Profile For Jim P.

Jim, that’s a tough situation to be in. 6 grand is a lot of money. Do you have any insurance available through the state of Ohio or Obamacare? Plus, what is the status of your CDL currently?

I have it as Intrastate until I can get the med card renewed

Hi All - my med card is expired because I need a cardiac release letter due to a stent I had implanted more than 10 years ago. My cardiologist won't issue me a release letter without a stress test at a cost of $6,000. I don't currently have insurance (or $6k) so no med card. Anyone have advice on this or know of a more reasonable cost for a stress test that will satisfy a cardiologist enough to issue a release letter?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

I just learned that because I have a stent I need to take a bi-annual stress test to keep my med card, class A non-excepted interstate. This is a $6000 test and even if insurance would cover it I’d still have to pay the $2500-$3000 deductible.

Does anyone out here have experience with this? Are there any other options to cover the cost of this test rather than having to go into my pocket every other year for $2500-$6000 ?

Thanks in advance for any advice/replies.

Decided to go with Roehl. Got my DOT health card and CDL permit. Not sure if my recruiter understands past a certain point. It was only a 6th month card due to BMI. Recruiter says there is no new dot health exam or physical exam during the whole process. Safety will contact me close to the expiration to make sure I'm ready. Is that correct? anyone know or have experience with Roehl?

I finished my Phase I training in Marshfield about a month ago. Great company, great training in Phase I. Unfortunately in Phase II my OTR trainer and I weren’t a very good fit so I got off his truck in St. Louis and drove home to Ohio. Talked to Roehl today and we’re looking at getting me with a new trainer in early April so I can get through Phase II and on to solo.

All in all? I think Roehl is a great pick. Good luck and hope to see some posts soon!

So what was the top of my list? Oddly or maybe not so oddly was, can I take my dog and does it matter how much she weighs :).

Jim

You need to talk with Wilson before you start to see what their policy is. All companies have different rules about pets, including what breeds or sizes they don't allow in dogs, don't allow birds, snakes, etc. If it's important to take your dog with you and not leave at home, you will need to know ahead of time.

Laura

Hi Laura - yes, I’ve checked this as thoroughly as I reasonably can I suppose. Wilson has no weight or breed restrictions but you’re right, many have significant restrictions.

Jim

Jim, that 2 days for every 14 out is not a hard and fast rule. You might decide you want to stay out 21 days and take 3 days at home, or maybe you're extra ambitious and want to run 28 days before taking a break. Wilson or Wener will work with you, but don't expect to be home exactly after 14 days, especially as a rookie still learning to manage the complexities of all this time management stuff.

If you are in their hiring area that means they are capable of getting you home. Your observation of not seeing many of their trucks is really not much to go on - it's a miniscule picture of their operations. Relax my friend, both companies are excellent places to work, and both of them realize the importance of allowing their drivers some time at home.

Hi Old School - thanks for your reply. I just read your on the road story with your youngest daughter and was duly impressed with your time management abilities. I followed the link to High Road Training an plan to review the log methods thoroughly!

I have a 12 year old daughter and your blogging that trip with your daughter was reassuring to me that we will have opportunities for similar Daddy-Daughter quality time.

Thanks for your reply and reassurance.

Jim

Hey all,

I am two steps away from signing on with Wilson Logistics’ training program but I have a question for you all. I don’t see a lot of Wilson trucks here in Ohio so I am concerned that they don’t run many routes through this areA which I assume would negatively affect my opportunities to get home time when I’ve been out for a while. They claim 2 days for every 14 out but I don’t understand how they can be sure to route you home for this.

How does the routing work for home time? Just trying to figure this out.

My other option might be Werner, they run a lot of trucks through Ohio, dry van vs. refer too but Wilson seems to be the “better” choice? I’m a bit limited in my options because I need a pet policy that doesn’t discriminate against 90lb dogs! Wilson and Werner don’t discriminate against chubby pets 😂

Thanks for your reply and I really enjoy all your posts!

Jim

Wilson Logistics it is! I have been mulling this decision for the last 2 months or so, looked into various options, e.g. local schools, company schools and most important to me, the pet policies of the companies I may find myself working for. After nearly a month of trying to navigate an option to obtain a grant from the local county for driver training, I have run into the final wall of government bureaucracy requiring the most idiotic things normal people can imagine.

With that, I was off to consider company training and the required commitment to compensate them for the valuable training they provide.

So what was the top of my list? Oddly or maybe not so oddly was, can I take my dog and does it matter how much she weighs :).

A bit about me. I am 59, I have been a professional sales executive for the last 30+ years but I swear I am done. I am done fighting that fight, trying to convince someone who only wants to pay the lowest price possible regardless of the long term costs they will incur. I am done trying to convince someone “my” equipment is better. I just want to work and get paid for my efforts. Don’t get me wrong, I made a very good living in sales, much more than I expect to make trucking but somehow the value of applied effort and reasonable compensation has to come into play here.

So on to my decision to go to Wilson Logistics. I’ve already touched on the government funding of training and the idiocy that is involved with that; but the companies that offer company training and their policies should be closely considered. I feel I’ve done my due diligence and Wilson stands above. Their training focuses on OTR training. The training “pay” is not the best, leaning more towards an advance of future earnings than actual pay but I can carry that. It is really the vibe I get from the idea that the owner is a driver, that it is a family owned company and that the recruiter (Vicki) didn’t try to snow me with what I wanted to hear. In other words, I expect (and give) honesty.

I am so looking forward to getting started down this new career path. A career path that I believe will provide me with a certain self satisfaction for honest work and honest pay. I like driving and recall a time from my youth when sleeping in a motel on our family’s way to Florida for a vacation hearing the Jake brakes of trucks on the highways. The only other sound I keep in the same regard is that of a Harley Davidson winding out through the gears, one I recall sitting in the drive-in back in the 60’s. I ride a Harley Street Glide, now I will drive a rig.

I am on my way....

Jim