Somewhat Confused About Freight Lanes
Topic 5737 | Page 1
I think it would be safe to say that the major companies ie swift, Schneider, prime go pretty much any and everywhere. Now shipping lanes from what I gather are most interstate routes as well as major state highways. If you see certain companies more frequently on those roads then it's safe to say you could consider it that companies shipping lane. If you never see a company, that doesn't mean they don't go that way just that it's out of their way and probably not your best bet. They'll still find away to get you home just may take longer.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Thanks Heavy C! I see the major companies daily (sometimes 2 to 3x's). Dealing with family medical issues at the moment, but am definitely considering become a trucker. Just waiting for things to stabilize before committing to several weeks/months of training.
Meper
Welcome Meper!
A company's freight lanes are simply the areas of the country they travel through the most. It doesn't have to be their actual destination. As long as they travel through an area at a certain frequency they know they can get drivers home when the time comes. That's what it's all about when it comes to hiring - whether or not they can get you home to a certain area.
Watching companies on the Interstate or at a local truck stop is one way to see who comes through quite a bit. You can also have a look at our Truck Driving Jobs and find out who's hiring in your area.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
Thanks Brett! I was hoping this was the case, but wanted clarification before assuming anything. I am married but our children are adults so being home for the family is not really an issue.
This is a wonderful site you have established for us 'newbies'. Again thanks for providing a place for people like us learn the truth!
Like many of the other posters on here; I have gone to other 'trucker' sites, YouTube, etc trying to gain some insight on the industry and after reading, watching and listening to 'drivers' complain about the various trucking companies, I was about to give up on considering truck driving as a new career choice until I found your sight. Man, you can't beat it! The straight forwardedness, no nonsense, tell it like it is, is awesome!
I too, like many others, always wondered what it would be like to drive big rigs. Thought about doing it many times in the past, but family, 'horror stories' about the trucking industry, etc. put me off abit. I am now aware that alot has changed since the 70'/80's and the trucks today look a whole lot nicer than the trucks of the past. Just like 'Old School' and some of the others, I too am in my mid 50's. I was laid off about a year ago (after 29 years) , and quickly learned that many companies aren't looking to hire someone my age. So, it seems like now would be a good time enter the 'trucking world.' As I stated previously, we are currently dealing with medical issues (our mothers) so I have to hold off on schooling for the time being. I do plan on reading the 'High Road traing' program. I have already bought and studied my states CDL manual and feel fairly comfortable with passing, but this site also explains 'hours of service' and 'weight and balancing' which is not covered in the state CDL manual.
I will try to post more often ( I have been reading the blogs for some time ( I guess that make me 'lurker')).
Meper
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.
Sorry for all the 'smiley faces'. I was trying to place one at the end of my last sentence.
Meper
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Want to start out by saying this is a great site! Thank you Brett and all the moderators, experienced drivers and rookies for your input and commitment! You all are second to none!
While reading the various blogs on this site - it was mentioned to choose a company that have 'freight lanes' going through your hometown as a way of determining if you can be easily routed home for 'hometime' or something to that effect. I live near two (2) Interstates and see trucks from the larger companies (Werner, Swift, KLLM, Knight, etc) constantly.
My question: Are these considered freight lanes or do the companies actually have to have freight delivered to a specific locale?
Thank you and keep it safe out there.
Meper
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
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.