Dollar Accounts???

So why do you guys not recommend dollar accounts for cdl students? I am not looking into one just curious really.

So why do you guys not recommend dollar accounts for cdl students? I am not looking into one just curious really.

From what I’ve read here, it’s the tough/tight backing required.

Definitely not the preferred way to start out , tight delivery times and most places leave very little room for errors plus I've seen a ton with back in from the street docks . It's a ton of work that I think needs a bit more experience before tackling. It can be done but it's a much bigger risk career wise to start out in .

I don't recommend any of the dollar accounts for "new drivers" that have less than 1 year solo experience for several reasons.

First, during the first year solo, new drivers are still honing their driving skills, learning the HOS , trip planning, learning how to deal with shippers and receivers, time management, building a relationship with their dispatchers/fleet managers/company, etc. Second, most dollar stores have very tight areas to get to the receiving doors/docks that require good backing and spatial relations skills.

Third, most dollar store accounts are driver unload, with or without carts depending on the store chain. think about having 4 stores to deliver to and unload 40k lbs of product stacked floor to ceiling, then be back at the distribution center within 24-36 hours after dispatch.

While drivers on dollar store accounts make really good money, there is a reason. For example, I was on the family dollar account and lasted 2 loads with them because I wasn't ready (I was still fresh off the trainers truck and was tempted by the $$$), or in good enough shape. I went to another nearby account and made ok money until my company lost the contract to another company that was cheaper, and went to an account that gave me as many miles as the dollar account, as good pay (cpm, stop pay, unload/load pay), I barely touched any of the freight, and I worked 4 1/2 (or so) day work weeks (left Sunday, afternoon and was home early Friday morning) and never got close to running my clock out. But I got lucky with my last account. I had a great boss who was my FM/Dispatcher/Load Planner. I worked my tail off and proved myself to him and that I could do any load he gave me, but when I signed onto his load board, I also had 2 years experience... And we still keep in touch to this day....

I hope this helps. Chris

I’ve filled in on a Family Dollar account before and I don’t recommend it for ANYBODY but especially new drivers. As a new driver you’ve got a lot to focus on and this account is hand unload boxes, no carts. So you can have over 3,000 pieces on one trailer and 2-3 stops that are time scheduled. Being in Texas especially with the heat and humidity it’s physically exhausting which can lead to decreased focus and attention, then you throw on top of that the tight parking lot with the traffic, dumpsters, cars etc that create the backing issues.

How many Dollar stores have loading/unloading docks? If not, then I assume the driver unloads using a ramp. Now I'm curious about how one driver can unload an entire trailer. ????????

Look at any Dollar General, Family Dollar, or Dollar Tree store. Many of them you just back in off the street, are tight and no dock or ramp. It's a ton of extra work when you're new and trying to learn so much.

This is why we recommend OTR to start. You will get a good mix of easy and challenging backs. You will have loads that are tight on time to ones with room to totally screw up. We all had tough times starting. I wouldn't want a Dollar account even after almost 4 years out here.

The others have mentioned the extremely risky and tight backing you'll encounter at Dollar stores. The result of that risk, especially as a new driver, can be a career ending accident.

You're often in very tight quarters, around customers and their vehicles. Hit any one of them and, as a rookie, you'll likely be dropped like a hot potato. Career done before it even started.

I believe a driver should be very proficient in tight quarter maneuvering before even considering a Dollar account.

Seen many locations of these discount stores, and NONE of em looked easy to dock at lol

Did a 3 stop load delivering Kayaks etc last winter, from Cheyenne WY, to Albany NY 1st, 2nd was in Conn. 3rd was in Maryland. All located in big shopping centers. Not fun either, last delivery I did, daytime, the dock was tight inside a walled in area very tight for a sleeper truck. The block wall by the dock had been hit and knocked down pieces, more than a few times!

I had to study it to figure out my best approach getting docked. Had huge dumpsters in front of me at other stores back doors. The wall to deal with on my drivers side. And a hydrant just outside the other wall in front of me. I got her in the dock without hitting anything in about 20 minutes.....The lady said I was the quickest to dock, she'd seen before and I didnt HIT anything hahahaha......whewwwww And next to this dock was a trash compactor I had to squeeze past as well. Talk about tight fits!

If you want the skinny on working a "Dollar" Account as a Rookie Driver check out Papa Pigs posting on the Dollar General account that he works for Warner Enterprises. He has worked hard on that account and has had allot of success with it. Papa Pigs Rookie Zainy solo adventures