Newbie Help And Advice In Job Searching

Topic 10906 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
John R.'s Comment
member avatar

Sorry, this is so duplicate post. I needed to add more to the subject line.

Okay I will complete my training at the end of this month. I have already "passed" but still need to put the additional school time in. I will have my hazmat , doubles-triples and tanker endorsements (less the fingerprint portion. No kids at home and I am single so I would like advice for starting my career on the road. Companies to apply at and why, team drivers vs. solo. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !!!

HAZMAT:

Hazardous Materials

Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations

Doubles:

Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

Sorry, this is so duplicate post. I needed to add more to the subject line.

Okay I will complete my training at the end of this month. I have already "passed" but still need to put the additional school time in. I will have my hazmat , doubles-triples and tanker endorsements (less the fingerprint portion. No kids at home and I am single so I would like advice for starting my career on the road. Companies to apply at and why, team drivers vs. solo. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !!!

You know I answered this in your previous post! smile.gif

HAZMAT:

Hazardous Materials

Explosive, flammable, poisonous or otherwise potentially dangerous cargo. Large amounts of especially hazardous cargo are required to be placarded under HAZMAT regulations

Doubles:

Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.

Frito's Comment
member avatar

John I have had nothing but a positive and professional experience as a new hire with Averitt Express. The company offers numerous opportunities for their employees though out the system and a solid affordable benefits package. Provided you are in their hiring area I'd encourage you to explore the comprehensive company website. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions regarding the hiring process and orientation through PM. Best of luck. Your options are many but I feel Averitt is worth strong consideration. They have met or exceeded all my expectations.

John R.'s Comment
member avatar

Frito, I went to their website and it looks and sounds great. I live outside of the 150 mile radius but I will call them anyway and ask!! Thanks, John

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

Frito, I went to their website and it looks and sounds great. I live outside of the 150 mile radius but I will call them anyway and ask!! Thanks, John

"I will call them anyway and ask!!": There's two things that make this probably the most powerful thing you can do.

#1. The worst anyone you ask can do is to say "No". Life goes on.

#2. The may say "no" right now, but in a bit when they find they need someone, your name will probably be at the top of the list.

Frito's Comment
member avatar

I agree with Errol that it's worth a call but I will add this. Reviewing my recently issued service center map I see Averitt has no facilities in IA. The company requires the equipment be parked on company property and further goes on to try and get you home weekly so unfortunately I see a potential issue with your location. Further, my CDL instructor recruited for Averitt for many years. He once told us about interviewing a solid potential driver that lived 3 miles (I believe) outside the hiring zone. They rejected him based on location. Again, it's worth a call but I feel they publish a hiring map for reasons that they follow. FWIW, in terms of professionalism from the recruiters, Schneider was my second choice and likely hiring in your area. Again, best of luck. Single and unattached I suppose relocating is an option as well.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
John R.'s Comment
member avatar

Frito, I agree and I have heard "no" before haha! At this point I would like to stay within my area of home. I have 2 children and they both live in the area. I live on an acreage on a state highway and would like to find a job eventually that allows me to bring the truck home. Unfortunately I am in the middle of nowhere green acres so to speak but within 50 miles of a couple larger metro areas. One of the guy's in my class applied to Schneider so I will monitor that too. I am going to apply at Heartland which is based out of Iowa City and seems to pay well for a large Iowa based carrier. Again not sure of the rookie hiring policy. Also Conway has 2 depot's within an hour of me but I don't think the driver's take the trucks home there. I have not had a moving violation since 01/01/2000 no DUI'S or accident's ever which I hope help's somewhat. I would consider team driving because I would make more and do not have to be home on any particular day such as a weekend.

DUI:

Driving Under the Influence

Frito's Comment
member avatar

If my memory serves me correctly heartland requires a year experience but again worth a call. US xpress's is big on teaming and quite frankly was a close second to Schneider. I'm sure someone will chime in quickly about the perception of more money teaming as well as its drawbacks ( at least that's been my experience here). I too considered teaming but I have reservations about sleeping while some essentially total stranger has my life in their hands. I'm still open to the idea after getting to know some of the company drivers. I believe USX will send two new hires out as a team unless you live very close to a large domicile. I think there have been some recent ownership changes at Conway. Worth a Google search too.

Page 1 of 1

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training