it turned out for better, for me.

All major carriers offer fantastic opportunities. They all have outstanding equipment, a strong support structure, powerful financing, and a long list of Fortune 500 customers. People often believe they must find just the right company to work for, but that's not true. An awesome driver will be happy and successful at any major carrier, a lousy driver will be miserable at any major carrier.

Give Millis everything you've got for one full year. See it through. You may eventually decide you want something a little different, so you'll move on. But most of the time a person stays with a company for a full year, they're thrilled right where they're at.

I work in Waco, right now, at least for another week.

I have to tell you, I've researched, I've been in contact with their drivers, I've watched the YouTube videos from their drivers, and the recruiter has been on the up and up with me, I don't see how you could go wrong.

I was a little upset when TMC changed course but I think it turned out for better, for me.

Thanks for the quick reply Mike D. I have my eye on Millis Transfer now that we decided not to move out of Texas when I retire in 2024. Their 3 week vacation after the first year caught my eye when looking at their benefits, I haven't seen that at other trucking companies but I haven't look at them all either. Training terminal being close to Waco, TX is a nice plus too 😎

From what I gathered, and I could be wrong, is that they're constructing a new building in the same place.

I'm curious, are they going to build a new terminal in Burleson or moving to a different location in Texas?

I have masks, hand sanitizer, and a king fu stance to ensure people respect the social distance requirements!

I also just remembered that there is a truck stop right across the road from the terminal with an okay restaurant.

With the COVID craze now, I don't know if it's open for serving food, though.

I honestly feel better about it. I'm trying to wrap up an ugly divorce and getting out of Texas is an actual relief. It should be a nice drive.

AND fewer 100plus degrees days,to boot.

Richland.

Burleson was the worst Millis terminal facility when I was there. Not enough room, dusty, hot (Texas), and poorly laid out.

Which terminal in Wisconsin?

Awesome! That was my favorite terminal, and favorite shop, both.

I don't mind telling you when she immediately put me on the phone with the head of human resources, I thought it was over.

I live in Texas so I was already thinking about the heat at school, so now that's one less thing to worry about.

Richland.

Burleson was the worst Millis terminal facility when I was there. Not enough room, dusty, hot (Texas), and poorly laid out.

Which terminal in Wisconsin?

Told me there was a "problem" and put me on the phone with the human resources director. As I waited to be told there was a reason I was going to be rejected after being accepted, I started thinking about Wilson Logistics.... and then I was told the problem was the training building in Burleson was being torn down and if I wanted to stay on track for the same training date, I'd have to go to Wisconsin.

That's not a "problem" in my book, that's a solution! And I've never been to Milwaukee so it all works out.

It's not like I'm not going to be driving all across the country soon, anyway, right?

I'm loving the adventure.

But you keep going back to Swift, you seem offended that they didn't accept you. Why? You want to be a truck driver, make money, and travel the country, right?

Then why do you care about what company's name is on the truck?

Honestly, SWIFT might think you're a horrible candidate but Prime Inc might think you're the cat's pajamas.

Does it matter what company pays you?

After this,I'm not responding to the post because it's not helpful. You're obviously upset that someone doesn't think you're an incredible person and talent.

That doesn't mean you aren't but what it means is that you should find someone who appreciates what you have to offer.

Good luck.

I dont think im fixated at all with Swift, i am trying to work through my problem, so i get it right with the next company. Also just bouncing the idea about fixing with Swift, because its an easy problem to solve.

I did ask several question Turtle actually, finally addressed them. So i had to give a bunch of background info, so that could be misconstrued, its ok, i forgive you, honest mistake.

Part of the confusion i had, was when i said i had 2 dui verbally, did Swift recruiter have that info. Through posting today and reasoning it out, i believe Swift did not have that info. I see now, im not sure when they do a background? I was confused because maybe they had info, that i had 2 DUI. Wracking my brain, i dont, for the life of me remember two.......this is also important moving forward, do i tell the next company irecruiter 2 or 1? I will be telling them 1, i fully know i had 1. I didnt want to get accepted to another Companies school, and halfway through training, find out i had 2, and get sent home. Thats why i was trying to figure out if it a hard hearted Swift employee(hard truth) just gave up on me, or that Swift employee had info i had 2....and was wracking my brain, over it.

But again i now feel confident, that i can move forward.

