Congrats TM.

Can a current May driver, who can legibly type!!!, without an angry chip on their shoulder, objectively answer these questions:

1) What is their idle policy? Written and what really happens? ie., they really will shut you off in Phoenix when it's 110 degrees out?

2) What is their hometime policy? Written and what really happens? I've come to understand that most starter companies allow 1 day for each week out, but many will cater to good drivers and say, give them 72 solid hours at home for staying out 2 weeks, or similar arrangements.

Thanks,

Drew

Congrats on the employment. Seeing as I'm in your neck of the woods... Star that is, I wondered which school you chose to train with. Might help me shave some time with the training but I'd rather have it done right than just quick.

Through CWI in Nampa, professional truck driving school. So far it's been a good experience. They have classes starting all the time plus they have some connections, they will at least point you in the direction of a few companies that take students. Good luck to ya!

didn't make it with May. Having 10 weeks between the time I finished school and got my CDL and training didn't do me any favors. Made it past orientation but failed the final skills test after training. I don't really see the importance in the Jersey turn test (seems to me the other terminals don't have them). Would you really be using that on the road anyway? A lot of other newbies at other companies, would probably fail that too. I passed the backing part.

I've not ever heard of the "Jersey turn" test, could you specify for us what that is? We talking a really tight narrowing radius turn? I've seen the food and beverage guys hit them with a 2 ax daycab and a pup, but a 3 ax sleepy and a '53, I doubt they'd be so lucky.

Thanks for the reply. Well, things went really quick on my end and before I knew it I was enrolled in CWI classes starting this Monday 9/21. I'm practically spinning. Grateful to get in seeing as they're pretty booked but nine weeks should give me a good basic grounding. In the meantime I'm out searching on my own for opportunities in the area (tanker or dry bulk) that I'm interested in, knowing all the while CWI does have those connections. All the best!

Well, you know what the handle looks like on an old Sammy piece of luggage? It's trying to maneuver a 53 footer thru a course shaped like that.
They never took me out on a road final test. So you mean to tell me some guy that would pass a jersey turn test, is a good driver, even though on the road, he could be shaky and almost dangerous?
If the other terminals, besides Brooks, don't do that (jersey turn course) on their final tests, that makes me. That means that the employees are not being treated equally and fairly.

It has been a while since I posted here. I went to orientation, 2 days of paperwork and boring films. Left the next morning with trainer to Brooks OR with a beer load. Did a couple of local runs and then out to Wash. DC. The weeks flew by, solo out in Brooks, going to Layton UT to pick up an 09 Cascadia and will be off and running.

Idle time: we called up and requested additional hours and May gave them. I was never uncomfortable - except for last night, forgot to roll the windows down - my bad.

I have met a good portion of drivers working for May. They all have their complaints, but in general 80-90% are happy with the Company. As with any company, good and bad. I am sure I will have my complaints in time, but so far they have treated me well and have gone above my expectations.

Routing: In the last three weeks, we have been off routing for one reason or another: traffic, poor route plan, construction, construction, construction. Nothing has been said. If you have a good reason, sound plan, and are following the intent of the plan, then you won't have a problem. Screw off with out a solid reason, and I no that I am going to get a great ##### chewing.

Fuel: We all ways topped off our tanks at every fuel stop. (TA's or Pilot). We got showers. The only time that we took on less than 150 gallons was because of a weight issue, or once we were just outside of Brooks Termial. We thought we would have enough fuel to get to Brooks. We were wrong, called for a fuel stop and picked up 40 gallons, which was more than enough to get us to Brooks. All of our fuel stops were within blocks of the freeway.

Terminals - I have heard that they are all operated slightly differently. So the above is based on my experience (new as it may be!). I think I have a great terminal manager and a fantastic DEM. I do not know enough about this industry to say that May is better or worst, but I do know what they have done for me, and I owe them more than the benefit of the doubt! So for me, I am very happy I am with May. I enjoy having the TM shake my hand every time I show up - he makes it a point.

Good post, Mountain. One question though, (the most important question)....


How are the miles?

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Leave me alone, please!