Have A Serious Question...

I have no interest in leasing and I don't like feeling like I'm being told that the only way I'm gonna make any money is by leasing.

That's TransAm talking. Whatever happens you're not staying with them, so "in one ear and out the other".

So you only have the hotel bill to worry about? No matter what they say about paying it, plan to make payments you can handle.

Unfortunately that's not Trans Am talking. A very good military buddy of mine has been with them for about 5 years now. He started out as a company driver and switched to L/O because of the fact that they channel more miles towards their lease division. I was initially interested in them because they run nice equipment and seem to maintain it well but he even told me to do more checking around before making a solid decision. He's never said anything bad about the company and makes decent money but he's single and the truck is his home. He puts in a lot of miles and has mentioned that once this lease is up, moving to another company.

Chickie Monster, I love that name - it tells me that somewhere down inside you there is a little tiger in there. Well... it's time to let that tiger take charge girl!

Listen to me now, I started my career at Western Express - I heard all the same garbage that you are hearing and more when I was going through my orientation at Western Express. Sooooo... What are you going to do when you get to Western and you hear that they are going to starve you to death on your miles because they don't want to be paying you that much money?

You are saying such contradictory statements that it is very concerning. More troubling to me is that so many folks in here seem to be supporting your decision. It is tough getting started at this - I don't care where you try it. This is the time to buckle down and give it your all. That tired old line about these companies starving people out on their miles is bull excrement. I don't care where you are working if you are a productive member of their team they will keep you moving - it is in their best interest. The more money you make the more they make - this job is all about productivity.

I don't like TransAm's push for the leasing, but we've had some other drivers in here go there as company drivers who did just great. When I went to Western Express here is what usually took place at orientation. About 100 people showed up the first day - then by the second day we were down to about 65 people - then by the fifth day we were down to about thirty people. Those thirty would usually make it through to getting a trainer and then about ten of those would last through the training. Of those ten, about two would make it through the first three months! Why? Well those that left on the second day didn't pass either the physical or the drug test - those that didn't make it to the end of the week for the most part were doing what you are thinking about doing - they went by their gut feeling which was fueled by the terrible things they were hearing from the drivers hanging about at the terminal. The terminal rats, as I call them, are the absolute worst group of people to take information from. ?the ones you should be listening to are out on the road and they don't have time to talk to you.

Chickie Monster, I'm gonna stick my neck out here and just tell you that I think you are making a mistake. Here is your chance to prove to yourself, and to your first trucking employer, just how tough you are. My word of advice is to stick it out and make it work - YOU CAN DO THIS!

It can be frightening, but I agree with Rainy, I learned a lot more once I was on my own than I did with a trainer - this is a long process and you are stumbling at the very gate. Don't let your nerves be confused as some "gut feeling" instinct. Take charge of your career and keep moving forward.

Don't let your nerves be confused as some "gut feeling" instinct. Take charge of your career and keep moving forward.

I agree wholeheartedly with Old School and I was thinking this very thing word for word. How can you have a gut instinct about something you know nothing about? You have no experience with the company and no experience in the trucking industry. Now you can have a gut instinct about a person you don't know because 250,000 years of evolution has given us some ability to detect potentially dangerous people. But that isn't going to help you evaluate a trucking company I'm afraid.

Not to mention, you've been spending all of your time trying to validate this "gut instinct" of yours by asking around about the company. It's not hard to validate things you believe to be true. It's almost automatic in fact. That's how our minds work.

"Terminal Rats" - you ain't kidding! Do you know how many people get spooked from a company or the industry altogether because they're listening to the wrong people? I have to say Chickie Monster it sounds like you're falling for the same ol' doom and gloom baloney from the wrong people.

I also think you should stick it out where you're at. You can average 2,500+ miles per week if you can handle it. They might start you slowly to make sure you're going to be on time and you can handle the miles. But once you've proven what you can do you should expect 2,500+ miles per week at any major company out there, TransAm included.

ChickieMonster,

You're in a new environment that you're not used to and that can be scary enough. Then you add learning how to handle the 80,000 lb beast and dealing with all new personalities, while worrying about money. That is tough situation but you can do it.

Although I'm not in school yet, I empathize with you and others who are struggling. You and others here are helping people like me. I hope you can stck with them for 3 months and gain some experience. I'm rooting for you!

Thanks to everyone for the awesome advice!

Old school you are so right! I didn't get to where I am by being a scaredy cat. I got here because I've got determination, strength and a little bit of tiger in me! I get to doubting myself and I am my own worst enemy.

So in light of everything that's been said, and with the support of my amazing husband, I have decided to stick this out and see it through. I had to dig deep and pull out my inner Chickie Monster but I know I can do this!

Now that's the ATTITUDE CM! You will be just fine right where you are. Go get em'

Thanks to everyone for the awesome advice!

Old school you are so right! I didn't get to where I am by being a scaredy cat. I got here because I've got determination, strength and a little bit of tiger in me! I get to doubting myself and I am my own worst enemy.

So in light of everything that's been said, and with the support of my amazing husband, I have decided to stick this out and see it through. I had to dig deep and pull out my inner Chickie Monster but I know I can do this!

Chickie, that's great to hear! Keep us updated on your progress & when the going gets tough...let the inner Chickie Monster power ya through. If 300 miles would make or break you in your first couple of weeks, I can imagine that a week long hotel bill would be just as detrimental in the long run. I firmly believe the terrific staff here @ TT have your best interests at heart & wouldn't throw you to the wolves.

We are doing road testing today. I haven't had my chance to drive yet but I definitely feel a lot more comfortable with this now that I have put on my big girl pants and gotten down to business.

Charlie I completely agree with you! This forum is the very first place I came when I started wrestling with the decision to leave. I have received nothing but encouragement and support from the members. Not only that but I got the swift kick in the rear that I desperately needed!

The people here at TT have become a mini family to me. I sincerely hope I get to meet some of these amazing people out on the road some day so I can shake their hands and personally thank them for everything!

Congratulations on your decision! Keep in mind; you ONLY have to stay 90 days to satisfy the hotel bill. I'm not saying you should leave, but if you do; 1. Have your back up confirmed before you leave and 2. Make sure the backup is someplace you WILL stay.

Now just go do what you know how to do.

Yay!!! Good for you. Take A breath... See What Solo Is REALLY Like theN assess. So happy for you. I've said it before... socializing with other drivers really helps. I have experienced people I can. Call day or night... yep at 3am. I've learned that most truckers are very very helpful...so you are never truly alone.