Profile For Scotty D

Our CDL instructor gave us this easy to remember descriptor. If it contains liquid, you say it is not cracked, damaged or leaking. If it does not, you say it is not cracked, damaged or loose...both use the acronym C.D.L.!! That made it much easier to concentrate on what I was describing rather than how I was describing it.

Here's a link to the Western Express refresher program. They have a program for both drivers that haven't used their CDL at all and ones who have had a break in service.

http://www.drivewithwestern.com/driving-jobs/refresher-course/not-driven/

Psh, be nice to them after what they've done? Not a chance. In my country they would hang them by the balls.

(Said in a thick Russian accent)

Be honest...so how many of you quietly repeated this out loud in a Russian accent after reading it? I'll admit I did! Funny stuff, Daniel!

I'm not familiar with that company but I certainly don't think you should be making career decisions based upon not taking a refresher course. Pick the company you want to be with doing the job you want to do. If they require a week or so of training, so be it. Don't sweat it. You'll be a lot better off in the long run.

And I agree with those guys above....I don't think just moving tractors is going to count as experience to a lot of companies.

They pay the driver $.96/mile and then costs are deducted from that

And what the heck does that mean? Costs of what? Fuel? Hotel rooms? Are they technically making you an independent contractor?

I think you're better off with a refresher course or contact one of the Company-Sponsored Training Programs. They'll get you on the road as quickly as possible. They won't want you sitting around a backing range when you can be out there hauling freight instead. So they'll give you whatever training they feel you need and send you out there.

You hit the nail on the head, Brett. I would be an independent contractor and any costs incurred come off that $0.96 per mile. They do break down approximate costs and you average about $0.26/mile take home. It's not the extra week or so that the refresher course would take, it's the extra cost. The school that I went to for my CDL wants a couple grand for a refresher. I just thought this opportunity might be a way to get some experience while earning a paycheck. I'm not getting a warm fuzzy from feedback here nor from what I've read online about the company itself so I will continue my search.

Don't you think companies will still want you to have training/experience hauling trailers?

This is a very good point. Companies really want the experience hauling freight. I do know with moving the trucks. You are responsible for every little thing. I would suggest videotaping the pre trip and post trip. It has to be the same way you got it, when you deliver it.

I like the idea of pictures/videotaping. Always good to CYA.

Does anyone have any information about or experience with the company itself?

Bumping this up hoping someone can throw me a bone before I make the leap and sign on with them.

This company delivers bobtails (new, used and repairs). They pay the driver $.96/mile and then costs are deducted from that. I got my CDL in January 2013 and never utilized it so I'm not considered a "recent graduate" anymore, therefore companies I've contacted want me to go through a refresher course. Apollo doesn't require it because it's just tractors. I figure if I do this for a few months, I can get the wheel time I need to get other companies to drop the refresher requirement. In my research I can't find anything positive so I'm turning to you all for some input/advice. I know I can get solid information from everyone here that I can't get anywhere else.

Thanks!

This may provide a little help. I have had the same problem driving military trucks.

https://www.thehealthytrucker.net/truck-drivers-back-pain/

HALLIBURTON artsesia Man camp and meals for Operator assitant CEMENT,,what can i get free? i was offer man camp,,,but was not told of pier dem or meals at camp,DO i get uniform also can i get my safety boots by miself ,,,also what uniforms i get