I've had a few postings on other parts of the site here, and everyone seems real helpful...

In another thread in newbee board I told of my dilemma. I've been driving trucks for about 15 years, most of that time in Class 'B' trucks, Triaxle Dumps for the past 10. I got my 'A' about a year ago, and drove for a company that started circling the drain recently, and left me unemployed.

I don't want to go back to Dump Trucks, but I don't want to be gone for two to three weeks either....

Anyone have some suggestions for me to take a look at? Oh, and My income level needs to be around $45K a year to start....

j-mac

__________________
"IT HAS been seen that the dangers incident to a representative democracy are of two kinds: danger of a low grade of intelligence in the representative body, and in the popular opinion which controls it; and danger of class legislation on the part of the numerical majority, these being all composed of the same class."

John Stuart Mill

How far are you from Baltimore?

20 minutes....


j-mac

__________________
"IT HAS been seen that the dangers incident to a representative democracy are of two kinds: danger of a low grade of intelligence in the representative body, and in the popular opinion which controls it; and danger of class legislation on the part of the numerical majority, these being all composed of the same class."

John Stuart Mill

Have you looked into some of the local companies there? I am not sure how much class A experience they require but it's worth a shot.

Talked to Locust Industries yesterday...No openings...Also, talked with Cowan...Waiting to hear.

Anyone else you know of specifically?


j-mac

__________________
"IT HAS been seen that the dangers incident to a representative democracy are of two kinds: danger of a low grade of intelligence in the representative body, and in the popular opinion which controls it; and danger of class legislation on the part of the numerical majority, these being all composed of the same class."

John Stuart Mill

Hess is hiring out of that area. It is a local job hauling fuel.

You can check with Nemf if you are looking for a union type job (they are hiring from what I hear but it is a machinist union not teamster). They have a terminal right there in Baltimore Md. I95 exit 50 right on Caton ave to the first light turn right and the terminal is on the left.
In the event union is not your choice you could check into Eastern Freightways which is non union but still affiliated with Nemf.
I can tell you Eastern has a pretty decent pay package (I have been employed there for over 6 years and average about 1300 to 1400 per week). They offer blue cross/blue shield of NJ family insurance for 40.00 per week. Delta Dental which is included with the medical insurance for no extra charge. Aflac, Death and disabilty, 401k, holiday pay, 3 paid sick days, 2 paid personal days, 6 paid holidays, up to 3 weeks vacation pay, detention pay after 2 hours, congestion pay for 5 burroughs of NYC, Boston, and Chicago, breakdown pay, and .01 cpm safety bonus monthly. They used to pay for every stop, every drop, and every hook but have stopped offering this pay structure in lieu of a higher mileage pay. I beleive it is around .38 cpm to .45 cpm but you can find out for sure by calling them. Look them up online under Eastern Freightways.
Now for the drawbacks of this company: They are a northeast regional truckload carrier that attempts to get their regional drivers home every weekend. Usually a regional driver will leave out Sunday night or early Monday morning and be out all week until Friday evening or early Saturday morning. They do have local drivers that are home daily but I do not know if they have any openings for this position in Baltimore. The trucks are older Volvos and Freightliners from 1997 models to new 2006 610 model Volvos. The new trucks are only being assigned to Teams and to senior drivers (with 1 or more years of experience with the company). The average length of haul is about 350 miles. By the end of the week an average regional driver will drive anywhere from 2000 miles to 2500 miles.
Should you decide to give Eastern a call please tell them Jason in truck 9940 referred you. Also be sure to ask them if they are offering a sign on bonus. Last I heard they were offering a $1500.00 sign on bonus. Good luck driver!

Thanks Jason...A couple of questions...

Are they assigned trucks?
Do you take them home at the end of the week, or are you back at the Balto. terminal?


j-mac

__________________
"IT HAS been seen that the dangers incident to a representative democracy are of two kinds: danger of a low grade of intelligence in the representative body, and in the popular opinion which controls it; and danger of class legislation on the part of the numerical majority, these being all composed of the same class."

John Stuart Mill

I can only speak towards the Eastern end of things. Yes our trucks are assigned but seeing you live so close to the terminal they would expect you to park the truck there. I do not know if NEMF assigns the trucks or is mainly slip seat but they have to park the truck at the terminal.
The trucks are older for the guys just coming in so dont be surprised if they put you into a truck that has half a million miles on it or more. They try and maintain them but older trucks do break down more. Eastern has new trucks coming into the fleet (they are staged in Vt or Nh last I heard) but it may take a year of service to prove yourself to them before they offer 1 to you.

Good luck!
By the way if you apply please tell them Jason in truck 9940 referred you. We do get referral bonuses for drivers that sign on and stay at least 90 days. They used to offer a sign on bonus to the new driver as well so you might want to check on that too.

Thanks Jason,

And just an update....I went to an interview yesterday with a small company called TRANSCAPE Inc.....They haul container parts up and down the east coast out of Elizabeth NJ, down to FLA, and stops in between....Out 5, and in for the weekends. I talked to the owner and they like me for the job, if they can get it through their insurance company....See, they wanted at least 1 year T/T experience, and I have 10 months. Keeping my fingers crossed though....

Saw their equipment yesterday, and I would be driving a green 'cornbinder' Eagle, with a mid level sleeper. All rebuilt, and virgin rubber all around. Truck has about a million miles, but looked clean inside.

I hope I get it. Pay is around $1100.00 per week for the southern leg, and starting out, that leg will be easier than having to travel to the apple......

Anyway, what do you all think? I'll keep you up to date....


j-mac

__________________
"IT HAS been seen that the dangers incident to a representative democracy are of two kinds: danger of a low grade of intelligence in the representative body, and in the popular opinion which controls it; and danger of class legislation on the part of the numerical majority, these being all composed of the same class."

John Stuart Mill