Keep us updated on the Dollar General account!
Bill, are you familiar with what a Dollar General gig requires? It is often not recommended for rookies. Besides the tough locations of some of these stores, you will be required to unload your trailer, and do all your driving. That's a lot of labor - on top of driving. I want to make sure you realize what you're getting into. Not saying you can't be successful at it, but I hope you understand how physically demanding it is, and stressful for a rookie. There is a reason that the Dollar General or Family Dollar accounts pay so much - it's because of the high turnover and demands of the job. Being a rookie driver has it's own challenges, best to consider an option that sets you up for success without all the potential pitfalls.
You've been warned ...
Bill, 6 String is 100% spot on. DG is the most difficult TL account there is and definitely not conducive to a rookie's success.
I won't offer anymore, already been said. Use the search bar to find the numerous threads on the DG accounts. Type Dollar General, press enter if on a laptop, search of on an iPhone. It will return all the DG threads.
Good luck.
You must be an in-shape youngster that enjoys unloading full trailers on your own - because that's what the DG account requires.
As others have mentioned - getting into the loading areas of those stores can be a chore for an experienced driver, much less a rookie.
GO SLOW - GOAL (a lot), and let us know how it goes for you.
Best of luck.
Rick
I, too, have heard DG dedicated is pretty demanding.
However, one night I was parked next to a Werner truck pulling a Family Dollar (not exactly the same thing but similar enough) trailer and I asked him about it. He said he started doing it right out of school and likes it. He said the backing isn't usually too difficult and he makes $1000 a week after taxes and such.
He did say, though, the difficulty really depends based on location. The account he was on was based in the Midwest. He said in the western states it wasn't bad; but towards the eastern part of his area, like Chicago, the docks were alot tighter.
This guy also seemed to have picked up backing pretty easily. Some people have a really hard time of it--you don't really know until you get out here and start doing it.
You could always try it and switch to otr with Werner if you don't like it.
Hopefully that helps.
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Well I have always been intrigued by trucks and the road. Soft my second career I went to the Truck Driving Institute in Sanford and learned so much. The night drive was so cool at that time I knew I made the right decision. I received a pre-hire from numerous companies and settled on Werner, which they said they signed me up for the Dollar General run which is exactly what I wanted. So if you have been thinking about trucking follow your heart and enjoy. As far as I go, I couldn't be happier with my choice and can't wait for June 27th to get here.
Pre-hire:
What Exactly Is A Pre-Hire Letter?
Pre-hire letters are acceptance letters from trucking companies to students, or even potential students, to verify placement. The trucking companies are saying in writing that the student, or potential student, appears to meet the company's minimum hiring requirements and is welcome to attend their orientation at the company’s expense once he or she graduates from truck driving school and has their CDL in hand.
We have an excellent article that will help you Understand The Pre-Hire Process.
A Pre-Hire Letter Is Not A Guarantee Of Employment
The people that receive a pre-hire letter are people who meet the company's minimum hiring requirements, but it is not an employment contract. It is an invitation to orientation, and the orientation itself is a prerequisite to employment.
During the orientation you will get a physical, drug screen, and background check done. These and other qualifications must be met before someone in orientation is officially hired.