Profile For J.K.

Well it's official, I'll be leaving for Kansas on the 14th for orientation with Trans Am. I decided to choose them because they offer the most extensive training right out of CDL school. It's not the most money in the world but after discussions on here and a lot of thoughtful thinking I decided it's better to go for what feels right than to go running after the money. I'll be pulling reefer and going mostly east of the Rockies and occasionally out west to L.A. I'm excited as hell and will be sure to keep you guys posted with how it's going. Thanks again for everyone's help. Woo Hooooo!

Hey Guys-

Well I did it! I passed my CDL skills test and am just waiting for the school to submit my scores to the DOT. It wasn't a cake walk and the alley docking almost got me but I passed, that's all that matters!

I just wanted to thank everyone that gave me any advice and give a big overall thanks to this site in general.

Thanks for the heads up! The offer I have is for company driver. I'm not interested in leasing whatsoever. I have heard a mix of things about Trans. I've heard their equipment is top notch though and they give some advanced training. I'd like to get on there and get my wheels wet and then re-access after a period of time. I've had other company offers but I need a little advanced training right out of the gate so that's my main reason for picking between Trans and Maverick. West Side and Schneider made me offers but Schneider I need more manual experience (I'm training on an automatic day cab, with a 28' flat bed trailer, that's all this school has to offer and NO I didn't have any luck with other company sponsored training) and West Side does a driving test on day one and I'm not sure about going from a 28' flatbed to a 53' van with no practice time whatsoever. After a little experience if it isn't working at Trans, West Side would be my next, and possibly last, stop. They have a driver mentor program too, so eventually I'd likely learn to drive manual there somehow.

I appreciate the feedback immensely! The articles were helpful, thanks Brett. I agree with what you guys have said as well. Even in other jobs I've done I've chased the money and ended up miserable and half the time even broker because I ended up quitting my job. With trucking I don't want to do that. This is something special to me and I don't want to throw it away. To start out I think Trans Am may be the place to go. I like the physical aspects of flatbed on the surface but realistically when it's pouring down rain or snowing like the ****ens I'm not so sure I would appreciate it as much. Home time is a big thing with me too and Trans Am may get me more since their terminal is a bit closer. I really appreciate the advice guys. Thanks for helping to put things in perspective more clearly!

Hey guys,

I've got two options at this point. I've been approved for Maverick to pull flatbed and I've got an offer from Trans Am to pull reefer. Maverick offers the higher CPM but I'm wondering if since it's flatbed that's to compensate for the time I'm going to spend loading/unloading myself. Trans Am offers a flat rate for loaded and unloaded along with 50/50 drop and hook. Am I going to get more miles running reefer than flatbed? I need some advice on the matter.

Thanks!

Hey guys-

Well got another offer today. This time from TransAm. The pay isn't super high but it's decent enough. I was wondering if anyone runs for them and how many miles I could realistically be looking at getting a week starting out. Almost all the recruiters I've talked to have said 2200-2500 which is fine, but I'd like to get some of your opinions on it.

Thanks Guys!

Hey Dwayne-

I know a fair amount of the bigger companies are in the process of going to automatic fleets. I know that Maverick is all auto but that's flatbed and if you have health concerns that might not be a great match. Other companies I've heard are West Side transport out of Cedar Rapids, IA and Hirschbach out of East Dubuque, IL. They both run primarily East of the Rockies so that's something to look into. Good Luck!

Hi Courtney-

What you'll have to do is go to the DOT/DMW and take the 3 "written" test to get your permit. The test are General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination. Once you pass all of them with an 80% or higher you can pay for your permit. There's usually no cost for the test but the permit is around 12 bucks. Good Luck!!

Congratulations Scott!! I'm testing on March 30th. Can't wait to have it in hand myself.

Hmm, well I might have to check in with Jeff tomorrow and see what the hold up is then.