Found Out Today Celadon DOES Have A Solo Option Out Of School.
Topic 7748 | Page 1
But I've made a decent friend here and we're goino to team up anyway. I figure it really doesn't make since to drive solo for a year if I can compete my contractual obligation in 6 months or so AND make more money while doing it. I also figured there would be a lot more sitting at docks being unloaded in a reefer truck, as opposed to (hopefully) getting long runs more often than not as a team.
Six months will go by quickly enough and you can make more money on a team your first year most likely because they will keep you running when you are teams. That is what I have been reading anyway. Some companies even run their teams coast to coast more than solo drivers. I am most likely going to hook up with Celadon out of CDL school down here in Laredo, Texas. May I ask how you like your experience with them so far?
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.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
But I've made a decent friend here and we're goino to team up anyway. I figure it really doesn't make since to drive solo for a year if I can compete my contractual obligation in 6 months or so AND make more money while doing it. I also figured there would be a lot more sitting at docks being unloaded in a reefer truck, as opposed to (hopefully) getting long runs more often than not as a team.
Six months will go by quickly enough and you can make more money on a team your first year most likely because they will keep you running when you are teams. That is what I have been reading anyway. Some companies even run their teams coast to coast more than solo drivers. I am most likely going to hook up with Celadon out of CDL school down here in Laredo, Texas. May I ask how you like your experience with them so far?
I feel like companies like C.R. England and Swift should require you to run on teams in the beginning to compensate for the low pay. I am unsure of SWIFT, but I know C.R. England pays $0.26/CPM for starters. If I choose this option I will be sure to beg for a team after training lol. I hope that Prime accepts me though!
I also wonder about CRST, is each driver paid on total miles or just the miles that each drive themselves? Total miles would = $1250 per driver at 5000 miles a week, but it they only split that 2500/2500 that's $625 A.K.A. hard to get by on, but could do if I consolidate and move out of my luxury apartment. No more security gates D:
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
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.
But I've made a decent friend here and we're goino to team up anyway. I figure it really doesn't make since to drive solo for a year if I can compete my contractual obligation in 6 months or so AND make more money while doing it. I also figured there would be a lot more sitting at docks being unloaded in a reefer truck, as opposed to (hopefully) getting long runs more often than not as a team.
Six months will go by quickly enough and you can make more money on a team your first year most likely because they will keep you running when you are teams. That is what I have been reading anyway. Some companies even run their teams coast to coast more than solo drivers. I am most likely going to hook up with Celadon out of CDL school down here in Laredo, Texas. May I ask how you like your experience with them so far?
Heh, experience so far...where to start. Over all is been a positive experience. Now I'm glad going through the school I've had previous experience because the lead instructor is pulled so many different directions, he would be interrupted from the class SEVERAL times a day.
As far as driving, you can expect to be on the backing range or on a road drive at least one a day. (AFTER you get your permit) This is the main problem I have. If your scheduled in the p.m. session you have nothing assigned to do. The smarter students use this time to study your 4 point brake check, in cab inspection and pre trip.
All in all I'd say it is what you make it here. I've heard people complaining they've been here up to 8 weeks, but it turns out they've been blowing off their range times, and with precious little attempts you definitely NEED to be there on your scheduled time. Lots of us stand out there to slip in the slots people ship out on.
It could improve, but I've been told by instructors I'm on pace to be testing next week, would would put my schooling at 4 weeks. So life I said seems to me whether it's a positive experience or a negative one, it's up to you.
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.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
I'm not all that sure about teams making "all that much more money".
They may tend to get a few more miles - but your CPM rate remains the same. .56 cpm to the truck - still ends up being .28 cpm to the driver, as you split it with your co-driver. You may RUN a lot harder, as in, stopping only to fuel/eat - otherwise in motion 24/7. But you can only physically accomplish so many hours of actual driving in any given day - so aside from the potential of getting longer runs a little more consistently than solo's (on time constrained loads) - the additional mileage (vs CPM rate) wouldn't be enough for me (PERSONALLY) to be on a never-ending rollercoaster ride.
Now - I can sleep ANYWHERE - planes, trucks, buses, cars, boats - being in motion doesn't precent me from falling asleep. I just don't know that I PERSONALLY - would choose to do that MYSELF.
Rick
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
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.
I'm not all that sure about teams making "all that much more money".
They may tend to get a few more miles - but your CPM rate remains the same. .56 cpm to the truck - still ends up being .28 cpm to the driver, as you split it with your co-driver. You may RUN a lot harder, as in, stopping only to fuel/eat - otherwise in motion 24/7. But you can only physically accomplish so many hours of actual driving in any given day - so aside from the potential of getting longer runs a little more consistently than solo's (on time constrained loads) - the additional mileage (vs CPM rate) wouldn't be enough for me (PERSONALLY) to be on a never-ending rollercoaster ride.
Now - I can sleep ANYWHERE - planes, trucks, buses, cars, boats - being in motion doesn't precent me from falling asleep. I just don't know that I PERSONALLY - would choose to do that MYSELF.
Rick
My main reason for the team option is to get out of my contact quicker. Then I'm going to start applying for local jobs in my area. Local, home weekly or daily is my ultimate goal. I've got a wife and kids I'll want to get home to. So the otr is a sacrifice my wife have discussed at some length, and ate prepared for. It's just not my long term goal.
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
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.
I'm not all that sure about teams making "all that much more money".
They may tend to get a few more miles - but your CPM rate remains the same. .56 cpm to the truck - still ends up being .28 cpm to the driver, as you split it with your co-driver. You may RUN a lot harder, as in, stopping only to fuel/eat - otherwise in motion 24/7. But you can only physically accomplish so many hours of actual driving in any given day - so aside from the potential of getting longer runs a little more consistently than solo's (on time constrained loads) - the additional mileage (vs CPM rate) wouldn't be enough for me (PERSONALLY) to be on a never-ending rollercoaster ride.
Now - I can sleep ANYWHERE - planes, trucks, buses, cars, boats - being in motion doesn't precent me from falling asleep. I just don't know that I PERSONALLY - would choose to do that MYSELF.
Rick
My main reason for the team option is to get out of my contact quicker. Then I'm going to start applying for local jobs in my area. Local, home weekly or daily is my ultimate goal. I've got a wife and kids I'll want to get home to. So the otr is a sacrifice my wife have discussed at some length, and ate prepared for. It's just not my long term goal.
I saw that, i went back and refigured after doing some research, check out my other thread about companies giving me a run around with my job history. Lol i explained it how a couple team drivers explained it to me
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.
CPM:
Cents Per Mile
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
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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Celadon Trucking First Solo Months On The Road Reports From CDL Training Team Driving
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But I've made a decent friend here and we're goino to team up anyway. I figure it really doesn't make since to drive solo for a year if I can compete my contractual obligation in 6 months or so AND make more money while doing it. I also figured there would be a lot more sitting at docks being unloaded in a reefer truck, as opposed to (hopefully) getting long runs more often than not as a team.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.