Newb Researching
Topic 28057 | Page 1
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My advice for which company to apply to is ALL of them. Don't spend too much time right now finding the perfect company because they may not be interested in bringing you in. It could be a variety of reasons. We always suggest applying everywhere then compare the ones that do offer to bring you in.
1. I can’t seem to find a comprehensive list of terminals/truck stops/depots anywhere. This will be a factor for my choice, as I would be taking home time in either Los Angeles/Myrtle Beach/New Haven. I don’t have a family or kids and am more than willing to be otr for weeks, so having the flexibility to drop off and pick up the tractor in various locations would be a blessing.
take a look at this link of Trucking company reviews it will list terminals among alot of other information. If you download the app "trucker path " it will list most truck stops. As long as your company hires in the area you want time off they'll find you freight going that way for your time off. Want a weekend in Vegas? New Orleans? They'll get you a load that way. We have a few members that live in the truck and use hometime to do vacation.
2. I am a woman and would definitely want a female trainer. Is it unheard of to request this?
nope, there are some companies that will not allow a Male to train a female due to the tight living quarters but most companies give you the option of Male vs female trainer.
3. I want to bring a pet otr as soon as I can. I have an affinity for pitts but I am aware that some companies have breed bans and weight restrictions.
the link I sent with reviews will tell you if they have a pet policy. Feel free to ask about specific companies or ask a recruiter at the company you're interested in
4. Preferably I would pursue a company that would offer no-slip as soon as possible. I can handle slip as long as is necessary, but I would prefer to that my space is indeed mine.
you'll be with a trainer anywhere from a couple weeks to 3 months depending on the company you go with. Some companies do training as a team truck (you drive while they sleep and vice versa). As an OTR driver you will keep your same truck until they sell it off and likely give you a new one. Id estimate 95% of slip seating is local jobs.
5. After a few years I might consider o/o, but I’m not sold and haven’t heard many reasonable arguments in its favor.
most here would agree to NEVER own your own truck. Many experienced drivers here are making atleast $70,000 or more per year without the headache of running a business. We also enjoy medical, dental, retirement and vacation benefits that O/O don't make. One of our highly respected members here posted he made around $60k as an O/O but money isn't the reason why he does it. Whenever talking to O/O nearly all the time they say they made $5k this week. What they fail to tell you is that's before their 1k truck payment,maintenance, fuel etc.
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.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
I signed up with Roadmaster's in Tampa yesterday and they had me apply to Total Transportation, Total offered me a pre hire letter within 45 minutes and they allow riders from day 1 as far as I understand it. The trucks are all automatic transmissions and have the largest sleeping berths available so I would suggest applying to them as well. From what I have heard they have 3 terminals, 2 in Mississippi and 1 in Tennessee but you can be stationed anywhere with them. Also if it matters I just got my Class E last month and they still offered me the job so bonus points there for no experience necessary.
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.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.Pre Hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.
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Hey there! I am planning to apply to a company with paid CDL training in October, but I am still not sold on which one to choose. So I have a few questions and maybe you all could do me the courtesy of some advice/pointers!
1. I can’t seem to find a comprehensive list of terminals/truck stops/depots anywhere. This will be a factor for my choice, as I would be taking home time in either Los Angeles/Myrtle Beach/New Haven. I don’t have a family or kids and am more than willing to be otr for weeks, so having the flexibility to drop off and pick up the tractor in various locations would be a blessing.
2. I am a woman and would definitely want a female trainer. Is it unheard of to request this?
3. I want to bring a pet otr as soon as I can. I have an affinity for pitts but I am aware that some companies have breed bans and weight restrictions.
4. Preferably I would pursue a company that would offer no-slip as soon as possible. I can handle slip as long as is necessary, but I would prefer to that my space is indeed mine.
5. After a few years I might consider o/o, but I’m not sold and haven’t heard many reasonable arguments in its favor.
I know there will be nay-sayers and “trolls” who have opinions as well as others who genuinely want to help the newbs. Whatever you choose to write, I appreciate your time and contribution to the industry! 🤘😎🤘
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
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.