Offered a Job . . . Questions ?

Discussion in 'Old Dominion' started by Camaro Junkie, Feb 26, 2010.

  1. Camaro Junkie

    Camaro Junkie Bobtail Member

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    Apr 29, 2009
    Albany N.Y.
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    Ive Been Offered a Job with Old Dominion to Be Trained as a Linehole Driver the First Week in April. The Terminal is in Albany N.Y. I have no Experience and just a Permit. With the Way the Economy is do I want to make the Move. Right now I have Job Security working 40 Hours a Week at $21.00. I have 4 Kids and a wife. Ive heard about the Layoff and wonder if its the right time to make the move. Please Advise. Thanks, Nick
     
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  3. mizdageeragn

    mizdageeragn Medium Load Member

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    You're making 40k for 40 hours, plus bennies, and you get to sleep with the wife, and see your kids, and eat decent food, and use a clean shower. In this day and age; :biggrin_25511:STAY PUT!
     
  4. slabrunner

    slabrunner Light Load Member

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    Jan 17, 2010
    Muskegon, MI
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    Ive Been Offered a Job with Old Dominion to Be Trained as a Linehole Driver the First Week in April. The Terminal is in Albany N.Y. I have no Experience and just a Permit. With the Way the Economy is do I want to make the Move. Right now I have Job Security working 40 Hours a Week at $21.00. I have 4 Kids and a wife. Ive heard about the Layoff and wonder if its the right time to make the move. Please Advise. Thanks, Nick

    You'd be making a big mistake in my opinion to switch to driving from a 21/hr gig. But I don't know what it is you do.
     
  5. Camaro Junkie

    Camaro Junkie Bobtail Member

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    Albany N.Y.
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    I'm thinking long term; The job I have now I move 5000-6000 boxes a night by hand in a warehouse. Set aside the family setting, I am hoping to create a more stable and secure financial situation for them for the future i.e college, better home, etc. My wife and children are very supportive and with no room to advance in my current position, this seems to be the smartest move. But 'seems' is the key word, is there a future in it for the livlihood of my family?
     
  6. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Well, everything in life is conditional. But Old Dominion appears to be a very good company. At least around here. But they may be different back east than they are out west here.

    I know a couple of drivers that are happy with them.
     
  7. slabrunner

    slabrunner Light Load Member

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    Muskegon, MI
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    Yeah, given those parameters it might make sense. Driving is much more sedentary an occupation than what you're doing now though. I don't know if you'll like that aspect. Also, it's rather isolating socially.
     
  8. Keendriver

    Keendriver Light Load Member

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    I am not an expert on the LTL world but I worked for Con-Way for a short time and got a bit of a glimpse of it.
    In the long run you would probably be better off financially taking the Linehaul job.I would imagine in just a few short years you would be at the top of the payscale and as your seniority grew you would be able to bid on the "best"(for you) runs.

    That being said you will likely spend alot of time away from your family,depending on the run you get.
    I have no idea where OD's terms are or where/when the freight goes.But what if you get a run that goes 300 miles one way.Let's say it leaves the yard at 1900....300 miles up 300 miles back.Now you're gone all nite and have to sleep all day and your weekends are shot cuz you gotta keep your same sleep schedule.
    You will make good money but at what price.

    Just something to think about. Best of luck to you.
     
  9. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    Most linehauls run at night, are you prepared to stay up and run all night, in all kinds of weather? Then be able to sleep during the day?

    OD pulls a lot of doubles(2 pup trailers) on linehaul, feel comfortable with them?

    You will need HAZMAT and DOUBLES/TRIPLES endorsement on your license.

    You'll probably start on the bottom, with a run no one else wants. Prepared for that?

    Just a few things to think about.....
     
    dollylama Thanks this.
  10. Camaro Junkie

    Camaro Junkie Bobtail Member

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    Apr 29, 2009
    Albany N.Y.
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    I really appreciate all this feedback, thanks!! The overnight thing is actually what I'm looking for; it's, in fact, the schedule that I have now and it works famously for my family schedule. As far as what loads I can handle, I'm not sure. I would start as a trainee so therefore would be a bottom feeder. I'm willing to take what I can get to make the job worth my while in the long run. The manager also mentioned that I would be home every morning after the shift. The main concern I have is whether I make the leap now, especially with the economy being as it is, and with a family, will it still be a safe move and lucrative enough?
     
  11. slabrunner

    slabrunner Light Load Member

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    There's risk in doing something, there's risk in not. Always there's risk, it's like death and taxes, omnipresent. I'd get a certain level of liquidity built up in case you have to go to plan b. If you quit, go to work for OD and it doesn't work out, can you go back and get your job back or get something w/ level of income you need?
     
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