Folk's, it's really simple! - Page 5 - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

InMyDreams · **^ Top** #41 09.02.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bduke

The way I read into this is that drivers should be paid by the hour. I agree. anything less is foolish on the part of the driver. No offense to others. Why don't you people want to be paid for your time. I have no arguments to any of your questions. I don't think there are any drivers out there who would challenge you. Lets give it a week just to make sure. Im not going to hold my breath.

let's see ... this is coming from two truckers with 10 / 20 years of experience. what about the rest of us with NO experience & NO CDL ... what are we supposed to do? go to schneider or watkins & shepard and say "yeah, gimme a cdl and a salary too damn it!"

no, i think it works like this: get cdl through company, make peanuts, get experience, get better cpm, get more experience ... repeat as necessary.

of course, i'm looking at this from an otr standpoint ... i guess one could get out after a couple years and go to work for ups, get that good hourly pay and be home every night. not to mention union benes, pension, etc.

lost-in-montana · **^ Top** #42 09.03.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtopjr

I find it comical that a person who "Claims" to be here to learn from the "Experienced" Drivers on the board, and yet everytime there is a post you are their basically refuting everything the "Experienced" Driver has to say, since your time behind the fuel desk has given you insight that none of us who actually drive have!

You have decided to go to Swift and as you say

I have come to the conclusion that Swift is the "Perfect" Place for you!

I really think you need to completely stop posting until you have completed your training, and are on the road with your "Experienced (6 months) Trainer" for at least a few months.

At that point I would love to hear what your thoughts are!

great post ragtop, i was sick of reading what he writes.

074344 · **^ Top** #43 09.03.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bduke

The way I read into this is that drivers should be paid by the hour. I agree. anything less is foolish on the part of the driver. No offense to others. Why don't you people want to be paid for your time. I have no arguments to any of your questions. I don't think there are any drivers out there who would challenge you. Lets give it a week just to make sure. Im not going to hold my breath.

bduke,

While I believe that hourly is the only true way to be paid for all of your time (any arguments about that)? It was not my intention to suggest that OTR drivers be paid the same way. Mileage pay can be good. Providing you get the miles consistently and at a good rate. I was trying to draw attention to the lack compensation for any time other than driving, while on duty, for any reason.

Think about it. If you were paid minimum wage to drive OTR, would it be worth it? I don't think so. However, if you were paid by the mile at a good rate and compensated for all other on duty time, would that be worth it? Maybe. It would depend on how busy the company is and if they can (for those without hometime issues) keep you moving.

I was just trying to point out how deceptive these companies are when trying to hire drivers. The tactics that they use to lure drivers in, only to disapoint them on their pay checks. The drivers find out that the recruiters lie just to get them to commit. I have pointed out many "incentives" used by companies to hire drivers. It is no ones fault but your own if you fall for them.

All new drivers have to start somewhere just as I did. I was lucky and found a local company that hired me. There are more out there. You just need to take the time and research them. Don't give up! They are there!

Remember the key words that should make you avoid companies or get in writing by the company representitive. Here are some examples;

Bonus
Mileage
NYC pay
Potential
incentive
Longevity
Hometime guarantee
Up to?
and the phrase "much, much more".

Euphemisms;

Associate
Business partner
representative
Valued asset

Guess what folks? You are a driver. Just like myself. Remember that you are only as good as your last load. Nothing more, nothing less.

I wouldn't bother holding your breath. No one looks good turning blue!

Just trying to help others out there.

Drive safe

GasHauler · **^ Top** #44 09.06.2008

I agree with you 074344 that the companies are out there. I just don't understand why the majority rely only on recruiters, the computer, and phone to get a job. Years ago we didn't have the internet and we had to find a job the old way and that was to get out and look. Sure you'll want to use the computer and phone to help but just don't stop there. I know when I was in the hiring position if I got a phone call to see if we had any jobs I told every one of them no even if we did. I figured if you couldn't even get out to see the terminal why would I hire you?

I would suggest to every new driver search and download "trucking companies" in your area and start there. You can weed through them and eliminate the ones that don't fit your needs. Then go see them and ask if you can fill out an application. I'd even go to the ones that say they only hire experienced drivers. You can ask them what you can do to make it easier to land a job there. IOW's you're showing them you really want the job. Keep your applications updated and if you find a golden company go back at least once a month to show you're still interested. You do this and I'll bet you find work. It may not be the best to start out with but atleast you'll find out what companies you might want to have a career with and you won't be stuck. Remember download trucking companies and not trucking jobs. You should do this way before you talk to any recruiter and you can do it while you're in school. If you've signed on with a company to get your CDL then it's too late and your future is sealed. All you can do then is do your best to protect your record so you can move on just like the rest did.

