Oh Man...its Finally Real!

Good luck, Britton. Are you wanting reefer or flatbed? I applied to Prime last week, but have yet to hear from them. I have already had contact with Swift and Stevens. I like Prime's starting pay, and other things about them. I think they are a good company from everything I have been able to research on them. I am leaning toward dry van as a better fit for me though over reefer. If I thought I could handle flatbed, I would really love to consider Prime for that. I am just not sure that the extra climbing and squatting is right for a 58 yr old really tall guy that could be in better shape. If I thought I could handle it though, I think I would probably prefer flatbed over anything else. It just seems in general, flatbed drivers are happier with their jobs, although I don't have any stats to back that up. It may just seem that way to me.

I'm too lazy to flatbed. Dont get me wrong, I'm a hard worker and everything. I just don't think I can handle the tarping and securing all of the time. Having to do that in the snow would have me too mad to actually drive the load. I prefer to just drive the rig. Loading and unloading wouldn't be terrible. Just that tarping and such isn't for me.

I hear ya. For me, it would be opposite. I would not mind working in the cold and even snow. It is tarping in the 100 degree heat that might be the death of me. I have experience securing loads since I was in air cargo with the Air Force and worked in Ramp Service. I really like the idea of drop and hook as much as possible at my age.

Good luck, Britton. Are you wanting reefer or flatbed? I applied to Prime last week, but have yet to hear from them. I have already had contact with Swift and Stevens. I like Prime's starting pay, and other things about them. I think they are a good company from everything I have been able to research on them. I am leaning toward dry van as a better fit for me though over reefer. If I thought I could handle flatbed, I would really love to consider Prime for that. I am just not sure that the extra climbing and squatting is right for a 58 yr old really tall guy that could be in better shape. If I thought I could handle it though, I think I would probably prefer flatbed over anything else. It just seems in general, flatbed drivers are happier with their jobs, although I don't have any stats to back that up. It may just seem that way to me.

I'm with you Tim, I don't think my knees would handle the rigors of flatbedding, so I'm pulling for the reefer division. I like the idea of driving coast to coast, and, I think it was starcar that mentioned the naps while waiting to load unload the reefers. I like my naps too ...lol. PLus the turnout pay is the best I have found so far, they have good benefits, and I like the home time they offer. It just seems to all 'fit'. Now, if I can just get my recruiter to call me back. lol

Lol. Valid points, and one reason I have applied to reefer companies as well. Stevens contacted me today, and I did an interview with a recruiter. They liked what they saw on my application, but were concerned with my employment gap while I cared for my mother for the last two years. She said she would do what she could for me and would get back with me shortly with their decision. I'm not worried though since Swift has already offered me a spot in their training program. Prime certainly has better starting pay, but one thing I like about Stevens is their awesome equipment. Late model Petes and KWs with big sleepers, all with APU's , and room for appliances, stuff that make life on the road more comfortable. That equipment is an attractive offset to the extra money I would make from Prime, since Prime has the less roomy, spartan lightweight tractors. As Brett says, it is not the company so much as the right fit for the individual.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APU's:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

Glad to hear you're getting ready to go!!!!

I'm always thrilled to hear this site has helped people prepare for the start of their career. You know we'll be here anytime you need us.