Going to Conway

Discussion in 'Con-Way' started by lonejustice64, Dec 31, 2009.

  1. lonejustice64

    lonejustice64 Bobtail Member

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    May 9, 2009
    Prestonsburg, KY.
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    Hello, I have been schelduled for orientation for Conway Truckload on Jan 11 in Joplin, MO. I have read most of the posts on here they seem like a decent company. I was just wandering if any current truckload drivers could tell me how the miles are now, or any other info would be greatly appreciated! I am looking forward to it in a way and also dreading it at the same time. I would rather find a local job but as everyone knows pickens are slim at the time especially in my area of Kentucky. I have been driving over the road for 18 years off and on so I have a pretty good ideal of what I;m getting back into. Once again Thanks for any info.:yes2557:
     
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  3. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    Just watch those rain slick curves, and you'll be OK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  4. darkstaff

    darkstaff Bobtail Member

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    Jul 6, 2007
    West central VA
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    I can tell you my experience.

    I've been employed by them since Nov. 08.

    All of 2009, I ran out 2 months, then home for a week. I've done (since hire date) 121,000 paid miles, and grossed just shy of $50,000 for 2009. I've done every state in the Union (except Montana, but we do have freight that goes there also) and all the bordering provinces of Canada.

    You probably already know, but you need your HazMat and be willing to go to Canada. I've hauled 2 placarded loads in the last year, and been to Canada maybe 8 times.

    I've done all my miles in a 2005 KW T-600 that now has over 525,000 miles on it. She still runs like a top. I've only broken down once with her. They take pretty good care of their equipment.

    Their 5 main yards are all very nice. I personally don't mind being there. Some do. Depends on your outlook.

    One thing you need to know. Your past is just that. Past. Everyone starts at the same pay, and you need to earn your respect. It's really not that hard if you're serious about your work.

    I simply hope you get a Fleet Manager. Some of them there are really good at making drivers unhappy. It happens. Luckily, I have a sweetheart who really knows how to keep me running. (Note: If you don't like/get along with your FM, pester the head of Ops til you get one you can work with. It CAN be done here, regardless of what you may hear)

    I enjoy working here. You may or may not. I wish you luck.

    Any other questions? I'd be happy to help with any info. And, I won't sugar coat it. They did away with the recruiting bonuses. :eek:)
     
    JustSonny, Hatley and future driver Thank this.
  5. lonejustice64

    lonejustice64 Bobtail Member

    36
    9
    May 9, 2009
    Prestonsburg, KY.
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    Thanks for the reply Stick. The miles sound pretty good, then I see you averaged around 10000 a month. I already have my Hazmat, I do not have a passport or Twic card for ports, do you need a passport nowadays to go into and out of Canada? I have delivered into Canada but it was before the 9-11 attacks I;ve heard things have changed alot since then. Also how often have you been into and around the New York City area hopefully not much LOL. I have delivered into the burrough of MT. Vernon and to Long Island a few times but would rather avoid the area as much as possible. Once again thanks for the reply and be safe!!:biggrin_25514:
     
  6. darkstaff

    darkstaff Bobtail Member

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    Jul 6, 2007
    West central VA
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    On the mention of miles, they are pretty good.

    Company policy for home time is you have to be out for 7 days minimum, then you "highlight" for home. You'll need the location, a contact person's name (such as a manager of a truck stop, etc....) and a phone number for the place. (This is if you don't park at home. I park in a truckstop about 30 miles away from the house. I got the manager's name and number no problem. But it would be wise to KNOW where you'll be parking before you go to orientation. That way, you'll have no problem getting home.)

    Once highlighted, they have 8 days to get you home.(with the exception of the northwest, if you are up in WA and I think parts of OR and ID, it's a "we'll get you home asap, but no guarantee up there. In that case, just push out when you highlight until you're somewhere it's guaranteed) If you're not home in 8 days, they pay your deadhead miles to get you there. Never had a problem with it.

    I say all that, because, honestly, the best way to make money here is staying out as long as you can. This is by no means a "home alot" company. As I stated before, I stayed out for 2 months at a time last year. I plan this year to be home once a month though. We'll see how that works. May change.

    As of June of last year, you are required by law to have a passport or passcard to enter Canada. I just got my passcard, since I don't plan on flying overseas anytime soon. It was around $40, and if you have your birth certificate, it's just a couple of weeks to get one. (I didn't, that's a whole other story.)

