Need Advise On The "next Big Thing"

Greetings Drivers , future drivers and moderators!! I doubt many will remember me, but I was here a lot 2 years ago, made some great friends and still keep in touch with a few. I used the High Road Training here to pass all my tests and endorsements and really appreciate all Brett did to set this up.

I went through a school here in Houston, graduated and started my driving career with Prime Inc in Sept. of 2012. Went out with my trainer (42K miles), learned a lot. Went back to Springfield, MO and tested out and got into my 2013 Lightweight Cascadia and away I went. I Drove through the winter of 2012/2013 solo. Learned 1st hand how to handle 80K in the rain, snow, ice, tornadoes and even hurricane Sandy while my trainer and I sat at the Paulsboro T/A in NJ to wait it out.

May 1st 2013 I was at the port in Galveston, Tx getting a load of pineapples, stepped down out of the truck and did not see a chunk of concrete missing on the lot the size of a football and twisted and cracked my left ankle. I reported the indecent to my FM and he ask if I could make the load and even though I was in pain, I delivered the load in TN. After I got unloaded, I sent a message to my FM stating I'd like to go see a Dr. to get it looked at. Low and behold, I had a hairline fracture and was pulled of the road. During this time they gave my truck to another driver and he ran it out of the Walmart DC in Shelbyville, TN. I went through PT in Murfreesboro, TN and the Dr. recommended I go home to finish up my PT. Back in Houston I was offered a great job (not trucking) and I took it, gave my notice to Prime while on workers comp. and started my new career on June 3rd of 2013.

I was recently let go of this job (along with 6 others) due to corp. downsizing and the company supposedly struggling financially. I'm now thinking of going back on the road. But this time, local or regional and preferable intermodal or tanker.

My big issue is experience....I DID NOT finish a whole year with Prime. I have 8 months but it's been 16 months ago. While at Prime I had a 100% Safety record, 100% on time deliveries, nominated for driver of the month one month and always got my fuel bonus.

Will I have a hard time finding work with only 8 months exp. with a "good" company?

I am PTDI Certified if that even matters. I have my Tanker, Doubles/Triples and Hazmat endorsements along with a TWIC Card and Passport.

Thanks for letting me ramble!!!

Sly

My opinion would be start calling some recruiters for companies you're interested in to get started. You've already been through the process so you got a good idea of what to do. It doesn't sound like you owe Prime any money for loans or anything so the issue is the 8 months? I started with my company as a qualified driver with 4 months experience! I think you'll find more options than one might expect.

My opinion would be start calling some recruiters for companies you're interested in to get started. You've already been through the process so you got a good idea of what to do. It doesn't sound like you owe Prime any money for loans or anything so the issue is the 8 months? I started with my company as a qualified driver with 4 months experience! I think you'll find more options than one might expect.

Thanks!!! I think I want to go Tanker this go around for a few selfish reasons..ha!! No scaling loads, no docks to bump and they have regional work that will get me home on a regular basis and the pay is good. I've found 2 that I think will take me (will contact soon). Both state they will take me with less than the year since I graduated from an accredited school and PTDI certified. I'm actually waiting on my background check to get back to the DMV and get my Hazmat in hand before applying. I took the test and passed and have been fingerprinted....just waiting now. I did get good news and that's the turn around time would be a lot faster since I've already been there done that when I got my TWIC card.

Oh and one other reason I've picked these 2 companies.......and I bet I get slammed for saying this, but they run autoshifts. I learned on a10 speed and have no problems bangin' gears....but would like to try an automatic to see if I like it.

Cool!

I've never driven an automatic, and the one chance I had to use one as a loaner I turned it down. Although a few drivers have said they like them ok, most seem to tell me that they don't like the lack of control, that it doesn't seem to shift at the right time, and is kind of awkward. But, like I said, I don't have any personal experience with them. I am sure they would be nice once one gets used to them.

Cool!

I've never driven an automatic, and the one chance I had to use one as a loaner I turned it down. Although a few drivers have said they like them ok, most seem to tell me that they don't like the lack of control, that it doesn't seem to shift at the right time, and is kind of awkward. But, like I said, I don't have any personal experience with them. I am sure they would be nice once one gets used to them.

My buddy Steve Marshall that was a big contributor here at one point went to Prime with me and left them and now owns his own truck ( International ProStar with an autoshift) and he loves his. I just spoke with him this morning and ask him again to make sure. But, I know there are many drivers that DON'T like them. I have noticed there are several "Tanker Companies" that run auto's and my best guess is due to the surge and slosh of the tanks the autoshift might be smoother? But I have to say, floating gears for me was smooth as well.

I remember you Sly!!!! Yep, I'm still here!

I remember you Sly!!!! Yep, I'm still here!

Daniel!!! How ya been? How are things? Company? Lease? Trainer?

I remember you also, it's great to hear from you!

I remember you also, it's great to hear from you!

Old School!!!! How the heck are you? Good to hear from ya!!

I'm good, still tearing up the highways, and loving every minute of it!