The Choices Presented To Me
Topic 27774 | Page 1
Darren,
What do YOU seek from a career in trucking. I have been accepted to a trucking company that fits MY criteria for what I want in a company. But I don't know what is important to you.
The attached link might be helpful for you to think about those specific questions you have about each of the companies that have shown interest in you.
How to Choose the "Right" Trucking Company
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.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.
Remember CRST is only teams so you have to take that into consideration before joining them. You'll have to get used to sleeping in a truck as well as finding a reliable and safe codriver which can be difficult.
That would rule out CRST since I want solo. What I want at this point in time is a Job. But beyond that I understand that no matter who I choose my first year will be a hard one. I have full commitment from my wife for being away for extended periods and I really just need a company that will get help me get my license without me paying too much up front. After my time spent training Id like to purchase / lease my own truck and go into business for myself. So really my needs and wants are simple I just don't want to choose someone with a bad reputation that treats employees disrespectfully is really my main priority.
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.
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
Darren, you've lurked here enough to have learned about How To Get Into Trucking. There are many companies willing to invest in you and your CDL training. Remember, you start here:
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
You can study and take the CDL permit exam on your own, and it will speed up your training. You can start today.
You can then read up on Paid CDL Training Programs. A few will even pay you during your CDL training.
We'll support you every step of the way.
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.
Thanks Errol. Those links are very useful. I used them 2 weeks ago and aced the permit test's (3) for my class A permit. Since starting this topic I have filled out an app with Wilson Logistics and am currently in the first stages of being reviewed as a candidate. The recruiter advised me that if all goes well I will be starting school on March 23 in Springfield, MO. keeping my fingers crossed.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Darren wrote:
After my time spent training Id like to purchase / lease my own truck and go into business for myself. So really my needs and wants are simple I just don't want to choose someone with a bad reputation that treats employees disrespectfully is really my main priority.
Darren please do NOT even consider O/O or L/O until you have at least 1 full year of driving experience. Even so, this is not the best path to a successful trucking career.
I recommend reading these links and other like it found in the blog section:
Confessions of an Owner Operator
When is the Right Time to Lease or Own a Truck?
I'd also like to point out that the "bad reputations" you are concerned about, are completely false. The bad reviews you are obviously reading are typically posted by former drivers that for a variety of reasons failed, and do not take responsibility for their poor performance, thus blaming their company (s). I drive for Swift. Arguably the most maligned and often misrepresented carrier...I have never been treated unfairly or unprofessionally. My 7 years of experience with Swift is the polar opposite of what you read on the internet.
Stick with us Darren...the forum will never steer you in the wrong direction, and always give you truthful advice based on direct experience, not hearsay.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.
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.
EPU:
Electric Auxiliary Power Units
Electric APUs have started gaining acceptance. These electric APUs use battery packs instead of the diesel engine on traditional APUs as a source of power. The APU's battery pack is charged when the truck is in motion. When the truck is idle, the stored energy in the battery pack is then used to power an air conditioner, heater, and other devices
I am defiantly NOT making any moves for at least a year. I was just speculating into the future.
I am defiantly NOT making any moves for at least a year. I was just speculating into the future.
click on my profile and check out my Youtube channel. i have actual pay stibs comparing lease and company...i have videos debunking the lies of both leasing and being a company driver.
if people wont show you their pay settlements... dont believe them.
good luck.
Do not consider Fleece this year, next year, or 20 years from now. Never fall into that trap.
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I am ready to commit. I have read the reviews ans have a good idea who I would like to accept me into there program. I just want to get some other opinions first. I filled out the app here on TT and the following companies have shown interest in me and are asking me to continue. I was just wondering if anyone has any constructive advice about what direction I should follow. Wilson Logistics, which I assume is the same as WilTrans, CRST Expedited, and Driver Solutions (PAM Trucking) and finally Roehl. In my opinion I believe Wilson or Roehl would be best BUT I have a concern about Roehl. I have read that they do a hair follicle test. I am exposed at times to Marijuana smoke and scent from a family member that has a legal prescription for PTSD. I am concerned that I may have issues with this and fear it will jeopardize my career before it even starts. This leaves me believing that Wilson Logistics may be my best choice. Any help and input is appreciated. Thank You Darren
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated