Originally Posted by mannmk7

I think doing some research as you have done is an excellent idea. Years ago they was no internet to get information from. If more people were like yourself maybe trucking industry would treat drivers better. Some people think driving is like seeing the country; yeah, seeing the country from the window of a truck, racing from point a to point b.

Just because many truckers except the way trucking is doesn't make it right. It seems to me there is no financial recognition for loss of weekends, 6-7 day work weeks, out on the road 4-6 wks and more at a time, away from home.

It seems that drivers are stuck paying out huge sums of money on food because they have to eat on the road; and it doesn't seem that they are compensated for this. Example. If a driver was to eat 2 decent meals at a T/A truck stop it would cost $8 for breakfast and $11.00 for dinner after everything $25.00 a day, for what would cost $5 at home. Do trucking companies pay the extra $20 a day in food? I don't think so unless it's some where in the pay. On this point companies should offer paid for meal tickets then you would be compensated.

I have seen companies gladly offer 4 days off for every 4 weeks out on the road. WHAT? A person use to get 2 days off a week. Now trucking companies are bold enough to throw out 1 day off for every week. And what about working on holidays? Is there compensation for holidays? Do you get time and a half or even double time? I don't think so. All of these losses should at least be added up and given to you at the end of the year.

The week ends a loan would add up to 102 days off. Instead companies act like you get enogh time off on the road. Guess what, time off on the road is not time off. It is a waste of time is what it is.

These are only a couple of the problems with trucking. I gets worse when they start confusing your pay check and fines, and other costs that con-men, con-companies, conger up.

I think you've made a good decision. Your 29 get into a job that you will be able to work at tell you die because the way our country is going you will need it. Maybe nursing, they get $20- $40 an hour, all the hours you want, over time pay, holiday pay.

Good luck

Originally Posted by inthewindaz

Much of what you say is true... and there are too many drivers who won't, for whatever reason, stand up for themselves. But there are alternatives also, such as unions and a union job (if you can find one), and there are good companies to drive for as well... and many private companies and local jobs also.

The bad thing about this industry is, I believe, the advantage taken of the new drivers. The driver mills are killing the industry, keeping wages down, and screwing more experienced drivers who have been with them, forcing them elsewhere.

I have used this example before: it is not right and should not be allowed... for a company and or recruiter to tell a 22 yo kid (or anyone) with no experience, maybe a GED or HS diplioma, young wife and kid maybe at home... : "you're gonna make $40k your first year... we'll make you a trainer after just 6 months and you can make up to $120k a year... we'll get you home or anywhere you want any time you want..."

... then the recruiter signs the kid to driving school ($4000) and a contract for one or two years (if not completed the kid needs to come up with the cash for school)... puts the kid out there and in 6 months he finds he's grossing anywhere from $75 one week to maybe $600 another week (but paying $200 wk to eat, plus tolls, lumpers, etc... out of pocket). The new driver is broke and stuck and under contract. Slave labor. Working for minimum wage or less and can't go anywhere.

THAT is what is wrong with this industry... and drivers allow it, the government allows it. It's wrong.

Originally Posted by Florida Floyd

Yeah, I'm kind of wondering why "your buddies" had not taken the tanker job himself. Surely they can't be paying recruiters that well at JBH. (if they are, maybe I should be a recruiter!)

Floyd->>>

Originally Posted by NukedNative

I'm gonna go work for the newly formed JB SWIFT. Isn't that what I heard on the news? Economy is doin great and JB and swift are the places to be to become billionaires? Crap, nevermind. Just found out it's comedy central I'm watchin!