Notes For Newbies 10-24-15

This question, or some variation of it, comes up a lot; What is the best company to work for? Here's the answer; whichever company fits your needs. Read on...

First, read everything on this website. I did before attending school and had my company, and permit, before I started school. I still considered other companies, but the bottom line is that TruckingTruth has 99.9% of what you want to research to make your decision.

Keep in mind that some companies are very selective. If you have things in your past that won't get you in with those companies, be grateful to the companies that give you pre-hires and then pursue the job with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. The world is littered with complainers, but there are plenty of success stories out of the companies that get bashed a lot. ALSO; if you have to go with a company that accepted you even with your faults, don't show up for training/orientation expecting everyone there to be pure-as-the-wind-driven-snow. kill 'em with kindness and you might be surprised.

Which companies should I stay away from? Whichever companies don't meet your needs. Again, this will take some research on your part. But don't jump on a company that pays 48 cents per mile if you're only gonna get 1,200 miles per week and you need to be making $2,500-$3,000 per month. Also, don't think you're gonna take a job promising to get you home every four weeks and you'll talk them into every two weeks later. Could happen, but if that isn't what you were hired for, you better not expect it.

How much will I make? This is gonna vary and while I won't say trust everything a recruiter tells you, you're going to need to get some of this information from them. Again, bounce it off the information here. I'm OTR with 5 days off per month. My company doesn't care if I split those days or take them close together, but I was hired for out two weeks, home two days, out two weeks, home three days. I generally do get home 5 days per month and average 10,000 miles per month. Maybe the question to ask the recruiters is; what is the average miles for drivers hired under the same schedule you're hiring me? Then do the math yourself.

Am I too old? No! Only if the recruiter says you are or you cannot physically do the job you're applying for. I still can't understand how 500lb guys can be drivers, but hey, they do and many are very good.

What's life on the road like? Read Brett's book. But you will get to shower. Don't worry about that. You'll see some cool things and lots of loading docks/distribution centers.

For some reason, lots of people want to dabble in this business. I will tell you it is very much like any other job, in that you MUST have a strong work ethic. The company is trusting you with a $150,000 piece of machinery that they're taking all the risk on. Also, they are in the business of moving freight, not getting you weekend mini-vacations. In many cases people are going to CDL school for free 'cause the government is paying for it. If you're one of those, you have been given a gift. Treat it as such and be grateful some company gives you an opportunity. Then prove to them and yourself, the opportunity was a great investment.

All this being said, I've had enough success in my short time, that my company is putting me in a new 2016 truck. I consistently rank in the top 3-5 performers of the 32 on our "board." I had no OTR experience before, was 53 years old on the day I went to take my permit test and I had to be successful to keep my family in the beautiful home we have. I don't tell you that to toot my own horn. It is a testament to what YOU can do through this website, your hard work, and dedication.

I believe in you. Do you?

Good luck!

Like

Inspiring and informative Thank you

Thanks for this post. My hubby just turned 50 and has a secure job now but driving is something he has wanted to do since he was a kid so we are going for it. We have researched and researched and looks as if he will be starting application first of year with Melton. Would love to hear from anyone who works for them.

Thanks Steve! I am currently in the research/weighing options stage of earning my CDL. This was informative and rather inspirational for me! I have a zillion worries and about as many questions but I think I have found the best place to answer those questions!

That was awesome Steve. I agree with every word of it. Very well done!

Is there a way to make this a sticky post at the beginning of the forums for new people to always read? This is awesome.

Very good notes and helpful. At 53 years old I took the leap and decided to change jobs. Driving a truck is what I told people I'd be doing when leaving my last company. Scary YES but been reading as much as possible to get ready fro the new adventure in life.

Is there a way to make this a sticky post at the beginning of the forums for new people to always read? This is awesome.

We've put together a list of what we refer to as "All-Star" comments like the one Steve made but I haven't worked out exactly how to display them yet.

Brett is stuck:

We've put together a list of what we refer to as "All-Star" comments like the one Steve made but I haven't worked out exactly how to display them yet.

Make a Topic category "All Star Comments" that's only available to you. Add the topic to the View Options drop down box.