Yesterday, i spent a lot of time actually gathering paperwork to show 40 years of Self employment, getting my driving record, and anything else needed to back up my words.

Once i do, i think im going to go to the Trucker Truth page, where i can apply for several companies. I dont think Stevens trucking is on that list, they interest me.

I have also decided to call another Recruiter at Swift , i bet i can get an invite from them. Not that i will accept , maybe. Just to show you, i just dont listen to people, telling me move on......without some solid evidence , or reasoning. I messed up a moment, but i have the ability to get another shot , will post that progress.

Tomorrow, investigate cost of my own background.

Thanks for all the encouragement and well wishes , Appreciated.

Bless you.

I was a little bummed out but there are so many good companies out there. Plus thinking about tarping in 34 degree rain doesn't sound as much fun as I once thought it might be.

TMC were calling and emailing me even after filling the application out and submitting it, said I'd have no problem then, all of a sudden there was no communication so I started calling with no return calls. Finally called the recruiting line and they just said "We've decided not to proceed any further."

They did the same to me.

I guess our point is you seem obsessed with it. Why? There are just as many other companies as Swift that might even be a better fit for you. Yes, some trucking companies WILL work with you, but not all. Again, I was in love with TMC and had spent two months discussing things with them then, all of a sudden, decided not to pursue. I didn't call and complain or even ask why because most of the time they will not tell you why so as to avoid a possible lawsuit.

I then went out and applied on this website, Trucking Truth, and had immediate interest and acceptance from companies as good or maybe better than TMC.

Worrying about one recruiter from one trucking company seems a waste of your valuable time when you could be searching for a better fir for you.

Just my two cents.

Turtle,

Thanks for the reply, OUCH, that hurt. Well said. However, i was under the imppression, that Trucking companies would work with you. Even if you did have problems. I know im not perfect, i dont try to hide it. Im real and honest. Some people pick up things and know it all from the begining. I admit i am slow and learning. So in the future, would Swift kick me to the curb over a minor mistake, because they have a ton of perfect drivers, and dont have the time or patience for someone like me? Thats good to know about a company, yes? Is everyone like that at Swift?

So Turtle, i dont think Swift is done with me. I do think that recruiter at Swift is done with me. I am sure of that.

I am trying to clean up my HONEST MISTAKE, and seeking some input about that, not here to bash or put down. I definately dont want to fall into the category of someone who made an Honest mistake, as oppossed to someone trying to lie, game the system and. Deceive. If i had 2 DUI's, i can still work, i have no issue with telling truth....i dont need to lie.

Jesus forgives me, im at peace with that. I can understand why a Trucking company couldnt. No judgement on my part.

So im still seeking input as if i should attempt to clean up what was an honest mistake at Swift, will it follow me around? I realize i could move on, many posts on that subject. Yet it is a simple honest mistake, why not meet it head on, and work it out?

Not only that, i did think that others might learn from the experience, and come here off a web search, which would give Trucker Truth some clickbait, and higher rankings.

Hopefully this world has not gone too far to crap that everyones is so unmerciful and unforgiving that they arent willing to work with an honest mistake.........otherwise, im screwed......lol......

The recruiters don't communicate with each other so I'd just forget about Swift, fill out the application the way it should be, and move on.

TMC were calling and emailing me even after filling the application out and submitting it, said I'd have no problem then, all of a sudden there was no communication so I started calling with no return calls. Finally called the recruiting line and they just said "We've decided not to proceed any further."

So I ended up getting approved with no problem with another great company

I have two felony convictions from over 20 years ago, one for two DWIs' within a year. Since then no problems, clean driving record, employed since 1992. Prime/Wilson/CRST/Millis were all available to me. I was honest and upfront and disn't try to hide anything. There's plenty of companies that should give you a shot if that's the extent of your past trouble.

Hi,

Been reading the forums last couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone for thoughts, ive gleaned a lot.

I sent of a application to Swift, even before i talked to a recruiter. I think i learned, i need to talk to recruiter first. I was assigned a recruiter, and was asked to call their number to speed up process, dont think it helped, but, they did get back to me barely before 48 hrs was up. Some quick facts, i have no dui's, dwi, for last 25 years. No moving viokation in 7 yrs, 2 accidents in 5, not my fault, no ticket, verifiable 30 yr self employed, excellent references , no medical issues . So i look good on paper i think.

