Looking For Advice
Topic 28570 | Page 1
Welcome, Mike. I'm short on time at the moment, but someone will be along shortly if you have further questions. In the meantime, check out this link:
Welcome, Mike. I'm short on time at the moment, but someone will be along shortly if you have further questions. In the meantime, check out this link:
LoL... I found it just after Turtle posted it. Love your new avi, Turtle~!!
One thing that I'd like to add before more of the mods and veterans show up, is. . . . GET IT IN WRITING.
The lists Turtle (TT) provided, ALL via e'mail, ergo: answers, via e'mail~!!!!
Wish you luck, good sir!
Too many "Mike's" on here.
Welcome aboard Mike!
For a starting point... You don't need to be near your terminal. I live in Texas. The terminal I'm dispatched from is in Gulfport, MS. The truth is, I don't think I've been in that terminal in at least 2 or 3 years. I have no reason to go there.
Also don't limit yourself to one or two companies. Apply to multiple companies. You have no way of knowing which ones might make you an offer. We see this all the time. A new person comes in here, gets their hopes all high on some particular company, and then gets rejected. They're devastated, and don't understand why. These companies are making a total guess on which inexperienced drivers might make a good player on their team. You really have very little to recommend yourself, so don't count on them all begging for you to join their ranks.
Here's some great places to visit. We call it our "starter kit." Spend some time looking into these links, and as questions arise in your mind, feel free to ask them. We don't bite, and there's no dumb questions.
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
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.
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.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
Thanks for the advice and links everyone. Much appreciated!
Welcome Mike. Roehl is a very good company, with great training. I started there almost 7 years ago. Call the recruiting number and ask for Kim Calhoun. She is very experienced and a straight shooter.
Some of the other folks can give you more specific current info on particulars. Keep us posted how it goes.
Best wishes.
Thank you so much!
Welcome Mike. Roehl is a very good company, with great training. I started there almost 7 years ago. Call the recruiting number and ask for Kim Calhoun. She is very experienced and a straight shooter.
Some of the other folks can give you more specific current info on particulars. Keep us posted how it goes.
Best wishes.
Keep in mind not to put all of your eggs in one basket. Roehl has great home time options if you live in one of those areas with certain routes. However, distance to the terminal means nothing if you are headed over the road national. I live in NJ, but am dispatched out of Missouri. I take home time anywhere in the country. Many people think "I am going to decide to go to this one company" and guess what... for whatever reason, the company denies them. Check out several.
There are a ton of awesome companies out there.
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.
Over The Road:
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hello everyone,
Just a quick update. I’ve received a conditional job offer from Roehl. Looks like I’m on my way. Thanks again for the links and advise.
Mike
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Hello everyone,
I'm Mike, and have been lurking around for the past couple weeks. I need to make a career change for the next few years, and the trucking industry seams like a good fit.
As far as my background goes, I'm 45 years old and have been in the aviation industry for over 20 years. Due to the pandemic, I'll be furloughed from my job for at least two years. I've had a lot of sleepless nights recently trying to decide what I can do which would allow me to bring my previous experience with me.
I know that one of the biggest issues new drivers face is being away from home. I've been living out of a suitcase for the past 20 years which is to say I've missed a lot at home. So as far as the lifestyle of driving goes, I'm well aware of what it's like. I'm sure there will be new challenges that I have not experienced, but that's what makes life fun.
I've been shopping around for a good company to work for, and came across Roehl. I live about an hour from one of their terminals, and they appear to be a solid company with a good safety record. At some point this week, I'll be contacting them to speak with a recruiter. I'm assuming recruiters are more like salesmen and will blow a lot of smoke. Would any of you be willing to give me some advice as to what types of questions I should ask? I'm looking into national dry van OTR. I don't want to be put in a position where they promise me one thing, then something else happens. Also, for the Roehl drivers here, any information or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone. I'm looking forward to hearing back from you all.
Cheers,
Mike
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.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.