Could use professional advice. Career changer with a cpl needs to be considered.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jcape08, Dec 20, 2014.

  1. jcape08

    jcape08 Bobtail Member

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    Hello all. It's probably been posted a hundred times but... I am changing careers so i am used to a certain amount of income. I also share custody of my daughter whom i have every weekend. And...on top of that getting rid of her dog would be a heart break i don't want to cause again since she's lost 2 other in 4 years. So my question is...who's the best company out there with best pay rate that can accommodate home time and a dog. A pit bull at that. #### lousy people who raised their pits to be vicious put an imprudent stigma on those of us who have very friendly pits.
    Thanks
     
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  3. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    Pits can be very loving dogs, so I agree.

    I I know if you are o/o you can do just about anything when it comes to pets. Schneider specifically prohibits pets in company vehicles I know; was a thread I just read were someone said another company allowed pets. I'll see if i can't find it.

    As for time at home, that's going to be your kicker. Regional, ltl and some of the other members will know better are going to be what you're looking for. That being said, most companies like that want a year experience prior to you being hired.
     
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  4. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    Your gonna have to do Dollar General dedicated with a company that allows a pit bull. Some companies that allow pets may not allow a pit bull because it's considered an "aggressive" dog.
     
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  5. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    Recently saw a driver with a cat and a jack Russell in the cab. Got this pic but the dog ducked. US Express

    View attachment 75899
     
  6. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    We work at US Xpress, they allow one pet but we have two so we snuck them in. Been two years here and never got caught. Most people are animal lovers so they don't say anything.
     
  7. JoeBear

    JoeBear Light Load Member

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    The way I got around the pit bull name is that they are actually classifed as American Bull Terrier... Pit bull is a nick name so to say. Unless they have a weight limit or a list of breeds they deem as aggressive.
     
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  8. bobtrucks2204

    bobtrucks2204 Light Load Member

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    I love cats....just can't eat a whole one myself
     
  9. Brandson

    Brandson Medium Load Member

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    You really haven't given any details other than that you want to be able to take a pit bull and make money? Are you expecting 50K+ your first year? You're not getting that and home every weekend your first year. Yeah, yeah, it's possible, but you can't assume you can land a gig like that immediately. The guys that get stuff like that are the lucky few, so don't listen to people tell you that you can FOR SURE make tons and be home every weekend, because you far more than likely will not.

    The pit bull thing... good luck. Well, honestly, no, I'm not really into bringing larger breed dogs into trucks. Please realize you're commiting that dog to be in the truck ~23 hours a day. Dog's going to have a poor quality of life while in the truck, and you're going to have a handful to take care of all the time.

    Basically, if your income requirement is around 30K, you'll be fine. If you NEED to make 40K or more and be home every weekend, I wouldn't bother getting your license if you won't accept less. Plenty of people do, but just because it's possible for some, does't make it a guarantee for you.
     
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  10. foreverlearning

    foreverlearning Bobtail Member

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    I have another option for you. I got my CDL and instead of going OTR I ended up staying with the asphalt company i was already working for and getting a pay raise as a driver. Check with construction companies in your area. Most companies can use drivers. I know my company is looking at putting a couple more drivers on next season and I think many others are.

    Don't be afraid of going out and knocking on doors and asking. The worst they could say is no. Some people will say you have to be OTR for a year before you can go local, That is not true at all.
    However be aware that some construction companies will require more than just driving. My company the driver gets on site, unloads whatever equipment you're pulling, operates that equipment or uses a pick and sledge to demo. Then you go dump, go to the asphalt plant, come back, tip the bed up and start lugging asphalt in a wheelbarrow or working a plate compactor.
    If you're able to deal with doing good hard honest work give the construction companies a shot


    Oh and as for your choice of puppy I have 2 pit rescues and they are as friendly as can be.
    If you have further questions about the way my company works ask away.
     
  11. jcape08

    jcape08 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 18, 2014
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    LOL. Will use it next time i get the chance!
     
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