Choosing A Company To Apply To-decision Factors
Topic 18493 | Page 1
Wow David...big changes a head for you. Just a quick thought, you might want to (if you haven't already) read Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving. Granted, the text relevant to getting started, skills and knowledge you can skip, but the lifestyle aspects might be of value for you to get an idea of life as an OTR driver. Who do you drive for?
Living in close proximity to a terminal is not typically an issue. Although I live close to mine (Walmart DC in Gordon PA), I know many of the SWIFT drivers assigned to the account live hundreds of miles away. As long as a company hires within your area, you are golden. Most companies will let you park your truck near your home for home-time. Since I live relatively close to my terminal, I park my car right next to the truck I am assigned to. Although I have taken my 34 and occasionally a 10 at a Walmart near my residence, it's an exception.
Overall many OTR carriers may require you to road-train with a trainer/mentor for a short period of time (guessing two weeks) just to get acclimated to the new process and life style. As you apply to different carriers you will better understand what to expect.
My suggestion going forward is to take look at this link...numerous companies are covered in TT's Trucking Company Reviews
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
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.
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Let me start by saying I have posted questions on this sight and am grateful for the positive and informative responses. I have been driving commercially for about 20 years, but all local ,(within a 200 mile radius). I am Interested in going over the road but am completely clueless about it ! Many times I have read about people trying to decide what companies to apply to. I am older and have a home and have no interested in relocating or moving. I Guess my question would be in deciding what companies to apply to, is terminal location for the company you are interested in applying to a consideration. I think the closet terminal to where I live is about 125 miles from my home and is a Swift terminal. The reason for the question is, If you are on home time do you have to leave the truck at the terminal and then go home and then return to the terminal and pick up the truck when you go back on duty, or do you just drive the truck home, which I would think makes since because trucking companies recruit nationally and I have seen recruitment adds on Craigstlist for CRST in my home town and surrounding towns that I know do not have terminals. I am California and there are many trucking companies based here with terminals , but it would be difficult to have to drive 3 or 4 hours to a terminal. (commute to work) .Thank you for any insight on this subject!
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Over The Road:
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.