Changing Companies How To Handle

This question has me somewhat confused. I believe that someone can have a commitment to being a driver, but I also understand that it is not always easy to decide what type of job to do within the industry.

I just never heard of a two week try out plan, and it seems problematic to me. If I didn’t want to burn bridges with my current company, I would worry that my plan would get back to them and they might not think it was a very clever thing to do.

The best plan is to talk to other drivers about what you are thinking of doing, work through a due diligence process, then make a solid decision. Then already have something lined up when you put in your notice with your current company.

Kudos to the OP for creative thinking. I just think it won’t have a happy ending.

There are drop and hook positions in food service 😉

After rereading the original post though I thought that is what he was referring to and its what I currently do but I believe I misread it. Still though, food service companies employ more than just delivery drivers, like our shuttle team who operates similar to linehaul. Doesn’t seem like the OP is going to respond but curious if that’s the type of position he was talking about, if so I would highly recommend it… the job not the two week trial.

Hey Bobcat, that's a good and legitimate response. I probably was not clear in my meaning.

My concerns are that there seems a lack of commitment to what it is he wants to switch into. He seems to want to go try something new for two weeks and then decide whether to stay or jump ship. That doesn't seem a good approach to me.

Local work is great and takes as big a commitment as any OTR driver has. When I see someone who doesn't seem to make much distinction between a drop & hook job versus a food service job, I start to wonder what it is they really want out of trucking. I always think it best to know what you want and then go for it. That involves commitment.

Funny thought, what happens if during your two week trial run at the new company, you back over a car while making a delivery and they let you go. That might be an awkward conversation next time safety at your current company pulls your mvr. Don’t know about other outfits, my mine pulls our mvr every month.

Moving from otr to local really requires a different mindset, I did it and it took months to get out of the otr way of life, not sure two weeks would give you an accurate taste.

Funny thought, what happens if during your two week trial run at the new company, you back over a car while making a delivery and they let you go. That might be an awkward conversation next time safety at your current company pulls your mvr. Don’t know about other outfits, my mine pulls our mvr every month.

Moving from otr to local really requires a different mindset, I did it and it took months to get out of the otr way of life, not sure two weeks would give you an accurate taste.

andhe78, you made one of the best observations ever. This is a great example of “thinking things through”

Thanks for posting this.

Don’t know about other outfits, my mine pulls our mvr every month.

Mine does too.

I agree with the others here. 2 weeks isn't enough time to get a feel for a company or the job.

If you want to try something new, go for it. Leave your current job respectfully to leave a door open in the future and test the waters.

My employer runs MVR yearly which i believe is the minimum. Larry what type of food service gig is it? Is it 2 wheeling a load like Sysco/PFG? Bumping docks like Dot Foods, Walmart, supermarkets? If it's shuttling/linehaul for Sysco/PFG/ US Foods etc. Make sure you understand what you're getting into. Some warehouses all drivers hold the same position and bid yearly based on seniority for those shuttle positions. That means you may get hired and start as a shuttle driver but could be bumped off it next year and be 2 wheeling.

Those dollar accounts are always hiring. With your experience level anybody would take you on to do those accounts if it doesnt pan out. Would you really be able to give it your all with a fall back plan? Starting any new job regardless of the industry is frustrating at times because of different policies and not as efficient as your previous job. It takes a while to get in the rhythm.

If you're getting on with a food service company would you be running out of the warehouse/terminal location or a domocile/drop yard that trailers are shuttled to? At PFG drivers that were based out of the terminal weren't guaranteed hours, other than 40 guaranteed from union contract, until they had a set route. You'd basically be on call and could be sent out to other domiciles to cover for vacations or call ins. They also had several layover routes that could have you out for 3 days at a time, just to turn around and go back out when you were legal to do so.

If it's a 2 wheel unloading check out the diary I did of Food service as a rookie

If it's drop/hook how are you getting paid (daily/CPM/Hourly)? Some of those gigs look at a run and say it'll take you 5 hours to turn so you get paid 5 hours at your hourly rate to complete it. It doesn't matter if it takes you 8 hours to actually do because of traffic or anything else you're only paid 5 hours.

You didn't really share what has you looking for something else. Those dollar accounts are tough and we don't fault you for wanting a change. Heck, lasting nearly 2 years (if I remember correctly) is a great accomplishment. Unless there's a dire need it may be best to just hang tight where you're at for now. The economy is in the trash and many members in OTR and even LTL have shared their struggles with having work available. Running for the dollar type stores I expect them to only get busier until things turn around. When most people need to tighten the budget dining out is usually one of the first things to go.

Sorry, I misread, and sent before re reading everything.

Disregard my previous comments

Sorry, I misread, and sent before re reading everything.

Disregard my previous comments

Oops! (Accidentally hit submit instead of preview)

Continuing from above:

I'm only laughing at your comment, NaeNae bc after reading yours I was like, "Oh, crap! This guy is a new driver. My questions about why he wants to leave his current company make no sense."