My PTL Log (New to the industry)

Discussion in 'PTL' started by MuscleBro, Nov 17, 2014.

  1. MuscleBro

    MuscleBro Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
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    I finished with Phase 1 of training on my 11th day out, I went through all sorts of climates and steep grades. By far the worst had to have been the high fog areas of PA. My trainer helped me get through it all and helped me build up confidence. My trainer was absolutely incredible, he was helpful, friendly, welcoming to novice truck drivers, and appreciated initiative. If anyone ever gets the chance to meet him his name is Alan (I asked permission to post his name, which he granted) if you're a trainee he's probably the best trainer out there that you can find.

    I have a few complaints with PTL however. My trainer and I went through PA and NY which had small roads and were very aggravating especially for a new driver such as myself. We were told that those areas do not qualify as the North East, which frankly is a load of ####. Aside from that, when I was finished my training I was completely kept in the dark as to where we would be getting routed and whether or not it would be towards home, I ended up driving roughly 900 miles more than I needed to when I was 300 miles from home. My biggest pet peeve with PTL is that they will not give you a pre-plan until you have already dropped off your current load, which in my opinion defeats the purpose of being able to plan ahead. When I was finally dispatched towards home we were given a pre-plan at 10:30AM instructing us to get loaded at a place that is 270 miles away at 11:00AM, this really aggravated me because it made me look like I was incapable of being punctual to the shipper.

    PTL has great benefits and such but there are some systems and policies that are just down right stupid.
     
    Up^on^two and VolunteerTrucker Thank this.
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  3. Jrdude5

    Jrdude5 Heavy Load Member

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    That was my issues there also I did 1700 more miles than I needed in phase 1 trainer was excellent but didn't like the way they paid northeast.
     
  4. Jcbel

    Jcbel Bobtail Member

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    Nov 24, 2014
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    Hi thinking of going lease purchase. Does PTL do recruitment bonuses
     
  5. Saturday

    Saturday Medium Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2014
    Arkansas
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    How is your Phase 2 training going Musclebro?
     
  6. MuscleBro

    MuscleBro Bobtail Member

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    I'm on a bus headed towards Memphis now to start phase 2. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated as much as I can.
     
  7. MuscleBro

    MuscleBro Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
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    I passed my upgrade test yesterday and almost immediately after, me and my partner (who happens to be Kayman who's posted here) were assigned a truck, an amazing 2014 Freughtliner Cadcadia automatic in near perfect condition. We ended up waiting until 8pm to be given a pre-plan to Laredo Texas only to be told to get it there faster than we could legally deliver it. Shortly after that dispatch noticed the error in their request and gave us a much more realistic time frame. So far things are going nice and easy with my partner and I, not to mention my fleet manager seems to be more on top of things than my trainers fleet manager was. To sum it up, so far so good.
     
  8. Saturday

    Saturday Medium Load Member

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    Dec 19, 2014
    Arkansas
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    Thanks for keeping this updated. I have a pre-hire with PTL and they sent me an information packet I'd like you to confirm for me when you have time. First it says Phase 1 training with a trainer I should make around $500, and once you get your first Phase 2 settlement check can you tell me if you grossed around $700-$800? I just want to see if these are realistic numbers.

    I'm glad to hear you got issued a new truck. Maybe they'll let one of you hold onto it after your Phase 2 is over.
     
  9. MuscleBro

    MuscleBro Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
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    I made a 750$ check with my trainer. If your trainer is good, then you're going to make good money and finish training in under two weeks. Don't take just any trainer, make sure they're gonna teach you.

    So far in P2 with the way me and my partner drive, I can see us making good money so long as we have the miles.
     
  10. MuscleBro

    MuscleBro Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2014
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    Realistically, you can make 900+$ in P2 if you get the miles and you and your partner can drive them
     
  11. Saturday

    Saturday Medium Load Member

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    Arkansas
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    Thanks for your reply. I'm glad to see those numbers have a basis in reality. You really can't be too careful when you read things from recruiters. I do have a few more questions if you don't mind answering them for me.

    Does PTL pay layover, detention, or tolls?
    What is their medical insurance like?
    Do you stand over your co-driver and watch him while he sleeps?
    How is there tuition reimbursement paid out?
    How is that sign-on bonus paid out?

    Thanks
     
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