Unverifiable Employment History

Skywalker wrote:

Nuts... I don't like rejection. At least not without a logical or explainable reason.

No one likes rejection. However I think you did receive a very logical explanation, as you wrote:

but he did say after running it through computer or something it came back as stating 'Better Qualified Applicants Available' which I took to meaning I was put on a gray list for some reason.

Not sure what you are confused about? You have an employment gap, they likely have candidates that do not have that gap. As a result they are better qualified. Although difficult to accept, certainly not ambiguous. I would apply to as many companies as you can. Working for Prime might not be in the cards at the moment. Prime is not the only game in town...if I were you I'd focus my attention on other possibilities and leave them be for a while.

I agree with you both and am putting apps to Swift Roehl and many others now. Does Swift do flatbed? I thinks that's where I would thrive, outdoorsy, getting dirty and such. I think I am just stuck on the fact that in our first convo the employment gap wasn't an issue but now it is. So what changed? I think if I didn't have the name issue I'd have shipped out in March and been upgrading by now.

I tend to do a lot of planning before I jump into something, especially this career change, and I often look for the team effort in the amenities that will help me thrive. What's my backup and what is going to help me be successful in this endeavor. What's going to keep me on the road. For me my list and what I am looking for in a company is: Easy access to Northeast, Albany, NY for home time. Good training pay $500+ Good starting pay .40+ Good trainers On the road training Trucks with APU's for fridge, cooking appliances (Save $$ grocery bill vs fast food bills + healthier) Plenty of freight and mileage Multiple divisions to move up and around in Family oriented and open door policy Professionalism

I made this list back in March and Prime seemed to match everything I wanted. Now I am trying to match other companies

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APU's:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

Yes, Swift has a Flatbed division. Small but they are trying to grow it. Could be a good ground floor opportunity. As for inverters, fridges, microwaves etc., nice to have I guess but not a necessity. I get by well with a 12V cooler and a Lunchbox oven. All Truck stops have microvaves. As for training pay, Swift pays $9.50 per hr. Driving and Minimum wage On Duty not Driving when out with your Mentor. I'm just finishing my 9th week Solo in the Dry Van division. Just did about 5200 miles in the last 14 days. I am just at the point where I am proving myself as reliable and able to my DM. The last 2 weeks I have had a pre plan prior to delivering my current load. I also have a 100% Driver Ranking so far.(All pick ups and deliveries on time). I am paying my dues out here right now. I do not expect any special treatment or favors from anyone, nor do I deserve them!. All of the good stuff will come in time. I am just doing what I get paid for. Getting freight from point A to point B in a SAFE and timely manner. Good Luck!

Yes, Swift has a Flatbed division. Small but they are trying to grow it. Could be a good ground floor opportunity. As for inverters, fridges, microwaves etc., nice to have I guess but not a necessity. I get by well with a 12V cooler and a Lunchbox oven. All Truck stops have microvaves. As for training pay, Swift pays $9.50 per hr. Driving and Minimum wage On Duty not Driving when out with your Mentor. I'm just finishing my 9th week Solo in the Dry Van division. Just did about 5200 miles in the last 14 days. I am just at the point where I am proving myself as reliable and able to my DM. The last 2 weeks I have had a pre plan prior to delivering my current load. I also have a 100% Driver Ranking so far.(All pick ups and deliveries on time). I am paying my dues out here right now. I do not expect any special treatment or favors from anyone, nor do I deserve them!. All of the good stuff will come in time. I am just doing what I get paid for. Getting freight from point A to point B in a SAFE and timely manner. Good Luck!

To add to this, they have two major FB terminals; Greer SC and Gary IN.

Their largest comtract is with Freightliner hauling medium duty truck chassis and with Chrysler hauling utility and conversion vans.

I could do that. Trucks hauling trucks... I read in an earlier post somewhere that is a really good gig. I did talk with a Swift driver in Vail a couple of months ago. He had his son on the truck for Summer vacation. Nothing but great things to say about the company, dm's miles and loads. Will have to catch up with him now.

Not looking for a lot of perks or special treatment, I know I'll earn those in time. But in looking at what different companies are offering I was surprised to see what they are throwing in to attract drivers. Direct tv -don' need it Satellite internet -too spotty More home time -less take home money. So I put together my own list and knew if I got those I would have minimal distractions in learning this new trade. And I know there is a heck of a lot to learn...

It has been said on this site numerous times, I believe Old School puts it best. Anyone can be successful with ANY COMPANY. It is usually all about the Driver and seldom about the Company they work for. A great attitude, and work ethic will get you places fast in this industry. Those two things seem to be such a rarity in this day and age that they will make you stand out from the crowd! I would definitely look into Swift's FB Division. They grow their Company by buying up other specialty carriers. In the not too distant past they increased their presence in the Refrigerated side of things by purchasing Central Refrigerated. I can see them doing the same thing with their Flat Bed division. Get in there early and show em' what you've got!