Brakes Just Caught On Fire And Burned Trailer.

I miss my old benefits. I’m coming from a 16 year job as an office admin. Took me 16 years to make 60,000 but I had 1 month paid vacation and excellent benefits. My 401k is still sitting pretty behind that job. I received a package after covid hit. And pursued a cdl. We are on Medicaid now, they pay for everything, but we lost our doctors and dentist. Really sucked. I have no idea about how this malfunction occurred. I raise my axles upon entering the yard and drop them when I’m on the road. That’s what I was told to do 🤷🏼‍♂️. I’m kinda glad, I called the boss and let him know that I was concerned. He pretty much took over the convo and said we don’t think you were at fault. (I mean it’s all on camera) but investigators are supposedly being sent out to investigate the trailer. Being that it’s a holiday weekend, he said to call him on Monday. They are trying to get a loaner trailer. And that’s about all I have on that. As far as this job goes. I know I don’t have benefits. I just feel the experience and convenience is just priceless. I’m 15 minutes away from the job and basically have a nice 2 hour route and I can take my time. M-f.( They are Jewish and don’t work on weekends, also it’s a don’t work don’t get paid kinda deal) I’m just thinking experience. I can ride this out. Stay safe as possible. And if I can thug this out for 6 months a year. I think I’ll be good enough to be in the game. Backing would be getting by the day. Just can’t get into any accidents or get any type of infraction. It is scary but I think I can handle it. If I get a year experience with this. I don’t see why FedEx or usps wouldn’t pick me up for a nice package deal . That’s the plan anyways. Or maybe a nice union construction job. Dump trucks are pretty fun and satisfying. May God protect me. But yeah that’s the plan 🤷🏼‍♂️

I am scared to reveal myself. You guys get me nervous with all the dac/ dot talk. I want to keep my license clean and safe as possible. I’m from NYC though. Jusy trying to make it happen.

I'm still following, interest 'piqued,' Rad.

I hope it works for you, however which way. I still think Banks' FXF dealio is a better route. Wouldn't it be great to have bennies, WITH a 5 y/o?

You never 'did' state your location; we might have 'other' collective ideas for ya.

Lastly, could the mechanical failure have been related to that 'drop axle/tag axle?' Just thinking out loud.

Keep us in the loop, good sir.

Wish you well,

~ Anne ~

I miss my old benefits. I’m coming from a 16 year job as an office admin. Took me 16 years to make 60,000 but I had 1 month paid vacation and excellent benefits. My 401k is still sitting pretty behind that job. I received a package after covid hit. And pursued a cdl. We are on Medicaid now, they pay for everything, but we lost our doctors and dentist. Really sucked. I have no idea about how this malfunction occurred. I raise my axles upon entering the yard and drop them when I’m on the road. That’s what I was told to do 🤷🏼‍♂️. I’m kinda glad, I called the boss and let him know that I was concerned. He pretty much took over the convo and said we don’t think you were at fault. (I mean it’s all on camera) but investigators are supposedly being sent out to investigate the trailer. Being that it’s a holiday weekend, he said to call him on Monday. They are trying to get a loaner trailer. And that’s about all I have on that. As far as this job goes. I know I don’t have benefits. I just feel the experience and convenience is just priceless. I’m 15 minutes away from the job and basically have a nice 2 hour route and I can take my time. M-f.( They are Jewish and don’t work on weekends, also it’s a don’t work don’t get paid kinda deal) I’m just thinking experience. I can ride this out. Stay safe as possible. And if I can thug this out for 6 months a year. I think I’ll be good enough to be in the game. Backing would be getting by the day. Just can’t get into any accidents or get any type of infraction. It is scary but I think I can handle it. If I get a year experience with this. I don’t see why FedEx or usps wouldn’t pick me up for a nice package deal . That’s the plan anyways. Or maybe a nice union construction job. Dump trucks are pretty fun and satisfying. May God protect me. But yeah that’s the plan 🤷🏼‍♂️

I am scared to reveal myself. You guys get me nervous with all the dac/ dot talk. I want to keep my license clean and safe as possible. I’m from NYC though. Jusy trying to make it happen.

I'm still following, interest 'piqued,' Rad.

I hope it works for you, however which way. I still think Banks' FXF dealio is a better route. Wouldn't it be great to have bennies, WITH a 5 y/o?

You never 'did' state your location; we might have 'other' collective ideas for ya.

Lastly, could the mechanical failure have been related to that 'drop axle/tag axle?' Just thinking out loud.

Keep us in the loop, good sir.

Wish you well,

~ Anne ~

Scaring you?!?!? My husband got RIF'd out of IT in CMH ... Intimidation... oh boy! Never our intention, Rad. FWIW, nobody here messes with people's id's (thank Gawd Todd is gone, haha!!)

If it matters, I was born in NY, grew up in Bradenton, FL, and married into Ohio ..lol !!

Some of us are just here to help, for reals~!! MANY of us (well, the drivers...and deflected to wives and kids, of course...) have excellent benefits in and with the companies they drive for. KEEP READING if you have any spare time, you!!

(And .. many members have some contact info in the bio's, just saying.)

Thanks for even trying as hard as you are...... we are here to help, man.

Crazy life...we learned it and love it..

Wish you THE BEST!!

~ Anne ~

I’ll look into that. It seems all of the FedEx jobs are out in New Jersey. I wouldn’t mind working for them. But this opportunity is as local as it gets. Aside from no benefits and such. I know I’m getting low balled with the pay, but I’ll take it.

FedEx is hiring driver apprentices in Bethpage in Nassau County. You can apply Here Getting lowballed should be the least of your worries.

I am scared to reveal myself. You guys get me nervous with all the dac/ dot talk. I want to keep my license clean and safe as possible. I’m from NYC though. Jusy trying to make it happen.

Unless something has changed, DOT doesn't monitor this site and if they do there isn't much information for them to pinpoint who you are and come after you.

We are on Medicaid now

At 30 an hour? Are you getting paid cash? If so, hate to break it up you but this probably doesn't count as experience for a job requiring experience. There's no paper trail. Are you covered by your employers vehicle insurance? Did they request access to your Clearinghouse? If the answers are no, none of this counts as experience. You're just driving a truck and putting yourself in a bad spot if something bad happens.

I have just looked and found an Driver Apprentice position available in my local area. Qualifications include: must have a CDL-A... or.... the CLP.

You get hired as a driver apprentice and you're put into a queue. You work the dock until it's your turn to get trained. You are trained by a former driver that is now a driver development instructor. It's not on the job training and FedEx will not send you to a CDL school. They can send you to another location to get trained if you're ok with it, but I don't think it's likely because right now they're short drivers and I'm sure all driver development locations are tied up with students.

The training has changed, from what I've heard but when I did it it was 1 week learning to back, 1 week driving on public roads, 1 week learning doubles and 1 week out with a city driver on a route. If you have a CDL you do the same exact program as someone with a permit. The only difference is that a person with a permit has to take a state road test. That test will be scheduled and paid for by FedEx and it will take place at a DMV facility with a DMV examiner. FedEx has nothing to do with your examine, other than what's mentioned above and providing the truck.

I would look into LTL companies near you, they are all hiring drivers. Like Banks said you will probably have to go through their training program. Right now it sounds like you are at a company that isn't too concerned with safety and I am afraid you are not even on their insurance. Trying to use them for experience is a risk with not much reward in my opinion.

Scaring you?!?!? My husband got RIF'd out of IT in CMH ... Intimidation... oh boy! Never our intention, Rad. FWIW, nobody here messes with people's id's (thank Gawd Todd is gone, haha!!)

Appreciate at you Anne. You guys are pretty cool. I’m just here trying to make it happen

Thanks Banks

Unless something has changed, DOT doesn't monitor this site and if they do there isn't much information for them to pinpoint who you are and come after you.

That’s exactly what I meant..lol. Good to know

At 30 an hour? Are you getting paid cash? If so, hate to break it up you but this probably doesn't count as experience for a job requiring experience. There's no paper trail. Are you covered by your employers vehicle insurance? Did they request access to your Clearinghouse? If the answers are no, none of this counts as experience. You're just driving a truck and putting yourself in a bad spot if something bad happens.

I haven’t gotten a paid yet. I only worked 2 days so far. I’m supposed to call on Monday to find out what the deal is. Apparently, the payroll ends on tuesdays and you get a check on Friday. I filled out a W4 and asked if taxes we’re going to be taken out they said, yes. Doesn’t that qualify me as being in the books? The truck is brand new and the insurance and Registration was all up to par. It’s a Mack truck automatic pinnacle 64t. I really enjoyed it. As for clearinghouse, they didn’t drug test me. Not sure if they plan to, I’m good to go either way. I’m supposed to get fingerprinted by them before I actually would start getting paid. I’m not sure exactly what that was all about. It’s all went down pretty fast. I was on Craigslist basically emailing , everything of Interest to me. I got the reply, was told to go to the main office in downtown Brooklyn. (Which was nice and high class), from there he said if I could make it to hunts point. I was like, yes sir , be there within the hour. Checked out their operation. They own half of hunts point. I think the owner own stake of Barclays center. They showed me the truck asked if I had experience. I was honest and said no. I never driven a dump truck in my life. I have been playing around with the 53 dry vans for a bit but that’s it. I guess my first day was a route test. 2nd day I was on my own and then the tires went up in smoke and of course the brakes. I don’t know but it was out of control. They said they are investigating and don’t think I was at fault.

I can see myself staying with the dump trucks. It was really satisfying. I guess that’s the beauty of this license. I can drive anything. Now if I can just land something substantial and long term. I’ll have a new career. I was thinking, maybe I just stick it out with them for 6 months and earn their respect and just say hey I have a family can we do something better? That’s the plan anyways. If they are taking out taxes I think that’s verifiable experience, is it not??

As far as the job. Cmon Banks. 15 minutes from the job. I can wake up at 5am fix my lunch, pack the cooler , have a little breakfast and cruise on down to the yard. Start my day at 6, drop whatever I loaded previously by 8- 8:30, pick up, on my way headed back to the city at around 10, arrive, take a little break, back in the city at around 12:30. Dump and reload for the next day. It’s all done at around 2 o’clock. I can either go home or do another run. Then it’s 15 min to get back home. I’m not gonna find anythjng like that!! Brand new truck too. For experience, I think this might be a blessing. 117,000 lbs lol I know I know. But I got to start somewhere.

You get hired as a driver apprentice and you're put into a queue. You work the dock until it's your turn to get trained. You are trained by a former driver that is now a driver development instructor. It's not on the job training and FedEx will not send you to a CDL school. They can send you to another location to get trained if you're ok with it, but I don't think it's likely because right now they're short drivers and I'm sure all driver development locations are tied up with students.

The training has changed, from what I've heard but when I did it it was 1 week learning to back, 1 week driving on public roads, 1 week learning doubles and 1 week out with a city driver on a route. If you have a CDL you do the same exact program as someone with a permit. The only difference is that a person with a permit has to take a state road test. That test will be scheduled and paid for by FedEx and it will take place at a DMV facility with a DMV examiner. FedEx has nothing to do with your examine, other than what's mentioned above and providing the truck.

Thanks for the reply. So God forbid, I was to get into an accident and I’m not on their insurance. What would be the outcome of that ordeal?

I would look into LTL companies near you, they are all hiring drivers. Like Banks said you will probably have to go through their training program. Right now it sounds like you are at a company that isn't too concerned with safety and I am afraid you are not even on their insurance. Trying to use them for experience is a risk with not much reward in my opinion.

A w-4 would make you an employee, but that doesn't mean you're a driver on their insurance. You'd have to be employed as a driver and I'm not sure how all of the works to be honest.

So, what happens when it's time for Medicaid to verify your income and they scrap your insurance? In 6 months you want to ask for more, but you don't know if you still have a job right now. You said maybe get something better in a year like a construction gig, but what happens if the bubble bursts and there are no construction gigs for a year or two.

