Profile For SilverBullet

Hey Todd I'm curious maybe off topic but did you use your GI bill when you got out? And I see you were a mechanic while you were in that couldn't go anywhere for you when you were discharged?

I was a civilian mechanic two years after I got out in 1995 worked as a postal employee for a while then as a roofer for a while and went to community college for a couple of years, 1997-1998 and again in 2000 for civilian auto tech training. I did use GI Bill benefits for that. In 2001 I gave up mechanic work for a business venture that failed after one year. In 2003, not able to find mechanic work, I worked as a janitor. In 2004-2005 I worked for a landscaper. From 2006 through 2015 I was a live-in caretaker for my elderly uncle. My back went bad in 2015 so I went on the VA pension for disability. Voc/rehab put me through a 2-year associate's degree program I computers which I completed this last spring. I decided I don't want to work in IT. Sitting at computer workstation all day long hurts my back the worst of anything. My father and his brother have both had arthritis and it runs in the family. My uncle was paralyzed from the waste down from a fused spine and was on steel crutches. My father continued to work as an electrician for the Dept. of the Navy for ten years in spite of his arthritis which was nearly as severe as his brother's. He died at age 45 in a car wreck while still working in full capacity as an electrician. Drunken motorist, young punk, crossed the line as he was commuting home from work.

Didn't see your a Veteran as well. Thank you for your Service brother! What Service where you in ? What was your MOS ? When/where did you serve ?

Sound like you and your family has been through hell. I have personally seen many Veterans in your situation. I just Retired from the Veteran's Administration and saw more than I care to see.

Keep plugging away in your research and don't forget to pray and let God guide your path. He WILL show you the Light.

He is not serious, it’s old news. Todd has made it clear he has no more than a casual curiosity about trucking, likely never going beyond where he is now. Is that a bad thing, negating him to the ranks of unwelcomed? We’ve chastised him in the past...no need to force fit a square peg into a round hole.

Perhaps educating him as part of the general public will help to spread the real truth about truck drivers and change the assumption we are all a bunch of uneducated, unclean, and nasty people. Unless you want him to think we are a “bag of di**s”, let’s change the tune of the replies to something slightly better than rude.

C’mon guys show some charity to the guy, be kind and answer his questions without beating-him down. We’re better than that.

‘‘Tis the Season.

“Yes Todd”, there are opportunities beyond the driver’s seat. Most companies prefer their office and management staff have some driving experience. Many of the trucking executives, captains of the industry started as drivers. A cursory review of the mega-carrier’s website will reveal a consistent, grad-roots history. I suggest giving that a look, you might find it interesting.

For me personally? If I am no longer able to drive, it’s doubtful I’d submit to flying a desk full time ever again. I love to drive...it’s the primary reason I am in this.

“It’s all about the journey, not the destination.”

That's right G-Town. Treating people..... with respect, courtesy and Professionalism is the way to treat them. People reducing themselves to name calling and belittling new-comers only make you, this website and the rest of the industry look bad. Not only to the members but to advertisers (future advertisers as well).

You know getting into the trucking industry is an extremely tough decision for most folks. I relate it to the decision I made to join the Military. Either you take the leap of faith into the "unknown" abyss or you regret not doing it. So many things to consider for sure.

Personally, I'm finding the whole process completely and entirely overwhelming. A person's current circumstances also make these types of decisions very tough. The OP maybe sticking his toes in the water and asking a lot of questions. GOOD FOR HIM ! His questions ARE helping other people ! What is wrong with that ? Nothing.

Keep asking questions Todd and hopefully the old dogs here will keep things civilized and help ALL of us newbies !

Answer to your question is Yes. All you listed.

BTW, not everyone wants to be a Top burner running their face into the ground seeing how much money they can make. More power to them though if that's what they choose. Money is NOT everything and running your face off has consequences on your family and home life. Bottom line is you can NOT have it all. No matter how hard you die trying.

Some folks are quite content to get out there, do an honest days work for an honest day's pay and come home to their family as much as possible. What's wrong with that ? Nothing.

Judge not least YOU be judged.

God Bless and Merry Christmas back to you !

