Wow! I've been looking for a GOOD Truck company for my experienced driver husband to go to work for, but most of them sound pretty awful.

My husband has had his CDL class A since 1988 and has continually worked driving tractor-trailers ever since. He started out OTR and got a local driving job as soon as he could. It's gone pretty well until the last year or so, with severe cut-backs and down time, and the economy is getting worse. On a really great week he might get in 32 hours, but has sat through periods as long as 6 weeks with no work at all, and with a pay-cut to boot.

We've realized that going back to OTR work is probably the best current option to be able to keep our home, and pay the bills. However we want a company that will allow me, as a non-driver, to travel along with him. He could never handle the emotional stress and strain of being away from me for weeks on end. He barely survived it all those years ago.

After reading many threads in this Forum it sounded like Con-Way is a pretty good company and could be what we're looking for.

However I just got off the phone with a recruiter there. They require 6 months of "over the road" experience in the last 3 years, and driving tractor trailer through-out Washington and Oregon doesn't qualify. His 20 years of driving experince, pulling 53 footers, and doubles, refers, and dry vans is worth nothing to this company.

They would take him as a newbie if he goes back to school. What the heck is up with that? I would have thought his experience to be a huge boon, but they acted as if not driving 48 states is pretty much the equivalent of just driving a cab.

Gosh! Maybe I should check into cab driving jobs!

Our kids are grown, though 2 still live with us out of necessity, so selling our house (in this market??) isn't an option. Also it's unlikely I can drive a big rig, I'm 56, I have fibromyalgia, and I lack the drive and confidence to get behind that wheel! Nonetheless after 24 years of togetherness I want to be where my husband is and he will be able to handle that long haul grind so much better if we're together.

So now I need input as to which companies allow spousal ridership, and pay decent mileage rates as well as keep you moving down the road. Respecting CDL A exerience would be a plus, but it's becoming a "beggars can't be choosers" mindset out there.

Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Watkins and Shepard, Missoula MT

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Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
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Thanks Danc,
I'm starting my research right now. Have you worked for either of these companies?

I've worked for both. I'll take W&S anyday, over CFI/Conway.

Although I have not worked for Conway Truckload. They utilize the same people that CFI used, in Joplin. I can't see it being any differant now, than then.

Too many Chiefs, and not enough Indians.

__________________
Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
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Silly me! Now I see that this is one company! Talk aboutchernoobs!
Anyway, to rephrase my previous question: Have you ever worked for this company?

Not under the Conway name...no. I left just before the buyout.

But they maintained the same people to run the truckload side. Business as usual.

__________________
Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
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Hey danc ..

I re-applied at W/S again, remember I got dropped from consideration around Christmas and you suggested trying again later. They still have no opportunities .. much less turnover than expected I hear. Back then I was trying to go to their school, since then I have gone locally and will test at the DMV tomorrow and should be ready to toll.

I'm looking at Conway right now as I need to start somewhere, and they seem to offer a better deal than most newbie hiring companies. They are paying .26/mile during training (min 7500 miles) and then .30/mile once solo. I can also bring my dog at that point. I would certainly make more money than at Werner, et al, with their $300/wk or so deal during training .. about .14/mile I think, and then .26/mile once solo.

Conway does have forced dispatch, high value loads with 'limited stops', some 'tight delivery times' and forced NYC (though only 3% of loads, they say), etc .. lots of rules.

Did you have policies like that at CFI?

My other choices are Werner, FFE, AE, etc.. if I want to have the dog along .. and right now I need that option.

Just need somewhere to pay my dues for a yr or two and hopefully make a 'living' ... Conway a workable solution, or terrible choice?

Thanks for all your input and feedback .. us 'rooks' need insight.

Steve

Choosing Conway or W&S is a good idea. They each have their flaws.

Conway will get your per mile pay up sooner. They are less forgiving about incidents. .35 a mile within 12 months, if they give you the miles.

W&S will give you time to make a minor mistake or 2, the payscale is slow in rising. 5 years for .35 a mile

There are other things, but they balance each other out. With the exception of "family feeling", W&S will treat you much better than Conway. IMO

__________________
Insuring polititions fear that
which goes bump in the night.
Seek out their personal homes
and family members. -- SU 83
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We came off the road last August, we were running as a Team, and just got sick of being out there. My Fiance got a local job and was doing really well, pretty busy etc until now..! January has been a terrible month and this week he has 10hrs worth of work..!!.. I have been seeking work since we got home and now into the 5th month I still have nothing, I have applied everywhere - not just trucking jobs and not one phone call back EXCEPT Trucking companies wanting me to go over the road.~sigh~. There are too few jobs here and too many people wanting them I guess.

The last thing we want to do is go back over the road but we will if it is the only option to be able to keep our house and pay the bills. We are thinking about Conway as well, not sure what they pay teams but it appears that teams get a T660 with 86" sleeper, which I know is not a reason to go with a company but hell if we have to go back out there we wanna be a lot more comfortable this time.

You will find that Conway is not the only company who will tell you something like this. Local driving, in most companies eyes, does not go towards OTR experience however I would have thought that driving through Oregon & Washington would have a fairly big sway towards it esp. winter driving which is important to a lot of companies..? Go Figure.

Best of luck and let us know how you go...

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I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I got my cdl today!!!!!!I failed last tuesday so I kept it quiet till today.I called Christine today but she wasnt there.So we will try tomorrow.Thanks to all my supporters and hope to see you in Joplin!