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I will be starting with Transport America in just a couple of weeks. I have 14 years accident and ticket free. The majority of complaints on this board seem to be from inexpierenced drivers who are really complaining about the trucking business not necessiarly TA. I have done all my homework. They have a satisfactory safety rating and their drivers and equipment are put out of service way below the national average. They seem to be fincially solid and they are growing even in these tough economic times. I am only looking for a job because I was laid off from my last company where I was a trainer. TA said they could make me a trainer in about 6 months and I could make 65,000 to 70,000 a year. I am looking for expierenced drivers who have had time with TA and would really like to hear thoughts from current TA drivers. Thanks in advance.

 

I did in fact start with them in June. Thus far I could not ask for more from a company. They do not bother me and I do not bother them. I never hear from my fleet Leader(dispatcher) except to get my loads, pay ,etc. I like it that way. I hate to be bothered with stupid questions. I say leave me alone and I will be there on time. I am pre planned about 90% of the time. I usually know what I am doing about 3 days out. Which makes it nice to plan my breaks and stuff like that. As far as running I have not been to Texas but have talked to plenty who have, so I would say you should be able to be home as promised. I am out of the Mechanicsburg,Pa terminal and get home when I ask to be home. You will have to ask each and everytime you want to go home. The staff at the terminals are super nice and will help you with whatever you need. The other drivers are the friendliest I have ever worked with. I have never been made to feel like a ##### head when I asked a question to another driver. The equipment is ok. Stripped down Freightliner that runs 60 MPH. You can buy fuel whenever you want or need as much as you want or need as long as you stay in the fuel network. They will give you a book. This is nice because you can get it everyday and shower everyday. The terminals are ok. Free laundry, free showers, free coffee, free WIFI, Tv with satelite. Now as far as pay. The first month is not so good. They keep close tabs on you as you get to know them and they get to know you. I avgeraged around $900/weeek the first 4 weeks sice I have been off the transition board I have not been below $1,000 or above $1,250. I do run hard but I run 100% legal. And I do mean legal. If I go in to a place to drop and hook and it takes an hour I log an hour. If it takes 1/2 hour for fuel I log it. I also do not screw around in the truckstops playing games either. You should have no trouble getting well over $700/week. Now the benefits are 100% crapola the first year. They DO NOT have a major medical benefit plan until you have been there 1 year. They offer an expensive limited medical plan for your first year. It does not pay much but it is at least something. Keeps you from having a pre -existing condition once you are eligible for Blue Cross/blue shield. I have 2 teen boys in high school sports so I need some coverage. If you and your family are in good health do not let this hold you back, but if you are not then DO NOT take this job. Orientation is orientation. Monday is physical, roadtest, etc. Day 2 is all classroom. Day 3 is finish up the classroom get your truck assignment and go. You will take a company van to get your truck. You will be up from early Wednesday to early Thursday morning. Once you get to your truck you can sleep as long as you need to. The food at orientation is good, I spent about $5 out of my pocket for the 3 days. I wish you the best of luck. If you have any other questions shoot them my way. It is Friday night and I leave out again Sunday night for a Monday morning delivery in New Jersey. I will check back a few times this weekend.

 

Well driver I am new at TA, but so far I have never had to fight for miles. Thay are always there if nothing else I have to reject loads because I can not do them legally. As far as running the west coast, they never said I would, I never asked them to, I do not want to go out there, East of I35 just like they said I would run is 100% A OK with me. Driver, I never left anything in Calli so there is no reason for me to go back there. As far as them being stable or not they are a private company, they do not have to open their books. So you have no way of saying they are not as I can not say they are. My paychecks do not bounce, I get paid what I have coming when I have it coming and plenty of work to do. I have no complaints. It sounds to me as though you want to run calli and picked the wrong company. There are many, many companies out there who do in fact run the coast. Good luck finding a good one, one who treats you as well as TA treated you. I hope you do. Be safe in all your travels. God Bless.