You can either look at the LTL type companies, although you will have to start out on the extra board. If I were you I would look at Companies like Averitt, venture express (they are advertising for a yard dog position in Murfreesboro btw.) R E West.

Yes, there are actually 4 companies with Yard Dog positions up there at the Nissan plant. Those 2 above Prime and Universal. I am very seriously considering any of those companies.

I think I mentioned somewhere that I drove up there last week. I drove around checking out all the companies up there.

I just found out that Cassens (car haulers) up there hire new grads. Seriously going to check that out.

BTW, those that lectured me, my attitude is slowly returning back to normal. Sometimes when life kicks you in the nuts it's pretty damn hard to get back up off the ground.

Believe you me. I WILL come back 10 times better !

A couple of you judged me very harshly. You are not a perfect human being yourself and you too are flawed as well.

They are waiving that 3 month requirement for veterans. Are you Marc?

Which companie ? This is I was talking about above.

Veterans deserve more 'perks" like this. Companies offering to process the GI Bill is NOT a benefit. It is an earned entitlement for Veterans from the VA. It's like saying, you can pay for school with this -vs- other means. Marketing crap. Being a Veteran does have clout over inexperienced folks.

Some folks that never put on the uniform have NO idea or appreciation for the sacrifices and/or skill and leadership training most of us Vets have developed during our military career. This country owes Veterans way more than what they are doing. Yes, the is a sense of entitlement that has been EARNED by Veterans.

Silver, I reapplied to an earlier thread with all the “local” stuff in Nashville area. I do keep an eye on stuff there. I live in Clarksville and my wife is from the Nashville area. You can either look at the LTL type companies, although you will have to start out on the extra board. If I were you I would look at Companies like Averitt, venture express (they are advertising for a yard dog position in Murfreesboro btw.) R E West. There are also lots of OTR companies based in the Nashville area that may have a more local type run in the Nashville area like Western Express and Beacon.

Thank you Sir. I very much appreciate your help and support.

Working 14 hours with one 30 min break. Sounds like a typical day to me. Funny part is we complain about having to take that 30 min break.

Uhhh hum, how does that saying go; oh yes, ‘I don’t need a computer telling me when i’m tired”.

Playa would not allow us to take breaks. We had NO say in the matter. Only after 6 hours would he "allow" us to take 1/2 hr break. Hence, ONE 1/2 hr break after 15 1/2 hrs of work. He was doing everything 'LEGAL'.

You have a choice to take a break whenever you wish. Right ?

Yes, working conditions in a lot of workplaces is brutal. I never worked that hard or been treated so bad in my whole 20 year career in the Military.

Cracking the proverbial whip on employees IS NOT LEADERSHIP. Folks that are good Leaders never have to lead by Fear and/or abuse. They also get way more productivity and increased moral out of their workers. Unfortunately, Corporate CEOs/Managers have yet to realize this.

I am not convinced at all they are seriously addressing the issue. I want to be wrong. Show me.

The "show me" part is exactly why I said you're heading for a very short career in this industry. You have completely misunderstood the driver demand scenario and you've way overestimated your self-worth and your current role in this game.

Trucking companies need experienced, efficient, safe, productive drivers. You are none of those things. You're some guy off the street who is hoping for an opportunity to prove you can become that someday, but that day won't be anytime soon. Unfortunately 90% of the people who start a career in trucking don't last one year. In fact, a huge percentage of the people who take a shot at it never even manage to get their CDL or drive solo one day in their life. So until you prove your worth they're going to assume you'll be one of the 90% that won't be around for long. You're a guy sitting the bench hoping the coach will put you in and give you a chance. That's where you sit - not in the catbird seat, but on the bench.

So you have to understand - there is no demand for people coming in off the street. None. Nada. Zip. You are not in demand and no one is interested in being the highest bidder in this imaginary game that's going on in your head where you're some valuable free agent and everyone is hoping to be the highest bidder to get a piece of you. There will be no red carpet rolled out. You will not be asked to be the guest speaker. No one will be taking photographs of you as you come through the door.

I asked you to read Busting The Free Agent Myth In Trucking but clearly you haven't because you're still thinking you're holding all the cards here.