And 074344 you're 100% right about the companies that advertise and have the high turnover rate. Through the years I've found the best way to tell a good company is find out if they have drivers that retire from that company.

bigblue19 · **^ Top** #45 09.07.2008

The way I read into this is that drivers should be paid by the hour. I agree. anything less is foolish on the part of the driver. No offense to others. Why don't you people want to be paid for your time. I have no arguments to any of your questions. I don't think there are any drivers out there who would challenge you. Lets give it a week just to make sure. Im not going to hold my breath.

I have read post after post from drivers who think they are doing great being on the road for a month at a time pulling in $600 or $700 a week.
With that kind of roll over and get on all fours attitude it is no wonder the OTR company's will not allow themselves to actually be stand up operations and pay what they should for the hours a "professional driver" puts in.

The company's puts what a couple of drivers made running illegal as your potential pay in their advertisements and the newbies have no clue that they will be making about half that if they run legal. And maybe 2/3 of it if they hardly go home and don't get a clunker for a truck and a dispatcher.

My spouse works between 40 and 50 hours a week and pulls in around 52k a year. And she is not even called a professional anything, just a technician. They call you a professional driver yet you will not even come close to 52gs working 40-50 hours on the road.

I agree with you 074344 that the companies are out there. I just don't understand why the majority rely only on recruiters, the computer, and phone to get a job.

A friend of mine got a job delivering sheet rock and they trained him how to drive and paid for him to get his class A CDL with doubles endorsement and after 3 months on the job and his CDL he got a raise from $13 bucks a hour to the $17.50 he now makes. No school NO debt and no months away from home getting paid for half his work.

mannmk7 · **^ Top** #46 09.07.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 074344

You want to report a bad company? Let me make it real easy for all of you. I am not being condescending, just being helpful. You have read numerous posts here from drivers about different companies. They all seem to lead to the same conclusion. Drivers not being paid properly, lied to and basically being treated like cr*p. There are very few exceptions in this field.

It appears that it is very simple to come up with the bad companies. I'm serious, it's really easy. Let me help you. You want answers? I'm here to help.

First of all, Look for ads. You know the ones. Just go to ANY truckstop and you will find numerous trucking magazines. Starting from the first page and going to the last, you will find companies advertising the need for drivers. THESE are the companies you need to avoid!!!!! Why do you think that they constantly need to advertise? Do you think that they have so much freight that they can't keep up with demand? Or, do you think that, quite possibly, they have such a huge turnover that they need drivers to haul the freight they already have? Drivers are leaving in droves for any number of reasons. Ah, now we are getting somewhere. Think about it. I mean really ask yourself this question. If it was such a good company, why the constant hiring? Don't you think that if these companies were "so great", there would be little to any hiring because no one would want to leave. Makes perfect sence to me!

This also applies to the majority of newspaper and internet ads. Apply the above process.

Yes there are good companies out there. I know, I work for one. Many drivers have found them and those companies do not have to place ads for obvious reasons.

Best of luck to all of you in your search for a good company. You're going to need it. You will find one. Take your time and ask others. Your dreams of diving a truck and making a good living will come true.

Drive safe

Where is a list of the good companies to work for?

074344 · **^ Top** #47 09.07.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannmk7

Where is a list of the good companies to work for?

mannmk7,

Excellent question. Unfortunately, not so easy of an answer. It depends on what you want to do. Obviously looking up the Teamster Union for work is a good start. I would also suggest looking into companies that haul haz-mat. They usually pay better. Look for tanker work as well if you have the endorsement. If you can find all three, you should be sitting pretty. Just remember to avoid the big companies that do all three. I think you know why. Good luck to you.

Drive safe

knighton5 · **^ Top** #48 09.07.2008

Problem is, its the BIG companies that will remain here forever, and the smaller ones dwindling out. The BIG companies have companies in other Countrys (Mexico,Asia, ect.) and they also set alot of our laws here in the US. I heard that when somebody in Washington DC wants information or advice about trucking, they go to Swift, CR, and the other big boys, they dont go to the smaller companies.

I say, put in 6 to 12 months with Swift or Schneider (regional or OTR)and learn all you can, it will be a lot easier to choose that job you have been looking for. Whether its a local job or OTR or Union, everybody wants that 9 to 5, mon thru fri job that pays 25 bucks an hour, and if you have zero experience, its gonna be tough. I also think those jobs are dwindling, especialy when the economy slows.

bduke · **^ Top** #49 10.07.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by 074344

You want to report a bad company? Let me make it real easy for all of you. I am not being condescending, just being helpful. You have read numerous posts here from drivers about different companies. They all seem to lead to the same conclusion. Drivers not being paid properly, lied to and basically being treated like cr*p. There are very few exceptions in this field.