Soooo, the recruiter called me on my cell, just as i was entering the road with my car, i pulled over, and she started asking me, any moving viokations, i answered, a couple more questions, i answered , then was asked any suspensions? Yes, in 1982, but apparently, on the application i said no, when i went to look at application later, i realized my rookie mistake of rushing through application, not reading carefully. Then, was asked any Dui,dwi, yes, i said 2 1984. Recruiter quickly replied, oh we do not hire anyone with 2 at all, and started wrapping up the call, im completely dumbfounded here, call ends.

Then, i remembered from 1984 i didnt have 2 dui, what happened, i originally got it deffered , but was viokated because i crossed state lines, so had 2 distinct court sessions over it, with jail time by Violation.

Sooo after realizing i mispoke, and i put no on the suspension , i tried, by email, and voicemail to get it cleaned up with the recruiter. 1 voicemail, 2 emails , 48 hrs still no reply from swift recruiter.

Soooo, im thinking, im going to call into swift, to a different Recruiter, and mention, my application, and bonehead, rookie mistake, sheeesh, ive been self employed 40 years, swift was first application in 40 years, cut me slack. Ok,?

Sooo any advice?comment,insight? That would be helpful?

Can i redo my application, or do i have to wait? Yes i was super super sweet to the young lady recruiter, and tried to butter her up, and plead mercy.

Not trying to game the system honest mistake

TIA, appreciated

Thanks for the info and encouragement. I am feeling good about prospects. I am Just concerned about how my mistake on the swift application, and the verbal with the recruiter, is going to affect, the other potential hires/companies. So im trying to get that cleaned up so no problems down the road. I am being pro active, ive just ordered my FREE reports, from my background, and DMV 's, that were given to Swift initially , i too have a felony from 1979.....Swift didnt ask about that I was a rebel bad boy in my younger years, its come back to haunt me again.....lol......Itry to keep my inner bad boy on lockdown nowadays, but he still comes out....lol.

Thanks for the encouragement and tge list.

I have two felony convictions from over 20 years ago, one for two DWIs' within a year. Since then no problems, clean driving record, employed since 1992. Prime/Wilson/CRST/Millis were all available to me. I was honest and upfront and disn't try to hide anything. There's plenty of companies that should give you a shot if that's the extent of your past trouble.

Hi,

Been reading the forums last couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone for thoughts, ive gleaned a lot.

I sent of a application to Swift, even before i talked to a recruiter. I think i learned, i need to talk to recruiter first. I was assigned a recruiter, and was asked to call their number to speed up process, dont think it helped, but, they did get back to me barely before 48 hrs was up. Some quick facts, i have no dui's, dwi, for last 25 years. No moving viokation in 7 yrs, 2 accidents in 5, not my fault, no ticket, verifiable 30 yr self employed, excellent references , no medical issues . So i look good on paper i think.

Soooo, the recruiter called me on my cell, just as i was entering the road with my car, i pulled over, and she started asking me, any moving viokations, i answered, a couple more questions, i answered , then was asked any suspensions? Yes, in 1982, but apparently, on the application i said no, when i went to look at application later, i realized my rookie mistake of rushing through application, not reading carefully. Then, was asked any Dui,dwi, yes, i said 2 1984. Recruiter quickly replied, oh we do not hire anyone with 2 at all, and started wrapping up the call, im completely dumbfounded here, call ends.

Then, i remembered from 1984 i didnt have 2 dui, what happened, i originally got it deffered , but was viokated because i crossed state lines, so had 2 distinct court sessions over it, with jail time by Violation.

Sooo after realizing i mispoke, and i put no on the suspension , i tried, by email, and voicemail to get it cleaned up with the recruiter. 1 voicemail, 2 emails , 48 hrs still no reply from swift recruiter.

Soooo, im thinking, im going to call into swift, to a different Recruiter, and mention, my application, and bonehead, rookie mistake, sheeesh, ive been self employed 40 years, swift was first application in 40 years, cut me slack. Ok,?

Sooo any advice?comment,insight? That would be helpful?

Can i redo my application, or do i have to wait? Yes i was super super sweet to the young lady recruiter, and tried to butter her up, and plead mercy.

Not trying to game the system honest mistake

TIA, appreciated