Do not do a company lease ever.
If you stay a company driver you wont have to pay out of pocket. There is a slight chance once in a blue moon you will have to pay for some fluid or something but the company will reimburse you. You usually only have to do that if the vendor does not accept your company's payment.
I hear horrible stories of how trucking companies are dishonest and often times cheat and steal from their drivers especially when it comes to leasing the tractor ...any advice
Welcome to our forum Daniel G!
It's really sad to those of us who successfully navigate the trucking career to see it so dishonestly and unfairly maligned on the internet. We realize how greatly that discourages newcomers like yourself, and how it sets many rookies on a path that leads them to an early misunderstanding of what makes for success at this rewarding career. It is, and was, Brett's motivation to start this website, and name it appropriately.
Trucking is a special career that requires special people. Not everyone is cut out for this. That's not to say how bad it is - I love every minute I'm out here - it's a career that is completely misunderstand by most who attempt it, and many of those who fail don't have a clue concerning the reasons for their demise. They believe the lies, they take no personal responsibility, and they play the blame game.
All trucking companies need drivers desperately. When you are in that position you don't treat them poorly. How could these publicly traded companies, which produce billions of dollars in revenues and millions of satisfied customers, be so heartless and cruel? You can't cheat and steal from your employees and ever expect to be successful in business. You'd never have any employees if that were true. Most of these large trucking companies have a long list of very successful drivers who've driven millions of miles for them. So why the disparity in interest reviews?
This career takes an intense Commitment. Most newcomers think they are just getting hired into another job. It's way more than that. It's a total lifestyle change, and it blindsides most of us. It's very challenging to learn a new career while also developing an entirely new lifestyle. The challenges can be especially discouraging when you've already established a mind-set of thinking the company is determined to cheat you.
We love our trucking careers. We wake up everyday glad and eager to execute a plan that overcomes the challenges that sideline those with less drive and virility. We make child's play out of those challenges that lesser men whine and complain about. We don't back down, and we make sure that a "can't do attitude" is trampled under our feet. We are doers. We make things happen. We make no excuses. We conquer like victors and are rewarded well for our conquests. We are American Truckers!
There's plenty of people who don't belong in this arena. You'll recognize them by their constant finger pointing. All their failures can be blamed on corporate cultures or unfair dishonest business tactics. Most of them lack any personal responsibility and are looking for a shortcut to success. In short, they couldn't handle the career, and felt compelled to dismiss their shortcomings by claiming some mistreatment or malfeasance by their employer. It's an easy way to not have to face your own failure and a sure way to repeat it elsewhere.
We've helped thousands of people make a good start in trucking. It's something we are passionate about. Here's some great places to start your research. Forget about finding any help by searching for reviews from those who failed. Here's some helpful information from those who know about success in trucking.
One more thing. Just forget about leasing a truck right now. It should be the furthest thing from your mind. It's a fool's game with a predictable outcome. No new driver should even be considering it. A good solid company driver will always come out better in the long run. Focus on learning the career. There's obviously a lot to learn. You can tell that by all you've read so far from those who didn't learn anything.
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Hello everyone
I’m considering a career change at 45 I was offered a position with Wilson Trans ..set time start their CDL soon...but it’s a big decision so many things to consider I presently work at the postal service but I just need a change ...my biggest question is do we as company drivers still have to pay for the trucks maintenance out of pocket I hear horrible stories of how trucking companies are dishonest and often times cheat and steal from their drivers especially when it comes to leasing the tractor ...any advice
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles: