Loading/unloading
Topic 12195 | Page 1
I don't know this for sure so don't take it to the bank but from my reading here and there and about it seems mostly local / dedicated accounts are the ones that have you do unloading. I don't think I have heard of anyone loading their own trailer except maybe putting cages that had stuff for shipment back in truck. dedicated like the various dollar stores (dollar tree, general, family dollar, etc) seem to all require you to unload your trailer, you back up to receiving area and unload their shipment to their receiving area once that stuff is finished you to next store and do it again, something like 3-4 stores per trailer.
Most driving jobs though you never have to load or unload and the times when it's not a drop n hook the company pays the receiver to have a lumper do the unloading for you. usually when the company doesn't they pay you to do so (extra money).
That's what I have understood so far.
I'm considering getting my CDL. This web site has been very helpful. One question about loading/unloading. I've seen the following comments: "OTR drivers rarely have to unload" and "if you drive you will need to unload".
I'm in good shape and I exercise a lot, but I'm also 53 and don't want to get into a job where loading and unloading a trailer is a regular part of my job description. The specific questions are:
- Are there companies I should look for where unloading is rare? - Are regional job more/less likely to have to unload? I understand I may have to start OTR , but my goal would be to get into regional driving ASAP.
Thanks.
Welcome Seldon and Happy New Year.
There are a few accounts requiring a driver to unload; mostly the Dollar Stores and many tire accounts (like Firestone for instance). Most of the dedicated regional accounts and OTR are "no-touch" freight.
Since you inquired you might find Brett's Book and Truck Driver's Career Guide interesting and helpful as you begin your journey.
Trucking Truth also has a comprehensive on-line course called High Road Training Program that will assist you in getting your CDL A permit.
Beyond that there is a ton of other information on this site designed to help students and new drivers with understanding Truck Driving Schools, Company-Sponsored Training , and How To Choose A School.
Let us know how else we can help and good luck.
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.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Company-sponsored Training:
A Company-Sponsored Training Program is a school that is owned and operated by a trucking company.
The schooling often requires little or no money up front. Instead of paying up-front tuition you will sign an agreement to work for the company for a specified amount of time after graduation, usually around a year, at a slightly lower rate of pay in order to pay for the training.
If you choose to quit working for the company before your year is up, they will normally require you to pay back a prorated amount of money for the schooling. The amount you pay back will be comparable to what you would have paid if you went to an independently owned school.
Company-sponsored training can be an excellent way to get your career underway if you can't afford the tuition up front for private schooling.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
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I'm considering getting my CDL. This web site has been very helpful. One question about loading/unloading. I've seen the following comments: "OTR drivers rarely have to unload" and "if you drive you will need to unload".
I'm in good shape and I exercise a lot, but I'm also 53 and don't want to get into a job where loading and unloading a trailer is a regular part of my job description. The specific questions are:
- Are there companies I should look for where unloading is rare? - Are regional job more/less likely to have to unload? I understand I may have to start OTR , but my goal would be to get into regional driving ASAP.
Thanks.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated