Is There A Specific Company I Can Look At For A Dedicated Route?
Topic 15692 | Page 1
I'm a newbie, just graduated from a trucking Academy on Wednesday and I'm looking at companies to get into, primarily Cypress or Melton. But I was also wondering if there is a company out there that has a dedicated route from southern Florida to Ohio, as my wife lives in Florida with me and the rest of my family is back in Ohio, so it would be perfect as I could get the chance to spend time at both places without using vacation time. Of course I know it's a Longshot, but I figured it would be worth asking.
You are new so I am not saying it's impossible, but for the most part if either company has dedicated like that it will be more of a seniority type thing. Also being new it helps to do otr because of the experience you will gain driving through all kinds of different terrain, city environments, weather, etc. Big reason why a lot of good local companies want that year or more otr experience. Also even if you were dedicated like that you may get to Ohio and then have to run back to Florida right away. It all just depends, doesn't hurt to ask your prospective companies about any dedicated opportunities that they may have.
Dedicated Route:
A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."
OTR:
Over The Road
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.
I kinda figured that's how it was going to be, but like I said, it was worth asking lol. ☺️
You can take home time anywhere. So, if OTR you could spend home time in Ohio and Fla. Good luck.
OTR:
Over The Road
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.
Check the major carriers. Schneider hires for a few Dedicated accounts for new drivers. It will depend on where you live and if they are hiring in that area. I would guess same for other carriers that hire for dedicated.
I know Schneider has a dedicated account, International Paper that is based in Kenton, OH and they do a few runs to Florida. I just ran a load from Kenton to Orlando and Miami last week. I am not sure if they are hiring in Florida, but am pretty sure they are hiring out of Ohio.
The usual career step is to stay out with OTR for maybe a year. When I finished my mentor ride, my mentor tried to get me directly into his own dedicated account. Wouldn't fly, had to go OTR. But within my first year I went from OTR to shuttle to actually into that dedicatedd account.
I met a few rookies who went right to shuttle work from their training ride.
Anything is possible. Ask. The worst that can happen is they'll say "No". Then you can ask again later.
OTR:
Over The Road
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.
Most Dedicated accounts have an added set of challenges and responsibilities. I was OTR for 3 months before I transferred to Walmart Dedicated. Three months barely prepared me.
There are several companies with numerous Dedicated opportunities, Schneider, Swift, US Express and Werner to name a few. When you are talking to recruiters ask them what's available so when you are ready you can request a specific account.
Like others suggested, get your sea legs and learn the ropes for several months before jumping into a Dedicated gig.
Good luck!
OTR:
Over The Road
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.
I agree with what the others have said. I would add that your best chance of finding a nice selection of dedicated accounts is normally with the large dry van carriers like Swift and Schneider.
But as was stated you can take home time anywhere you like with most companies. It's possible you might find an account somewhere that gets you quite a bit of time in Ohio and Florida but more than likely your best bet will be to run OTR or regional and just take home time in Ohio whenever you like.
One way or another you'll get a chance to go through Ohio sometimes with almost any carrier.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
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.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.New Reply:
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I'm a newbie, just graduated from a trucking Academy on Wednesday and I'm looking at companies to get into, primarily Cypress or Melton. But I was also wondering if there is a company out there that has a dedicated route from southern Florida to Ohio, as my wife lives in Florida with me and the rest of my family is back in Ohio, so it would be perfect as I could get the chance to spend time at both places without using vacation time. Of course I know it's a Longshot, but I figured it would be worth asking.
Dedicated Route:
A driver or carrier who transports cargo between regular, prescribed routes. Normally it means a driver will be dedicated to working for one particular customer like Walmart or Home Depot and they will only haul freight for that customer. You'll often hear drivers say something like, "I'm on the Walmart dedicated account."