I'm not emphasizing this so strongly to be a jerk. I'm doing it in hopes of preventing your career from going in the toilet a few weeks from now the way it will for many others who are taking the same approach you are - this "Show Me" attitude where somehow these companies have to prove something to you?

Do you really think that a company with thousands of trucks, tens of thousands of employees, billions in revenues, and decades of success at the highest level in this industry has something to prove to you???? How in the hell does that make any sense in your head?

Come on, man. You have to wake up and realize you're over-valuing yourself - one of the most egregious errors a person can make. You have the opportunity to prove yourself. You should be thankful you're being given that opportunity. Once you can prove you have what it takes to be a safe, efficient, productive, reliable driver then you'll be in demand. But you have a long, long way to go before that day comes.

Look guys. I do very much appreciate the hard-core in-my-face feedback. Perhaps that's what I NEED to hear at this juncture of my life.

Without going into details, what my wife and I have been through and where we sit right this minute has been earth shattering for us. Once again, I am NOT ****ing, moaning, belly-aching or playing 'the victim'. Never in my wildess nightmares did I believe her and I would end up where we are. But it is what it is and we move on down the dusty trail of life.

ALL of you guys inputs and taken to heart. Believe me. Except the uncalled for unprofessional personal insults.

That said. At this point, I'm not interested in making top dollar and running my face off chasing the next dollar. Perhaps after our lives get back under control and more manageable. My wife have very little family and have having moved here to TN a year ago, we basically have no support network... yet. My wife's health is not good and this factor alone is why I need to be home as much as possible. If our situation was different, then perhaps I would be driving my face off like our friend LDRSHP. That's what Retired NCOs DO ! RIght ?

Sometimes when people "blow the whistle' at the VA, things don't always go as planned and things backfire. Long story that would blow your freaking minds ! Anyways, I chose to take an early retirement and get out of that hell hole.

What we did not expect is not being able to find employment afterwards. God knows the truth. Living off our life savings right now.

Oh yea, Brett. I didn't read that article. Too busy studying. I will when time allows.

I am no better than anyone else and neither are any of you.

Yes G. Instead of slaves, folks around here say 'golden handcuffs'. Jesus loves you too my friend.

Got a couple interesting leads. :>)

Day 3 coming up !

SilverBullet runs his neophyte mouth...

Then why is there a massive driver shortage then ? CEO pay (my father-in-law is way) is through the damn roof and us working class folks are left to be treated like paid slaves.

There is no reasoning with an idiot. No respect for your moronic reference to slavery. That’s a total insult to everyone on this forum, and proves a level of ignorance worthy of being banned from further posts.

I wasn't clear about my point. Obviously.

My point it out society's gross pay inequality. Especially since the last time out economy was in a deep recession. Since 2007, CEO pay has literally skyrocketed while those of us working class folks pay has been totally stagnated.

I was NOT at all singling out truck drivers "slave". What is true is the way us working class folks ARE treated in many workplaces these days. Most all us earning CRAP pay.

Wage THEFT by Managers is rampant. Abuses of the US Labor Laws is rampant. BIG TIME. Don't believe me ? Go research wage theft.

I'll give you a personal example. I worked at Tractor Supply for awhile. The Manager was 'a SLAVE DRIVER.... (mentality). My last day there, I worked (or team worked) OVER 15 HOURS with only 1 (ONE) 1/2 hour break. Think I'm full of s**t ? I'll post a pic of my timesheet and prove it to you. Oh, the was after the previous day lumping 50lb bags of feed around for a few hours. I'm not ****ing and moaning and certainly do NOT want anyone's sympathy. I'm just speaking the God's honest truth. I could go on and on about the abuses from Management. Flat out abuse.... all to increase his end of year bonus.

My point about the Driver recruiters is there basically is not much competition (I've come across.... yet) that shows they are serious about find drivers....(Newbs fresh out of school or experienced drivers). Perhaps I'm wrong, but there certainly could be much more companies can offer people. I am not convinced at all they are seriously addressing the issue. I want to be wrong. Show me.

I know one way that would help. Pit Companies/Recruiters against each other. Do this like the websites ... Bankrate and SelectQuote do it. ..... When Banks compete, YOU WIN. Force companies to up their offers to ALL potential drivers. Whoever figures our how to do this, they're gonna make a ton of cash.

