Working For Decker Right Out Of CDL School
Topic 26328 | Page 1
Welcome Bruce!
I don't recall any current members here working for Decker. I'll try to help you out though. I'm an OTR flatbed driver and I see Decker trucks all over the place. They are always nice and clean newer looking rigs. That speaks volumes about the management of the company.
You asked this...
is this company big enough to have consistent freight?
Now let's compare that question with one of the benefits you mentioned...
They guarantee me a certain amount every week as long as I meet a few expectations
These companies guaranteeing minimum levels of pay each week do that because they are quite capable of keeping you busy enough to earn that much money. Decker can certainly keep you busy.
Let's talk about a concept that new drivers are not always aware of. That's the idea of performance based pay. It holds true no matter what company you drive for. The best drivers get the best treatment. There's going to be some drivers at Decker who feel that freight is inconsistent. There are also drivers at Decker who are always busy and making great money. I know this to be true without ever having worked there. It's true at every trucking company.
I'm sure you can do quite well at Decker, but once you join their team they will expect you to pull your weight. If you want to make great money and be accepted as one of their Top Tier Drivers, you'll have to prove yourself each and every week. That's how it works in trucking. We get paid for our accomplishments. Don't settle for that minimum pay they offer. Prove yourself worthy of more and you'll find the doors of opportunity swinging wide open for you.
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.
Great to have another "Bruce" on the forum! I've seen many Decker trucks and they all look top notch to me. I think Decker is a solid company and you won't regret working for them.
Just keep in mind that most companies are competing for good, safe drivers. So they all have to maintain a high standard to keep those good drivers. This has increased standards in the entire industry and one of the many reasons driving a truck is a good occupation.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Welcome Bruce J.
I completely agree with Old School’s reply to your initial post. Trust his wisdom and experience.
In addition to what he said; realize that trucking has way more to-do with the person in the driver’s seat and not the name of the company applied to the door.
Good drivers; safe, professional and efficient can be successful for most any company.
Assuming you are preparing for school, have you reviewed and studied any of Trucking Truth’s starter links...
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
If not? I’d strongly suggest redirecting some focus on building your knowledge base. This will enable you better understanding if what you are getting yourself into, thus better informed on how to choose your career path.
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.
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.
Decker also has a terminal in Missoula MT.
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.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
Decker is a small company out of Fort Dodge, Iowa. I’ve been speaking with them about a refer position in the Midwest hauling frozen meat. They guarantee me a certain amount every week as long as I meet a few expectations: Be available for dispatch all week. Turn in all paperwork. Don’t refuse any loads. Don’t have any driver preventable late deliveries. They run newer equipment and can get me home every week. Their benefits package is decent but nothing unusual. My question(s) are: Does anyone know about this company from fellow drivers or first hand experience? If so would you kindly share them. Also, is this company big enough to have consistent freight? Thanks for reading and TIA for your input.