    We don't do the ports, so no TWIC card needed.

    As far as NYC and that area (Geez, I really HOPE I don't JINX myself here!!!!!!!) we do go there, occasionally, but I haven't been there yet. Jersey, yes.CT, yes. NY state (outside of NYC), yes, etc....

    Just an FYI as far as freight goes, we are truly a FAK common carrier. We go everywhere, we haul an incredibly varied freight base. I've hauled everything from recycled paper to computer products. It does make it interesting. We haul (of course) a LOT of Con-Way Freight loads. Don't worry, no doubles, and it's terminal to terminal, drop and hook. In fact, I really LIKE hauling these loads.

    So, hope I answered your latest round, and don't be bashful. If you think of any more, ask away. If you're really in need of some info, PM me.

    Like I said, these are my observances from my perspective. Everyone's different. But right now, I'm in one of our drop yards, small little place, about ten trucks here. 3 of 'em are 2 million milers, and another 2 are million milers. How many companies can boast those figures?
     
  7. mustang970

    mustang970 Road Train Member

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  8. QBall3577

    QBall3577 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 24, 2008
    Fort Worth, TX
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    I concur with Stick. I've been happy here as well and agree with what he's said about the company. With the passcard I believe they will give you like 90 or 120 days to get it after hire... same with hazmat. If I can offer one piece of advice.. don't screw around with the obstacle course. They are serious when it is stated they will can you if you fail!

    I too like hauling the freight loads... their normally a fast dispatch but its always a drop and hook. I'm just coming off of team (my wife resigned) and am now solo so I can't quite comment on the miles (other than teams miles were great)... but I wrangled 2200 my first week as a solo coming back on Dec 28th.

    Stick, i'd be interested in knowing what fleet your on. I'll be moved off of the team fleet i'm on now this week to a solo fleet and I would like nothing more than to stay productive. We were priority so i'm used to hauling tail.. sitting will absolutly bore me.
     
  9. lonejustice64

    lonejustice64 Bobtail Member

    36
    9
    May 9, 2009
    Prestonsburg, KY.
    0
    Sounds good Stick, I will be driving to Joplin they offered a Grey Hound ticket but I declined it would probably turn into a two day trip on the bus. I wish they had a oreintation class somwhere a little closer but oh well. I think Joplin is around 6 to 700 miles from my home. The recruiter said I would return home after orientation because of an up to two week wait on a truck. Are they a log it as you do it company or can you fudge a little, no big deal for me I have logged both ways, I would rather stay as compliant as possible though. Also do they furnish load locks or straps or do we buy our own? Thanks again!
     
  10. mustang970

    mustang970 Road Train Member

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    Pretty much have to log it right. They are beginning to audit logs by GPS.
    They will furnish straps, lock, chains for tires, will deduct a deposit.
     
  11. darkstaff

    darkstaff Bobtail Member

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    Jul 6, 2007
    West central VA
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    mustang970 has it right on the straps and such. You'll be issued everything you need.

    As far as logging goes, mustang970 has it dead on again. They are bouncing our logs of of the Qualcomm GPS now. You have to be within 15 minutes of what you log, or you may get a nasty-gram!

    Personally, this didn't affect me coming here, as I drove for an Acklie company for 2 years, and they were VERY stringent on legal logging.

    If you are ever asked, or worse, TOLD to do something "illegal", all you should have to do is talk to safety. They'll take care of any "discrepancies" between the planners and your legality.

    The 2 week wait for your truck is also standard here. I only had to wait a week, but then I stayed in Joplin at a hotel a the time.

    They used to have orientation at various places (I did mine in Charlotte, NC) but due to the economy, yadda yadda.

    And yes, as Mystikal has said, you need to really watch yourself, BIGTIME, on the obstacle course! I didn't have to do the Joplin course, thank goodness, especially being unused to a KW at the time. (Going through orient. in NC was a bonus there. Although one guy in my "class" hit a trailer backing and was IMMEDIATELY shown the door!)

    Not saying this to scare ya or make you nervous, but to show you how serious this company is about certain things.

    (Mystikal, tried sending you a PM, but I "don't have enough posts yet". I'm on fleet eight)
     
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