Topflights do you know of any companies up north I am in Aurora About 25 miles east of DeKalb. I am Laid off and would like a local gig like this

__________________
Steve

My OTR experience and what I took away from it sounds similiar to yours and I too put tractor trailers on the back burner. I would love to find a grain co. here in Va. willing to hire a newbie. I'll do some research.

Hi all, Been reading your posts and had to reply. I'm in training for my CDL and then will probably buy my on tractor and hopper bottom. Grain is the hot item to haul around the midwest (a year long). Even if the farmers quit sending their grain to the elevators you can still hire yourself and truck out to haul 20' & 40' containers to the intermodal yards. The bad thing with that is the wait is sometimes longer than the elevators but it keeps you running. I worked in a chemical plant for 28 years and decided that I wasn't going to die working there and was really tired of working swing shift. Quit that job and took a job at the local grain elevator for some experience with the equipment, etc. Talking to the truckers that came in I knew what I wanted. Now in training and have numerous phone numbers for get hauling jobs from the truckers that came in. They opened my eyes. As for as other local jobs for CDL (construction companies are always looking, as well as black top, or even hauling broke up concrete and dirt). Good luck all... Watch out if your in Northern Illinois I'll be on the road solo in another 2 weeks. LOL

I would like to jump in here and say that I have hauled grain for a total of eight years with a tractor and trailer. I agree with some of the posts here about having trouble finding a trucking company that is willing to hire people like myself. I have personally been told that I could not be hired due to lack of "OTR experience" because of insurance reasons. My driving record is perfect, no tickets or accidents but that does not mean squat without the proper experience. I too have contemplated a "starter" company just to get that elusive "OTR experience" that is needed. I would love to flatbed but I am unsure on how to reach that goal. Would a refresher course make a difference? I live close to a facility that advertises refresher courses only two to three weeks long at a decent price, is this the route I should take?

I would look into maverick if you want to flat. They will not require a refresher. They will put you through their load securement training. If you want more info I know you can not PM yet, you can YIM me if you want. Good luck.

__________________
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Thanks for the reply, I'll do a little research on them. Unfortunately I do not have any type of messenger.

I have been reading this board for about 3 months, but this is my 1st post. I have just received my Cdl A this week from a private accredited school in the Chicago area. I decided to wait until I had my license in hand before really applying to diffferent companies. I am waiting to hear back from Warner, but I've also been considering a local grain haul operation in mid-Illinois region.

Otr seems good because:
Experience gold standard (1 year exp w same company and your golden)
Personally I have no apt now so I might not have to pay rent 4 some time
Experience personal (you get to see the US - sure highways n truck stops - but I think I could squeeze in some good times when not under)

Local Grain benefits:
Home everynight and off weekends (I do have a son who will stay in Chicago but I will be able to travel to see him on weekends)
Good Job/Life - I wouldn't want to be Otr forever unless the pay was INCREDIBLE and thats no guarantee with the miles
Smaller Company - A lot of drivers complain about being just another # in larger companies

Decisions Decisions - I guess Ill have to get a offer 1st

Hello,

I live in Godfrey, IL and was reading your post on grain hauling.

I have my class A and was wondering what are some of the companies around this area that you referred to in your post.

I have NO real exp driving a class A

Thank You

Jeff

I'm in central Illinois and worked for *** in a hurry, (if you know who I'm talking about you may be able to help me.) What can I make hauling grain? I went back over the road because I was going broke. I loved the work and getting home everyday. In fact I was a trainer, so I know something of what I'm doing. I would love to have my own truck and go back to doing what I had been. I would also like to know more about intermodal. I heard that a lot of the grain haulers were paid by the hour but have no idea how much.

I was wondering if anybody had some names and numbers of companies where i could start looking. I have my own truck and hopper, but don't know where to look as far as a company. I'm in joliet,il. and about 5 minutes from I-55 and I-80. Any help would be appreciated.
-Abe