Two Years OTR...what Next?
Topic 22740 | Page 1
Hey guys. This month will mark 1.5 years I have been out on the road, accident free. I try to look ahead, and pretty soon, I'll have my two years OTR.
The question is..what next?
I currently work for Stevens Transport. I've hauled reefer in the lower 48.
I'd like to get into a company where I'm home every week, get paid more, and either take my truck home for home time or park at the terminal and drive home.
Been thinking of going tanker. Already have my endorsement and HAZMAT.
Some companies I've been looking at is Indian River Transport, Bynum, and Oakley. I live in FL.
Any suggestions?
Stevens has a tanker division already. Maybe you could switch into it and see if they have what you are lookin for? When it comes to additional opportunities, you want to always look into movin around your current company before switchin companies. That way you won't have to reprove yourself to another company when you already have a good rep with Stevens.
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
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.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Steven's tanker division seems to be only in Texas hauling sand. Seems like you want local or regional driving. What part of Florida do you live in?
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.
Congratulations on the year and 6 months of safe driving! Always great to hear that.
I am not a tanker-yanker, but if you live in Florida, running Walmart Dedicated (Swift) out of Winter Haven FL will get you home weekly, if not more often depending on how close you are to the D.C. With your experience 65-70k per year is very possible. Getting into the account, learning it also puts you in a better position to apply directly to Walmart's Private Fleet once you achieve a total (this includes the Stevens experience) of 30-36 months accident free operation.
I can offer more information if you are interested.
Good luck.
Check out Robert Bearden Inc. Home weekly, lots of Florida drivers and loads. But no tanker or hazmat. Good miles (I average 2,700/weekly) and pay is good.
I hope this helps.
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
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Hey guys. This month will mark 1.5 years I have been out on the road, accident free. I try to look ahead, and pretty soon, I'll have my two years OTR.
The question is..what next?
I currently work for Stevens Transport. I've hauled reefer in the lower 48.
I'd like to get into a company where I'm home every week, get paid more, and either take my truck home for home time or park at the terminal and drive home.
Been thinking of going tanker. Already have my endorsement and HAZMAT.
Some companies I've been looking at is Indian River Transport, Bynum, and Oakley. I live in FL.
Any suggestions?
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
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.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.