Wanting To Quit After Only 1 Month

I'm not sure if I'm hoping for encouragement or advice, but I'm concerned and very frustrated. (So much so Tums doesn't help the burning anymore.)

We switched companies about a month ago, and have done more sitting than driving -for severe weather and in the shop. I understand weather isn't the company's fault, but their lanes go through places bad weather can pretty much be expected. I know now to ask about operating areas and not settling for just... all 48.

We've also been in the shop a lot. They switched us to a different truck two days ago, because the first was having tranny trouble, but now we're in the shop again, this time for a broken seal on a tandem , and the ABS, roll stability and HSA lamps on the dash keep lighting up... tractor ABS and roll stability lamps are constant, HSA lamp only when tech plugged in.

Our issue is that were not making enough to cover bills and we're getting further and further behind, and we've lost faith in this company's equipment. We aren't making anything when we're sitting... not detention, breakdown or layover, even though we were told they pay them all.

I'm (we're) across the country from home and i want to quit.... Advice? Suggestions?

What Company were you with? Did you leave due to lack of miles? What Company did you switch to? What helped you make the decision to go with the new Company? Switching Companies always creates a paycheck "gap", and then a "lag" until you begin to get a regular check again. Leaving so soon will make that scenario happen all over again. If you are already financially strapped, it may be worth waiting it out a bit. I know, financial insecurity SUCKS! I just think leaving right now MAY make it worse. Good luck!

As I read your post I just nodded my head - bad weather, check - broke down equipment, check - then I got to this part:

We aren't making anything when we're sitting... not detention, breakdown or layover, even though we were told they pay them all.

Not o.k. I would be on the phone to dispatch for a, "come to Jesus" meeting. Give them a chance to make things right and to make sure there was no misunderstanding either in what you were promised or what was paid. If that fails it's time to walk. The trouble is that puts you in a vulnerable position because a potential employer may think your leaving after just one month could be that you're wired a little too tight and might do the same to them.

Look a lot closer before you take your next leap. There is plenty of information on the internet about any trucking company. Yeah, there are a lot of sore heads out there who have nothing good to say about any company, but if you see several reviews complaining about drivers getting stiffed on breakdown pay it's probably a good bet that the company is doing just that.

What Company were you with?

C.R. England, and they did right by us, but we wanted to bring our dog along because she was getting neglected at home. We also want to lease, but that's a taboo topic here. (We are aware of the pitfalls, but still think we can make it work until we can buy our own truck.) Our dispatcher there would take us back in a heartbeat, but our reasons for leaving haven't changed, and their leasing program is different than it used to be, and our credit is not good enough.

What Company did you switch to?

Interstate Distributors. Higher pay and a lease program after six months, and a pet policy. Driver relations here have been excellent, but we've had no luck with equipment. And we're making less than 300/wk avg.

Switching Companies always creates a paycheck "gap", and then a "lag" until you begin to get a regular check again. Leaving so soon will make that scenario happen all over again. If you are already financially strapped, it may be worth waiting it out a bit.

We had prepared for that, but have now exhausted our cushion. If we had confidence we'd start making enough to survive here, we'd stay until we had a cushion again, but all we're doing is sitting. My fear is that it won't get any better and we'll end up moving anyway, even further strapped financially. Two trucks in a month and we haven't run a single load yet without having to sit in a shop for something. I'm sure I'm gonna catch some hell now lol.

The trouble is that puts you in a vulnerable position because a potential employer may think your leaving after just one month could be that you're wired a little too tight and might do the same to them.

Exactly. We have spoken to a recruiter at Knight and have been completely upfront about our reasons for looking again.. and our concerns about doing so. My husband is talking to our FMs supervisor as i type this... let's see where that goes.

There is a recent post about Interstate , (2nd page right now), that Fatsquach replied to. He has been there for 3 years and seems very happy. Work through the channels, but try not to jump ship too soon. It sounds like you have just had a run of real bad luck. I'm sure Interstate will come thru for you. (I'm trying to use the old "Power of positive thinking" thing with you right now).!

Interstate does have a reputation better than most. They regularly make the, "Best Fleets to Drive For" list. Personally, I think that list is rigged to a degree, but I digress.

Full disclosure: I had considered Interstate at one point when they advertised a dedicated route blocks away from my home. I applied the same day the ad posted but when they called back they told me the position had been filled BUT there was another dedicated route available just 20 miles away! I asked about pay - $14/hr. no overtime. I thanked them for their time but explained that I couldn't work for $980/wk. max. for a paper company that was scheduled to be closed!

A couple of weeks later they sent me an email saying that the pay had been bumped up to $16/hr. They didn't Bcc though so I got to see the replies from the other drivers. They all felt the same way I did!

There is a recent post about Interstate , (2nd page right now), that Fatsquach replied to. He has been there for 3 years and seems very happy. Work through the channels, but try not to jump ship too soon. It sounds like you have just had a run of real bad luck. I'm sure Interstate will come thru for you. (I'm trying to use the old "Power of positive thinking" thing with you right now).!

The conversation with the Operations Manager did much to calm me down, and just reinforces how well they treat their drivers. Not only did he step forward to respond on a weekend, but he did so immediately. The only delay was the time it took for the FM to forward the message to him. I'd rather not jump ship at all. Knight was my first choice from the beginning, but it didn't happen (even the recruiter we've spoken to this week doesn't know why), but any move at this point is an unknown, and yes, is financially unfeasible. If w can work through this 'bad luck', Interstate is a great company overall. Let's see if they have equipment just as great. :-)

Thank you, folks, for helping me to think it through. For me, emotions get in the way at times, and "writing it down" always helps. Hearing others thoughts gives me insights i often miss, as well.

For me, emotions get in the way at times

Not just you Phoenix, ALL of us, if we're willing to admit it. It is a Human trait that none of us are immune from! It sounds as if keeping a level head in the midst of all of this has paid off. You and Hubby will make it through this. If you believe in prayers I'm sending one your way!

I absolutely do, tractorman, and thank you!