New CDL Holder - Looking For My First Job
Topic 34768 | Page 1
I looked them up on FMCSA SAFER. Looks like they do dry van and reefer loads. Seems to be a small carrier, 62 trucks and 63 drivers which would concern me. They already have more drivers than trucks, so if yours has a major breakdown issue there wouldn't be a replacement truck for you to earn in. I don't know anything about them good or bad, just what I looked up there but personally I'd go with a larger carrier with a proven track record of training new drivers. Have you applied to several companies or just them? You don't need to live near a company headquarters or even terminal. Good luck whatever you decide, and stick around here as you start your career so you can get any questions answered.
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.
CSA:
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
The CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicle
FMCSA:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The FMCSA was established within the Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000. Their primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
What Does The FMCSA Do?
- Commercial Drivers' Licenses
- Data and Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
- Research and Technology
- Safety Assistance
- Support and Information Sharing
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.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.Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Sandman looks up W &A:
62 trucks and 63 drivers
Team or slip seating could explain the truck/driver radio. At any rate, your home location isn't that important. Many drivers do not live near a company terminal and do fine, get home when they need to.
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.
With that size company a mechanic or office person probably has a cdl for as needed situations. Pretty common and if they have a cdl and are on the insurance is reported on the mcs-150.
Small fleets like that can either be great or a complete disaster. All depends on how well they run it.
They are big enough to get some contracts with larger shippers and yet small enough to not be micro-managers.
OR
They aren’t highly motivated and take what they can get and ignore maintance issues until breakdowns occur.
I would have a sit down with management as well as look over the equipment and talk with the shop.
Then make a decision.
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.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
Team or slip seating could explain the truck/driver radio.
Good point Errol, I hadn't considered that.
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I live in southern Wisconsin. The city is between Madison & Milwaukee. I applied to and have an interview with W & A Distribution Services in Fort Atkinson. Just curious if anyone has heard of, worked for, or has any opinions otherwise about this company.
I’m not a young guy, but I just got my CDL last month. I have two owner operator friends who have told me for years that I should drive OTR , so I’m finally making the career change leap.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
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.
Owner Operator:
An owner-operator is a driver who either owns or leases the truck they are driving. A self-employed driver.