Something To Consider... A Alternative Driving Position.
Topic 3468 | Page 1
During my long travels in getting to where I am to day I discovered a few things. After my visit to the midwest FMSCA office in IL ( rt30 and hw50) I was told that even a non CDL driver driving Interstate for compensation has to follow HOS regulations, also sleeper requirements are spelled out in the Federal regs. I've had racing friends put OOS , 24 hours because they didn't have driver logs even though they didn't need (have) CDLs ,,,, FYI
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.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
Fm:
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.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.
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I seen several posts in the past regarding having trouble getting into school for various reason.... Well I was one of those.
Well I found a alternative to OTR driving in a big rig. I'm now driving a cargo expedited delivery van. It a NON CDL , OTR postion covering all 48 states. NO Force loads. NY, NY is a NO for me. Right now I sitting in LAredo TX. waiting for a load out. 1600 miles from home. While I'm not in a big rig I still living the lifestyle. I haven't seen home (NC) in over a week and not planning on heading back until ??? (still to be determine.)
There are advantages and disadvantages that come along with this type of driving position. Most are 1099 positions (DO YOUR RESEACH on the COMPANY) There are companies that will not pay you or pay you to little. Most Companies will not pay dead head miles... After delivery you may have to dead head to get closer to a better location. I always remind my dispatch to watch the area of my delivery destination so we know which way i need to head once empty. Some pay by the mile while others are paid a percentage of the load "PROFIT" 30% and up However I can get paid 2-4 times a week. You not held back by HOS rules... you can drive as long as you can stand it... That can also be a danger if you push yourself to far. Wait time or layover times can be vary long ... days at a time...epescially on weekend and holidays. However if there someplace within about 100 miles i want to see...... I dont call a taxi.... That also varies.
My van... A F350... does nor have a bunk... so a couple of sleeping bags and a mat acts as a make shift bed. Sometimes there not room if you loaded front to back... if you get lucky you might be able to sleep on top of your load. Use your own judgement. remember you are responsible for delivering that load in good undamage condition. There not much room for extras... like TV refrig and so on... After a few short trips to see if I was going to like it I insisted that a inverter be install. atlease I could use my laptop as entertainment and business.... I also brought along a small all in one printer... No long waits at a truck stop to use the fax machine to send the BOL in.... I scan it and email as soon as i get unloaded follow by a confirmation call.
Do I like it.... well it not the big rig job I wanted but this will look good in my resume if I decide later to get my cdl's I living the lifestyle and seeing alot of wonderful sites..... a 20 mile bridge over LA swamp land in I 10... Crossing the Mississippi river... seeing the Amish horse and buggies up KY... things I wouldnt been able to see if i decided not to do this... Yea I loving it....
BTW... You are still a OTR driver so be sure to get you a reward card and wheep the benifits....
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.