Just Got A Wicked Awesome Job Offer!

Topic 5773 | Page 2

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Brett Aquila's Comment
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I guess instructors at my last company somehow didn't appreciate it when I called the doubles sets "cute." Hmm. Wonder why ...

Because you've never tried to stop a set of light trailers on really slick roads. Driving doubles isn't the problem. Stopping them is.

Doubles:

Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.

David's Comment
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Daniel, we spoke about it the other day too, I'm with Ernie, money isn't everything. What makes you and your family happy is the ultimate satisfaction.

David

6 string rhythm's Comment
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Happy for you. Your starting pay might be on low side for linehaul , but pay isn't everything. I'd work for less any day to get more time with my family. You're still making a good living with your job offer, and it's awesome to have runs from hub to hub - no customers, less hassle, and routine is good ;) imo If you're done otr , grab the job! Linehaul rocks.

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.

Linehaul:

Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
mountain girl's Comment
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double-quotes-start.png

I guess instructors at my last company somehow didn't appreciate it when I called the doubles sets "cute." Hmm. Wonder why ...

double-quotes-end.png

Because you've never tried to stop a set of light trailers on really slick roads. Driving doubles isn't the problem. Stopping them is.

-Brett Aquila

Touché.

-mountain girl

Doubles:

Refers to pulling two trailers at the same time, otherwise known as "pups" or "pup trailers" because they're only about 28 feet long. However there are some states that allow doubles that are each 48 feet in length.

Woody's Comment
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Was thinking about this last night and gotta say the chance to drive days in a linhaul type position is huge! Even though there is less traffic when I drive now i really miss driving during the day. In my company i will never be a daytime driver unless i go to city driver and even that would take some years.

Jopa's Comment
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I just got a job offer that is pretty awesome.

I'm telling Robert!!!

Jopa (the snitch!)

smile.gifshocked.png

Daniel B.'s Comment
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Thanks for the info everyone.

So would you guys say that even though the pay is on the low end, it's still worth it because it's not night time driving?

mountain girl's Comment
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So would you guys say that even though the pay is on the low end, it's still worth it because it's not night time driving?

-Daniel B.

Yes. Daytime linehaul is so choice.

-mountain girl

Linehaul:

Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
Woody's Comment
member avatar
Great Answer!

Thanks for the info everyone.

So would you guys say that even though the pay is on the low end, it's still worth it because it's not night time driving?

That's a tough one to answer with several variables.

You would have to look at what other options might be available in your area. Then look at the difference in pay and decide if the lower pay would be worth day driving. And as you know its not just the CPM. I personally would prefer days but would be hard pressed to find something that would pay enough to make me switch. In my case Old Dominion runs near me and pays more CPM but I do not know if they pay virtually all down time like my current gig. And would also have to look at the benefits package. Granted I would not be able to go straight to days with OD but you get the idea. You also would not be fighting any seniority joining the smaller company, which several of the linehaul companies follow even non union outfits.

So to make that comparison you need to figure out what day driving is worth to you. It may mean a lot or it could actually be a disadvantage.

Daytime means a lot more traffic so slower runs. Depending on how he is set up and how quick they can get you moving again this could even mean an extra trip or two per week if your in congested areas.

Always driving at night can effect your mood. I forget the actual name for it but in some people not getting enough sunlight can cause varying degrees of depression. My wife used to struggle with this and we actually bought an extremely bright light designed for light therapy. It helped.

At night you can't see the scenery. For me this is actually something I would consider but I was only OTR for 4 months so didn't see that much of the country. On the other hand in the relative short time you have been trucking you covered a LOT of miles and country so this may not be a big deal for you. And doing linehaul type work you wont venture nearly as far from home anyway.

One of the biggest factors may actually be your sleep schedule. Driving nights you may have to flip your sleep schedule around every time your off to be able to enjoy time with your wife. And on the day you go back you need to take a nap during the day to prepare for your drive which essentially cuts that day short. Driving days you may need to go to bed early to get up early but that is something you already do so may not be a change to your schedule. Believe me flipping back and forth can really get ya screwed up, sometimes I have trouble getting to sleep.

Just as a guess I would say your to biggest decisions is to avoid traffic or have a more predictable sleep schedule when determining the value of driving during the day. Then apply that value to the potential difference in pay.

Woody

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.

Linehaul:

Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.

CPM:

Cents Per Mile

Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.

guyjax(Guy Hodges)'s Comment
member avatar
Great Answer!

Daniel if I were in your position these are the thing I would consider. You know FedEx runs their contract drivers so loads will not be an issue. Even if the pay would be a bit lower what are you giving up to gain this job. Compare each point against each other. Miles, pay, benefits and home time. We all know there is no perfect company out there but search inside yourself and your home life and see what you are needing at this stage in your career. Different driving jobs offer different things for different people.

Is it more miles for less pay? How are the benefits compared to what you have right now. How will the home time actually work? I know you are being told how it's supposed to be but is that how it actually is? Have you tried to talk to current drivers? I know your currently driving but that maybe tough to do. Maybe a company website that goes into more details.

Trucking is an adventure. If you take the job then good. If it does not work out I am betting you could go back to Prime or another company of your choosing. Is there enough pros that it might be worth a try?

Good luck on whatever you decide.

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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