1st Time Job Offers Rookie

Anyone ever worked these areas (California)or accounts, my rookie job offers... Werner- Dedicated- Dollar Tree Cali Swift- Dedicated- Walmart- Cali Knight- Regional Northwest- Cali Input on what might be the better offer, remember this would be my first job since obtaining my CDL Thanks

Everyone will pretty much tell a rookie to steer clear of dollar tree/dollar general accounts - they are typically a PITA to get to where you unload, most don't have docks, and most a hand unloads.

Much depends on where you are located, what kind of hometime you are looking for. We have a member here (Gary) that's been doing Swift Walmart Dedicated for awhile and loves it.

Rick

Congratulations on getting your CDL.

I agree with Rick, DG is not a good place to start as a rookie. As he stated; I’ve been running WM Dedicated in the North East for 6 years now, started when I had 3 months experience. Although a better choice than DG, it will quickly test your skills and stamina.

Search on my name and Walmart to read all that I’ve written about it. Happy to answer any questions. Good luck.

I would recommend 6 months OTR before taking on a dedicated account. Lots of close quarters driving on surface streets in congested cities, maneuvering through crowded parking lots to get to some of the docks, and some real tricky backing situations. Many Walmart Neighborhood Markets are in old grocery stores built in the 1970's. Those docks were designed for Day Cabs and 40 foot trailers. It can be very frustrating without good backing/maneuvering skills. Just my $.02

Ive driven by dollar general stores and witnessed the 53 foot van driver trying to back into them places. It would be such a nightmare for even the most experienced driver. The last one I seen was hopping 3 curbs at once with the tractor and the trailer.

Tractor wrote:

I would recommend 6 months OTR before taking on a dedicated account. Lots of close quarters driving on surface streets in congested cities, maneuvering through crowded parking lots to get to some of the docks, and some real tricky backing situations. Many Walmart Neighborhood Markets are in old grocery stores built in the 1970's. Those docks were designed for Day Cabs and 40 foot trailers. It can be very frustrating without good backing/maneuvering skills. Just my $.02

Tractor is right...except I’ve seen rookies make the grade on Walmart. I’ve also seen many fail, as well as experienced drivers who failed. It’s a tough Account. But for the right person? You can thrive.

Ask yourself this question; “how good are my backing skills?” You best love it. On average I back 5-6 times per day, and although 2/3rds of the store docks are fairly easy to get into, the other 1/3rd,... are not.

The other question you’ll want to ask yourself; “Am I willing to hustle?” Meaning delivering for Walmart is a constant churn, very few “easy” days, especially in the beginning. 13+ hour days are common; rarely are they less than 12. At times it’s almost as challenging as P&D , but with a longer trailer.

Some keys for success are; NOT rushing, always have a plan, and thoroughly prepping before you get to the store; using Google Maps Satellite view.

I kept a notebook with tabs on each store I delivered to; recording special or difficult circumstances for a specific location. That book now has over 150 pages of information including sketches of entry, the dock setup and egress from the property. I regularly copy or photograph pages of the more difficult stores for newer drivers delivering to a particular location for the first time. It’s all about planning, reducing surprises and preparation so expectations are set before arriving at the circus.

Walmart will improve your close-quarter driving skills far quicker than running conventional OTR. I promise you that.

Click this link; the blog article highlights how I overcame the challenges of running this account as a rookie driver:

The Freedom of Trucking

Good luck!

Thanks guys... g-town I read your article link, I'm very nervous, have til Mon to decide. I see no one commented on the regional northwest route, is that considered otr , my location is California, each route offer.

Tractor wrote:

I would recommend 6 months OTR before taking on a dedicated account. Lots of close quarters driving on surface streets in congested cities, maneuvering through crowded parking lots to get to some of the docks, and some real tricky backing situations. Many Walmart Neighborhood Markets are in old grocery stores built in the 1970's. Those docks were designed for Day Cabs and 40 foot trailers. It can be very frustrating without good backing/maneuvering skills. Just my $.02

Tractor is right...except I’ve seen rookies make the grade on Walmart. I’ve also seen many fail, as well as experienced drivers who failed. It’s a tough Account. But for the right person? You can thrive.

Ask yourself this question; “how good are my backing skills?” You best love it. On average I back 5-6 times per day, and although 2/3rds of the store docks are fairly easy to get into, the other 1/3rd,... are not.

The other question you’ll want to ask yourself; “Am I willing to hustle?” Meaning delivering for Walmart is a constant churn, very few “easy” days, especially in the beginning. 13+ hour days are common; rarely are they less than 12. At times it’s almost as challenging as P&D , but with a longer trailer.

Some keys for success are; NOT rushing, always have a plan, and thoroughly prepping before you get to the store; using Google Maps Satellite view.

I kept a notebook with tabs on each store I delivered to; recording special or difficult circumstances for a specific location. That book now has over 150 pages of information including sketches of entry, the dock setup and egress from the property. I regularly copy or photograph pages of the more difficult stores for newer drivers delivering to a particular location for the first time. It’s all about planning, reducing surprises and preparation so expectations are set before arriving at the circus.

Walmart will improve your close-quarter driving skills far quicker than running conventional OTR. I promise you that.

Click this link; the blog article highlights how I overcame the challenges of running this account as a rookie driver:

The Freedom of Trucking

Good luck!

Hey Tyrone...try to manage the nerves, can distract your focus.

The regional gig sounds good, however try to find out the specifics of that before committing. Many times it’s actually a Dedicated Account or route. Or possibly a paper gig. Try to get more info.

Good luck!

Not to concerned about home time at this point, no wife, no kid's

Everyone will pretty much tell a rookie to steer clear of dollar tree/dollar general accounts - they are typically a PITA to get to where you unload, most don't have docks, and most a hand unloads.

Much depends on where you are located, what kind of hometime you are looking for. We have a member here (Gary) that's been doing Swift Walmart Dedicated for awhile and loves it.

Rick

Find out as many details as possible about each route, region, and the customers you would be dealing with for each.