Profile For Marcin M.

Enough is enough. NYC is getting worse, even cops are suggesting to move out, when I reported my car stolen recently. I am ready to move out and finally start my trucking career. As a rookie I was hired by Old Dominion as line haul driver but after 3 nights I had to stop - I could not sleep during a day for more than 2hrs, stressed out, struggling with downshifting on 10 speed transmission, pulling doubles from day 1 with a trainer, decided it is not safe for me and others to continue. They offered me daytime local position, I applied as internal but few days passed by without a response and had to move forward and got hired by paratransit company to start earning any money. ODFL is great company, yesterday I was at the terminal to pick up a paycheck (I was suprised and happy that they paid me - I really wished I could continue to work for them as a line haul driver). Operating manager followed me outside of the building and told me that if I will change my mind and drive for them as a local driver he is eager to take me back. I am a long time reader of this forum and heard advice not to start career as a local driver, specially here, in NYC but maybe in a different city/state... I would like to move out from NYC, thinking about Florida, Texas but I am open for other states as well. It will be hard journey, from buying a car, finding an employer, apartment, moving but I am determined. This is first time I am facing such a situation, dont know where/how to start. Did anyone experience such a situation before? Any advice will be appreciated.

I have similar situation. I graduated and got my CDL January this year but due some personal/family issues I could not start driving. At the moment I am in hiring process from ODFL, have offer letter, did all paperwork, road test and waiting to start training. I had a back up plan to start driving with Schneider. Looks like they would hire me, Western Xpress, SWIFT are eager to take me as well. Only CFI so far wanted me to go back to school, go for training with them and sign 1 year contract. That is the situation now but it might change in the future.

Thank you, Big Scott. I just contacted CFI. I would have to go back to school in Missouri for 3 weeks, then go thru 3wks company training, sign 12 months contract $0.38 per mile with no guaranteed weekly minimum. Looks like my license is not worth much after such a long time without driving. Still hoping to find other option.

Hello everyone,

I attended 304hrs driving school and obtain my CDL A in January. It took me a while to actually got physical license, put Hazmat endorsement and got TWIC card. I even got a job from ODFL as a long haul night time driver but never started it. I had to put my driving career on hold due to personal reason, life circumstances, I had to take care of my mother. Everything is fine right now and I am trying to go back on track. I would like to start OTR, I can go far and be there for weeks but I live in NYC and many recommended companies dont hire in my area. I did my research and so far I have

Schneider (Dedicated National Fleet) - still not sure if it could be considered OTR

Werner (they offered me Dollar account in the past :/)

SWIFT (is their reputation really that bad?)

Are there any other companies who can hire rookies for OTR position based on his NY zipcode (11206)?

At the beginning I would love to stay away from NE region (specially from NYC). Also I am looking for a chance to move out of NYC and at some point to live in warmer place.

Any suggestions, advice?

Thank you!

Stay safe!

Try http://www.anetabednarska.com/en/

My friend got an employer thru her and is already resident of US but he started his journey in Canada.

As OTR drivers do you use this equipment? Can it be the only one to use on the road? Any recipes or good links to low carb, simple dishes, with ingridients which can fit in a truck? Thanks

I live in this area as well, but I am lucky because I have a parking lot by the building I live in. And I know exactly what you mean by traffic overthere. I was watching this early morning situation heading to driving school every day for 8 weeks, glad that I was driving opposite direction. Position I applied for is hourly paid, bacause of this NYC reality.

Yes, decision will be hard. Both companies Schneider and Old Dominion have good reputation and both accepted me out of school. Two different styles. I still think I will start with OD and see how things go. Driving local in NYC is definately bad idea but during night time there is no traffic and the position is paid well considering that there is no (un)loading, just drop and hook between terminals. I agree that after few nights going same route 2-3 times during shift could be very boring. I love adventurous part of OTR, specially with Schneider National Dedicated account and its base pay system. It stated that driver will drive all 48 states hauling dry vans, reefers, flatbeds which I think could give idea which freight is prefered by driver. Base pay is not the worst either I think considering zero experience and allows to budget yourself avoiding pushing hard to accumulate miles. At least, from my, beginner’s perspective. Plus they have a tank division too. Is it bad idea to try different truck driving fields when not having favorite one yet? My personal situation does not allow me to fully immerse in adventure with OTR at this moment thats why I am trying to find different option but it might change in the near future.

Quick update. So today I spoke with hiring manager and few hours later I recieved Offer Letter for Class A CDL Hourly Driver. Looks like I will be running between terminals in NYC and NJ as a Linehaul. I am still not sold into night driving but that is what ODFL has to offer and so far I have heard so many positive opinions about company. Night time = no traffic hopefully that will be good start to gain some experience. Other option I considered were Clean Harbour or just OTR with Schneider. I hope I am making good decision.

My natural clock is 7-8pm to 2-4aam recently, so I am not on a standard side. OTR is still on my mind anyway.