It appears that it is very simple to come up with the bad companies. I'm serious, it's really easy. Let me help you. You want answers? I'm here to help.

First of all, Look for ads. You know the ones. Just go to ANY truckstop and you will find numerous trucking magazines. Starting from the first page and going to the last, you will find companies advertising the need for drivers. THESE are the companies you need to avoid!!!!! Why do you think that they constantly need to advertise? Do you think that they have so much freight that they can't keep up with demand? Or, do you think that, quite possibly, they have such a huge turnover that they need drivers to haul the freight they already have? Drivers are leaving in droves for any number of reasons. Ah, now we are getting somewhere. Think about it. I mean really ask yourself this question. If it was such a good company, why the constant hiring? Don't you think that if these companies were "so great", there would be little to any hiring because no one would want to leave. Makes perfect sence to me!

This also applies to the majority of newspaper and internet ads. Apply the above process.

Yes there are good companies out there. I know, I work for one. Many drivers have found them and those companies do not have to place ads for obvious reasons.

Best of luck to all of you in your search for a good company. You're going to need it. You will find one. Take your time and ask others. Your dreams of diving a truck and making a good living will come true.

Drive safe

What an excellent post. This needed to be revived. I to look at truckstop magazines. It is such a good way to find bad companies. They are there right in front of you for you to see. I guess we should all thank them for there advertising. Have you looked at the safety rating and turnover for these companies. It's astounding!

What bothers me is that so many drivers still apply to work for them. Those same companies keep advertising because drivers leave at an alarming rate. Yet there is a huge pool of drivers just waiting to take there place. This will repeat over and over again. We have no one to blame but ourselves. What a sad joke.

I am not advocating working for a union. I am happy not belonging to one of them. I am advocating working for a company that makes you happy and provides good pay and benefits for your family. Like 074344 said, there are good companies out there.

I hope you all find an employer that makes you happy and one you can take pride in.

Timtruck · **^ Top** #50 10.08.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblue19

The way I read into this is that drivers should be paid by the hour. I agree. anything less is foolish on the part of the driver. No offense to others. Why don't you people want to be paid for your time. I have no arguments to any of your questions. I don't think there are any drivers out there who would challenge you. Lets give it a week just to make sure. Im not going to hold my breath.

I have read post after post from drivers who think they are doing great being on the road for a month at a time pulling in $600 or $700 a week.
With that kind of roll over and get on all fours attitude it is no wonder the OTR company's will not allow themselves to actually be stand up operations and pay what they should for the hours a "professional driver" puts in.

Well, you have to figure that if your normal job was McDonalds or Taco Bell and you are barely old enough to be on your own, then $600-700 is great money to those guys since they are used to bringing home about $200. And in most cases that was about 3 weeks ago. In the driving school that I went to, I got lucky, I was 37 years old and I was one of the younger ones there, most were right around my age or older. And my trainer driver at the company that hired me out of school was my age--he had been driving trucks and heavy equipment for 17 years, but had only been driving a tractor/trailer for about 2, so he understood what I wanted. I had been a machinist for almost 15 years prior to that, so I was used to making half way decent money.

I had a Swift driver go on and on once to me when I first started driving about how he was making his big whoppin $.22 a mile and was running 1900 miles a week, so I asked him how long he had been there and he said about 8 months. I then said I am making $.29 a mile, run at least 2600 every week and I am home every weekend, and by the way, I have been here about 3 months(about 1 month on my own)--I walked away while he still had his mouth hangin' open-that was 7 years ago. He settled for something that he thought was great, and it probally was more money than he had ever seen at one time, not me, not then, not now -7 years later!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Trucker Forum	Replies	Last Post
Simple Setup for a Newbie	bettydiesel	CB Radio Forum	20	1 Week Ago 01.33 PM
Simple tax question	starry	Trucker Taxes	6	03.27.2008 12.16 AM
Looking for input on this one. Its a simple thing.	Pete_379X	Experienced Truckers' Advice	59	11.22.2007 09.50 PM
Simple Question, is it worth it?	gameaddict73	Ask An Owner Operator	43	06.10.2007 08.34 AM

Truckers' Trucking Forum/Message Board - The Premiere Truck Driver Forum
Sponsored Links

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)