Profile For Scott W.

G-Town

I'm on page 58 right now.

Banks, Old School, Bobcat Bob, G-Town -

I understand why there are variety of opinions on Union jobs. I know there are pros and cons. I'm in my mid 30's and live a healthy lifestyle, but in a high COL area where one serious medical condition would wipe me out. Having decent/affordable healthcare being tied to a Union (or any job) is an unfortunate reality. Politics aside, I know each state has different rules in regards to worker protections which may or may not work for you depending where you live.

I was actually referred to this forum from reddit. I'm just here to soak up some more input from those in the industry. Everything with a grain of salt of course. Times change, so I don't discount the opinion of a 25 year old and I don't write off the guys who have been doing it 40 years either.

My only qualm about megas is the supposed turnover rate. The internet says "Do your 1 or 2 years and start looking for better work." How much of that is truthful? Who knows. Could be bad employees with a grudge, could be that they aren't getting paid what they feel is enough. So yea, all with a grain of salt.

Thanks for the responses.

Delco Dave - Appreciate the straight answer. I've heard that the application process is really long with ABF. How long did the whole process take you from application to getting hired? I have a phone interview with YRC on the 18th, but so far everything from scheduling an interview on their website and getting in contact with the same recruiter has been difficult (technical problem). To be honest most have told me that ABF is the better company in all respects.

Pacific Pearl - I live in Southern California. I'll check out some of the other companies you listed.

Rhino - My plan is to try to get into LTL training, and if not I'll go to trucking school. Absolute last plan is Mega paid CDL, even though it seems like the quickest route of them all.

Hey truckingtruth, I just passed my CDL permit test and now the real work begins.

I applied to the union LTL companies (YRC, ABF), the mail shippers (FedEx Freight), and of course a few of the megas. My parents and uncles were union members their entire lives (in different industries) and I've seen the benefit and downsides of it - but it would still be first choice if given the opportunity.

There are some things I don't understand about these dock to driver or driver development programs. I seem to be getting incomplete information. Recruitment ads will say one thing but I haven't really heard it from the horse's mouth.

1. If you are hired as a dock worker - is there a timeframe before they move you into the driving program (aka. going to CDL school)? Is there a case where you can be stuck never getting your CDL for years before they call you up?

I'm just trying to strategize what route I want to take into this industry. I would hate for my CDL permit to expire before ever using it. I have the means to attend a trucking school (while working full time) and am not against going with a mega and straight to OTR for a year or two. I guess the most important thing to me is getting time behind the wheel instead of waiting, since experience IS the resume.