Writer Seeks Information On Trucking With Pets

Welcome aboard!

There are some companies that will allow you to take a pet on the road, but it's definitely going to cost some money. Companies will require some sort of "non-refundable deposit" (otherwise known as a fee if you're being straight up with someone) and it is usually in the $500-$1000 range. But every company has their own policies and they can change at any time so when it comes time to begin applying to companies is when you should start looking to see who will allow pets.

But overall, bringing a pet on the road will be a ton of fun most of the time and a pain in the butt once in a while. But that goes for having pets at home, too, so that's nothing new to pet owners. So taking a small dog with you is definitely doable. It's going to limit your choice of companies quite a bit, but it's still doable.

Sure you can take your dog with you as long as you do the research and find companies that allow it. But the thing is it will be after training. Meaning you will have to find d a place for him for 2 to 4 months before you can take him. Sometimes there is a deposit required to cover damages from the pet. Either there is a policy for pets or against pet at companies. The is no negotiation with this. They either allow you or they don't. Just call around and find out which company allow it.

Great info guys Thanks!

I repeat, this website is an incredible resource! I'm already studying for CDL and doing a lot of reading and research on the industry and this place is a gold mine. I'm looking into the potential options and comparing schools both private and company sponsored. I've lived in the Bay Area for almost three decades and worked in tech industry for most of that time. I left the corporate or cubicle world 10 years ago to start my own business,where I enjoyed the freedom that gave me. But I'm coming out of divorce that got very ugly and stressful and I'm finding just how hard it is to re-enter the job market.

Thanks to resources online, like this website, I am encouraged by the potential I see to enter this industry and start a new chapter in my life after my divorce.

For those who qualify based on driving record, background checks, and the like there's never a problem finding work in the trucking industry. And for those who manage to get a year of safe driving under their belt, companies will pay big sign-on bonuses and everything just to bring you on for even a few months.

So if your background looks good and you keep your license and safety record clean you could literally land as many jobs as you can find time to fill out applications.

Michael,

One of the items I was checking when researching companies was the pet policy. I'm listing the pet policies of some of the companies I've researched that will hire in north FL and it is current as of last week.

Pets allowed:

• Con-Way Truckload
• Wil-Trans Transportation
• Covenant Transport
• May Trucking
• Melton Truck Lines
• TransAm ($2500 deposit/fee)
• Werner

Pets Not Allowed:

• Steven's Transport
• Cypress Truck Lines

I've talked with many other companies but, once I determined they don't hire from FL (usually my first question) their interview was over. Like Brett and Guyjax said, best thing to do is call and ask'em what their policy is.

Wil-Trans:

Darrel Wilson bought his first tractor in 1980 at age 20, but, being too young to meet OTR age requirements, he leased the truck out and hired a driver.

Through growth and acquisition, Wil-Trans now employs over 200 drivers, and has a long-standing partnership with Prime, Inc. to haul their refrigerated freight. The family of businesses also includes Jim Palmer Trucking and O & S Trucking.

Lol totally bumping this thread. we need more trucking pet stories.

not sure if the image will upload but thats my boy. he is a 60lbs American Pitbull Terrier.

Sure you can take your dog with you as long as you do the research and find companies that allow it. But the thing is it will be after training. Meaning you will have to find d a place for him for 2 to 4 months before you can take him. Sometimes there is a deposit required to cover damages from the pet. Either there is a policy for pets or against pet at companies. The is no negotiation with this. They either allow you or they don't. Just call around and find out which company allow it.

My question is what about shippers or receivers that don't allow pets on property? I can't see chaining my little guy up outside for hours while I get loaded/unloaded...

Lol totally bumping this thread. we need more trucking pet stories.

not sure if the image will upload but thats my boy. he is a 60lbs American Pitbull Terrier.

Mr Grunt! You live in Tampa? From the looks of your picture, you might wanna get outta the truck and enjoy some of the Florida sun! LOL Beautiful dog you have, what breed ?

I've taken my Catahoula on the road. She's never chewed anything unauthorized and never made a mess. But she's definitely an outdoor dog who doesn't like being cooped up. She just looked depressed. Also, as far as dog friendly truck stops? They're filthy! I miss my dog while I'm away but you have to make some big compromises to take one along.