Central Oregon Truck Co...the fun begins

For those of you who followed my adventures with Wolding, you know that I moved from one Portland to the other. After taking a week off to move into our new place on the left coast, I started orientation today at COTC. They provided me with a rental car from Portland to their new terminal in Redmond, free of charge. I have never flatbedded before, but they are willing to show you how. Orientation is 3.5-4 days which includes securement and tarp training. I plan on joining the quad fleet, which is home every weekend if you choose. This fleet runs WA, OR, ID, MT, some WY, and Western Canada and you have to live in the PNW to qualify. Since I have no flatbed experience, I'll be running the Western 11 until they feel confident in my tarping and securement. They also run all 48.

Today was a bunch of computer work, whiz quiz, a drive test, physical testing, and meeting some of the higher ups. The rest of the week is more hands on. This company has a very open door policy, the CEO already came and introduced himself to our class before we got to lunch. We got to mess around with the tarps a little bit too.

So far, very impressed with how things are being run and how open the open door policy is. The facilities and equipment are also top notch. Obviously, it's only day one, but I think I'm going to like it here. I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions and I feel that I've made a great decision. I'll be doing this from my phone until I get my laptop fixed, but I'll do my best to keep it updated and answer any questions. After all, these next few days, they are going to try and fit 100 lb of crap into a 50 lb bag.

I hope y'all enjoy.

 

Today was a bit more computer work and then we were introduced and used the PeopleNet, which is their version of elogs. I've only used paper so it was a bit new to me, but very easy to use. They have a truck simulatorthatsome used today. I don't know what they're looking for in it because I haven't used it yet, but I'll be sure to update.

Gonna get some good sleep tonight as we did tarping on our own, as well as learned how to secure coils. They have a tarp test, in which you have to tarp half a load in 30 min. I did it in 25, it wasn't the prettiest, but effective. I asked for some extra help to make it quicker and tighter and they were more than happy to help. Another driver even came over and gave me some pointers. I definitely feel more confident in doing it again tomorrow, and from here on out, because it's a big part of what we do. I helped roll as many tarps as I could so I could get that hang of it, which definitely helped. I'm gonna be getting some good sleep tonight lol.

Still happy with my decision. A very safety oriented company that stands behind their drivers as long as they're honest. If you're willing to work (and for those who've never flatbedded before, learn) you can make a good living here. After 90 days, the company pays all of the driver's medical, dental, vision, and short term disability premiums. That was another selling point for me.

Just showered, about to go grab some grub and then hit the sack.

 

I appreciate it my friend. Hopefully I'll run into you out here in my neck of the woods.

 

Thanks for the support guys. Day 3 is in the books. Finished my computer work and did my tarp test over and shaved almost 10 min off of my time and the job looked a lot cleaner. Very pleased. Hopped in the simulator, which was weird to say the least, but it was a neat experience. Still don't know whether they are going to throw me on the Western 11 fleet or Quad fleet right off, because they have been getting a couple of quad trucks ready during the week. Either way, I'll be routed to the house to take a reset and load up the gear.

Very happy with my decision. I haven't met a single person here who isn't willing to help, it really is like a family. Anything questions that I have asked have been answered. Tomorrow is the last day, we have breakfast with all the higher ups and have exit interviews, and we'll be assigned our trucks and trailers in the morning. They supply all necessary equipment before you even leave. That's just one less thing.

I'm really gonna like it here. It's an honest, fair, and production based company, just like my last employer. There is definitely money to be made if you're willing to work for it, to go with great hometime. I'm comfortable here, and I haven't even started running yet. Trust me though, I'm itching to get out of here.

 

Well, I'm officially an employee of COTC. Was issued my truck and trailer for the next few weeks. They rarely do drop and hook, so that's a plus as far as keeping your equipment and your set up. Picked up in Gilchrist, OR yesterday and drove home to Portland. It delivers maybe 5 min from my house. Too bad I can't park there. Tarping isn't all that bad, I had to re string both tarps because the cords in it were on their way out. Had a quad driver come by and help me out and give me tips and pointers to become more efficient. I really appreciated that because the quad side tarps A LOT, so until I become proficient and comfortable with it, i stay on the Western 11. My tarp job wasn't too bad, it was tight enough to get me 8.3 MPG back to Portland. Oh, and they started me out a penny higher per mile than I thought I would be making too. Can't complain about that.

Time for the honey do list, have a great weekend everyone.