Trying To Get Hired

Yes congrats on that weight loss...significant accomplishment. Major!

IMO your absolute best bet for hometime weekly is a Dedicated Account. Swift and Schneider top that list with many, many options. When you talk to the Swift recruiter ask what Dedicated options exist for rookie drivers residing in your geography.

Initially while you are road training, don't expect to be home at all. You've got some things to think about here...

Your home time expectations may not align with reality until after you get that first year under your belt in OTR.

Thanks G-town. I'm expecting to be away for a few months at first. I'm not worrying about that. The home time concern is from my wife. 😁 As long as she sees a path towards being around more often, then she won't ***** too much. I'm seeing TONS of local jobs on Indeed, but they all want at least a year, some want two years of experience. The good thing is that most of these companies that train require a year before you're free to move on. So then I could get one of Those jobs perhaps. I'm used to long days and odd hours, so I'm hopeful that it's the right thing for me. I really do appreciate your help. I'm going to check out Schneider and Swift. It really won't cause a problem if I'm already talking to the recruiter at Prime?

I'm going to check out Schneider and Swift. It really won't cause a problem if I'm already talking to the recruiter at Prime?

No sir, won't cause a problem. You must do what is best for you.

The local jobs...they tend to be more difficult, taxing on a rookie drivers skills. Close quarter backing and maneuvering. Stressful. Take a look at Rob's diary in the diary section...

Food Service as a Rookie Driver

Robert, the home time thing is about even among the Bigs. A week OTR gets you a day at home. Usually the minimum is two weeks out and to days home, though most drivers stay out 3-4 weeks for a longer stretch with the fam.

There are other options. Maybe to can get in as a regional dedicated driver. I did that with Swift for a while. Home every weekend, minimum 34 hrs, and a few times I got home Friday morning!

Also a shuttle/ express/ line drive position. You drive the same route, out one day (home daily) or two, then do it again.

I have done both of these at Swift. You need to give up a bit of OTR pay, such as those extra pays like detention, and the safe driving bonus. For me it was a trade worth making.

I have done both of these at Swift. You need to give up a bit of OTR pay, such as those extra pays like detention, and the safe driving bonus. For me it was a trade worth making.

That sounds good to me. I'm still getting my pension so money will be alright.

Okay guys. I'm in a bit of a quandary. I've gone ahead and listened to the advice given me an applied to Schneider and Swift. The Schneider guy just texted me a "conditional job offer subject to screening" but I'm assuming that is meaningless. They only are able to interview me next Monday, but meanwhile, the Swift guy emailed me and wants to discuss my application. I'm not sure if I should talk to him now, or wait until I see what Schneider does. From what I've read online, Schneider is a good company, probably moreso than Swift. What do you guys think?

From what I've read online, Schneider is a good company, probably more so than Swift. What do you guys think?

They're both great companies and you should continue the process with both of them. Get as many approvals as you can and then decide who you're going to go with. Right now they're still trying to decide if they're going to offer you an opportunity so continue with the process. If they both give you a shot then that's fantastic. You can get more specific with your questions and try to figure out which of the companies suit you the best.

Okay, thanks. I've just been confused because they refer to it as a contract. I'm not obligated if I agree to anything over the phone? That's what has been bothering me I guess. It feels like I'm cheating on my wife, lol! Should I tell the recruiter that I don't want to obligated myself because I'm talking to another recruiter? I've always been very upfront and honest, but I don't want to make a naive mistake either. I know this is probably tedious for you guys, but I do appreciate the help and advice.

I'm not obligated if I agree to anything over the phone?

No, definitely not. At this stage you're still going through the approval process. You haven't been approved until they actually offer you a bus ticket and a date to get started. Even at that point you're not obligated. In fact, you're really not obligated until after you arrive and begin the schooling.

So right now you want to try to get a few approvals from different companies if you can. Trust me, 99% of the drivers speak with numerous companies at once. That's not news to any of the recruiters. They expect it. So they won't be concerned at all. If they offer you a bus ticket and a start date just let them know you're still speaking with a few other companies and you're going to make a decision soon. It's no big deal at all. You're not going to lose any opportunities that way or make anyone mad. They might try a few sales tactics like, "Hurry up and get in here now before our classes fill up" or some kind of baloney but don't be concerned about that.

Just try to get a few approvals and then compare those companies to see which one you feel suits you the best. That's the way it's done.

I know this is probably tedious for you guys

Not in the least. We enjoy it. That's why we're here. Ask all the questions you like. We're always happy to help out anyway we can.

Awesome! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! You don't know how much better that makes me feel about the whole process. I really appreciate it so I'll go ahead and get back to Swift and see what they say. I'll let you guys know what happens. Thanks again!