I get it, 15 minute commute and a brand new truck with an easy day as long as the equipment works the way it's supposed to and you're able to handle the mountains (I'm assuming Pennsylvania). You didn't do too well with it on a nice day, what happens when it's snowing. Mountains in Pennsylvania, it snows all the time from November to April. Can't use the engine brake in the snow, now what?

I really do feel like your priorities are off. You have a family and instead of being concerned with health, dental, life insurance, safety and real training you're concerned about a light day, a quick commute and a new truck.

To each his own. You can lead the horse to water, but that's about it. Good luck and I hope it all goes the way you want it to.

Thank you for this info regarding Fed-Ex.

I have just looked and found an Driver Apprentice position available in my local area. Qualifications include: must have a CDL-A... or.... the CLP.

You get hired as a driver apprentice and you're put into a queue. You work the dock until it's your turn to get trained. You are trained by a former driver that is now a driver development instructor. It's not on the job training and FedEx will not send you to a CDL school. They can send you to another location to get trained if you're ok with it, but I don't think it's likely because right now they're short drivers and I'm sure all driver development locations are tied up with students.

The training has changed, from what I've heard but when I did it it was 1 week learning to back, 1 week driving on public roads, 1 week learning doubles and 1 week out with a city driver on a route. If you have a CDL you do the same exact program as someone with a permit. The only difference is that a person with a permit has to take a state road test. That test will be scheduled and paid for by FedEx and it will take place at a DMV facility with a DMV examiner. FedEx has nothing to do with your examine, other than what's mentioned above and providing the truck.

I hear you, Banks. Just trying to play my hand here. The main route seems like it’s in port jervis , ny. I believe there are 2 more, one in New Jersey and another in Long Island. Not a bad ride. The quarry is where it gets hilly and curvy. I just use the maximum engine brake and let it roll and stab brake as needed.

Yeah I have to deal with unemployment and Medicaid this week. I’m gonna file for partial unemployment on Sunday for the 2 days and then see how the week goes. I was looking at the Ltl’s. They seem promising. I just have to see if they will take me on as a new driver. I’m really not trying to be OTR. I’m looking for a M-F. I guess I can maybe do a couple days OTR , but I’m not going to be living out of a truck. Not for me.

I really wanted to do intermodal or a tanker with Schneider for training. They are in New Jersey, but they said since I didn’t get my license with them that I needed at least 3 months experience. So again I’m Like , how am I gonna get the experience. I think you have to go away for 19 days at $70 dollars a day, if I remember correct. I appreciate and respect your advice and seniority. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted. I surely want a nice benefit package.

As for snow, I would think that’s a no no with that kind of weight. You aren’t even supposed to use your brakes. Super slow with hazards on. But If that’s the case, why even drive? I dunno, am I right? Haven’t driven in the rain yet, as well. Pray for me guys. I’m definitely not speeding anywhere and keeping my distance.

A w-4 would make you an employee, but that doesn't mean you're a driver on their insurance. You'd have to be employed as a driver and I'm not sure how all of the works to be honest.

So, what happens when it's time for Medicaid to verify your income and they scrap your insurance? In 6 months you want to ask for more, but you don't know if you still have a job right now. You said maybe get something better in a year like a construction gig, but what happens if the bubble bursts and there are no construction gigs for a year or two.

I get it, 15 minute commute and a brand new truck with an easy day as long as the equipment works the way it's supposed to and you're able to handle the mountains (I'm assuming Pennsylvania). You didn't do too well with it on a nice day, what happens when it's snowing. Mountains in Pennsylvania, it snows all the time from November to April. Can't use the engine brake in the snow, now what?

I really do feel like your priorities are off. You have a family and instead of being concerned with health, dental, life insurance, safety and real training you're concerned about a light day, a quick commute and a new truck.

To each his own. You can lead the horse to water, but that's about it. Good luck and I hope it all goes the way you want it to.