Off to study.

God Bless All.

There seems to be a log jam of sorts in this Driver shortage IMHO.

Well If I had a dog turd in one hand and your opinion in the other, at least the dog turd would be useful for fertilizing plants.....

The research I've done (limited as it's been) is that a lot of companies are blowing smoke and NOT getting REAL serious in their Incentives to attract new drivers. Everyone talking potential with experienced hyper=performing drivers but not much reality for newbies walking in the door.

All the recruiters sound like parrots. No one really setting themselves out front and being industry leaders. Companies really need to loosen up their purse strings and offer better pay and benefits. No one will convince me that the the money is NOT there. I'll stop there. ;>)

Wow man, I've gotta say, you're talking like a guy who has a really short career ahead of him, and that's not IMHO, that's in my very well educated and experienced opinion.

Let me ask you something - why in the world would someone with no skills, no experience, no street smarts, and no ability to help a company turn a profit be considered valuable to a trucking company? You really should have considered that before you decided that everyone should be in some sort of arms race begging for your services. You're not even capable of providing any services at this point! If you can't even understand that basic premise I can't imagine you'll figure out much else, either, IMHO of course.

I'm sorry, but people with an inflated sense of self worth really irritate me.

You've obviously fallen hard for "the free agent myth." You should definitely read these:

Busting The Free Agent Myth In Trucking

Old School Responds To Criticisms After Busting The Free Agency Myth

Really ? Then why is there a massive driver shortage then ? CEO pay (my father-in-law is way) is through the damn roof and us working class folks are left to be treated like paid slaves.

All I'm saying is if companies are serious about addressing the shortage, then they need to entice NEW MEAT into doing this job.

Out the door for day two.

GOD BLESS ALL

Marc I must throw out some cautionary advice here...

JB Hunt is indeed an excellent company. And agreed there are companies willing to relax their hiring criteria. Many of them are desperate for drivers. However the extended research required whenever comes down to a couple very basic elements:

- Are you fully insured with “said” company? Fact is with many of the “lessor knows” including Mom & Pop outfits, the entry-level driver is the one taking the biggest chance. One little mistake resulting in an insurance claim, and you may find yourself looking for another job. Such as the company you have had on-going discussions with. The owner knows exactly what his exposure is by hiring you. Do you? Hard questions must be asked like; “what happens if I am involved in a minor accident?” The odds are not favorable prevailing throughout the first year without at least one minor incident.

- The companies that are best at road-training and supporting new drivers may not be the ones willing to relax their entry standards beneath what is advertised. Although they may be willing to take a risk on the new driver, they may only be in a financial position to provide cursory level road training or none at all. Yes, them handing you the keys almost immediately may be exciting, it is clearly not enabling long term success and safety. The importance of road-training cannot be overstated. The importance of a company’s ability to address the unique and often urgent needs of an entry level driver also cannot be overstated. Again ask the tough questions. “How do you road-train?” “Do you have experience supporting new drivers?”

Without any doubt the companies publically advertising and touting they hire with no experience have a significant track-record of success working with and supporting new drivers.

Most of them are right here: Paid CDL Training Programs

So yes Marc research is important, but requires one to look beyond that which is obvious.

Good luck with JB Hunt. Safe travels!

Excellent points to ponder for sure.

There seems to be a log jam of sorts in this Driver shortage IMHO. The research I've done (limited as it's been) is that a lot of companies are blowing smoke and NOT getting REAL serious in their Incentives to attract new drivers. Everyone talking potential with experienced hyper=performing drivers but not much reality for newbies walking in the door.

All the recruiters sound like parrots. No one really setting themselves out front and being industry leaders. Companies really need to loosen up their purse strings and offer better pay and benefits. No one will convince me that the the money is NOT there. I'll stop there. ;>)

That said, I do have a lead on a local CDL-A job that's paying $19.75/HOUR to start WITH a LARGE sign on bonus. Tuition reimbursement as well. It's not OTR and home every night. I know experience there will not count for road time, but that's not what I'm after. We'll see if it's still there in a few weeks when I graduate. Not throwing all my eggs in one basket so still researching the best I can.

Now back to studying ! Lol !