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Rep063 · Mar 1, 2012

ACH1130 said: ↑

Well after months of interviews, trying to get into different types of trucking jobs etc, YRC called me, gave interview, roadtest and backround check and called me in for drug test and fill out paperwork like W4 and all that so looks like im in.

Nice system, really like the clock in and automatically paid 8 hours pay, never worked for a union company but from what they told me about it it seems like it has its benefits and pros, dont no any cons yet but will learn throughout time. Guys I spoke too been there 14-25 years so im guessing thats a really good sign. Only reason they were hiring was because they let someone go and need a replacement.
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Good luck to you. You will do well in a smaller terminal I am sure. As a new employee, you will probably work all different shifts getting started. Just give them a good days work for a good days pay and remember everyone else there started at the bottom also. I was a road driver for 38 years, but I did work the dock in the early years.

ACH1130 · Mar 2, 2012

Yes you are right. My three days of training they sent me on straight trucks. Most areas were tight places so I guess they wanted me to see them. I got two shifts next week bot overnite then they said I'm back to driving after that

skinnytrucker · Mar 2, 2012

ACH1130 said: ↑

Good luck!

I worked for Con-Way freight for 8 months. I started as an apprentice driver which they have you work the dock for 4 hours, then go to class for 4 hours then work dock outbound. Long hours and wasnt paid for class. Con-Ways flex board was very tough and basically cleaned me out due to the fact theyd call you at 4pm to work at 5pm and send you home in 2 hours... They only had us because they didnt want to pay overtime to regular drivers. My classmate left for UPSF and it took me a while but I got into YRC.

I interviewed for ABF as well but declined the job. It was the same thing with the flex board and not being able to work every day. Another problem unlike Con-way freight where the terminal was 5 minutes away from my house the ABF terminal was 45 minutes, which I wouldnt mind the drive if I worked everyday but it wasnt worth it.

ABF will send you to a trucking school, they wanted to send me to it as well not sure why. Everything is paid for and they give you spending money but will be locked in a two year contract to pay it off, so if you quit you owe the company money

Con-Way's program they will teach you at their own terminal, and its the same thing if you quit within a year they will bill you for the training. But with con-way if you are hired with your license and endorsements, they will void the bill so you can quit within a year and not have to pay the penalty.

All in all I start with YRC tomorrow so Im still learning about the company. @Skinnytrucker, how long till you can transfer, I want to move to Daytona, FL eventually if theres a terminal close by there
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The transfer takes place on April 8th. You better give up on the transfer to Daytona. Transfers are done based on seniority and it usually takes 25-30 years of service to transfer anywhere south of the Mason Dixon line.

Mr.V · Mar 3, 2012

So how did your first couple of days go for you?

ACH1130 · Mar 4, 2012

skinnytrucker said: ↑

The transfer takes place on April 8th. You better give up on the transfer to Daytona. Transfers are done based on seniority and it usually takes 25-30 years of service to transfer anywhere south of the Mason Dixon line.
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I understand that. Wasnt looking to transfer any time soon anyways. I'm out of 150. My first week was good, was mostly straight truck work but whatever it's still work. I got 1-3 dock shoots next week which I'm not a fan of dock work but I'll do it because it is work and guaranteed, and being the bottom guy I'll have to do stuff till I put my time in.

skinnytrucker · Mar 4, 2012

ACH1130 said: ↑

I understand that. Wasnt looking to transfer any time soon anyways. I'm out of 150. My first week was good, was mostly straight truck work but whatever it's still work. I got 1-3 dock shoots next week which I'm not a fan of dock work but I'll do it because it is work and guaranteed, and being the bottom guy I'll have to do stuff till I put my time in.
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Starting at the bottom sucks. Believe me when I say we've all been there. It does get better. Do yourself a favor and just hang in there. Before long you'll start to see guys retire and they will hire more guys underneath you on the board. Your quality of life will improve. Never been to term #150. Maybe someday. Currently I'm on a bid running from 230 down to 309. It's a milk run except for the winter time.

ACH1130 · Mar 4, 2012

Im going to stick this one out. Everyone has had to do it as well, and people hired me will have too. I know Im not getting the nice new trucks or if we bring road drivers back ill wont get the nice long run but after time I will get it. As long as the truck has no mechanical problems, and A/C heat im good with anything lol

ACH1130 · Mar 11, 2012

Ok 2nd week progress
Monday and Tuesday they used me for dock inbound on the overnight shift. Did not mind doing it and my coworkers I worked with we're very cool.

Wednesday I went out by myself in a 40 footer in the bronx. It was a easy area I kinda knew so I got all deliveries off and made all pickups

Thursday a guy came late for shape up so I got his route and he was sent home. It was a majority of residentials in the Bronx. If anyone is familiar with the area I had 2 deliveries on two streets with the train tracks that are 11'2" and I got a 12'6" truck. I called my union rep and dispatch and told them and they said don't worry about the delivery and I am doing the right thing. Later my truck broke down and they sent a vender to repair it

Friday I was worried about getting disciplined for thurs but my union rep reassured me I'd be ok. They had me in my county with an area I'm very familiar with and know like the back of my hand. The terminal manager came to me that morning and said I see you had a rough day in an unfamiliar area. You did the right thing and the break down is a learning exp. I was shocked that was all at Conway they'd be flipping out!!

All in all I really like it at YRC and deff looking to stick it out.

skinnytrucker · Mar 11, 2012

Sounds like you had an interesting week. Glad things are working out well for you. Even happier we have guys like you to make deliveries in the Bronx so that I don't have to. Lol. Keep up the good work brother.

ACH1130 · Mar 13, 2012

What terminal are you out of. We are right on the border line on the BX, and yea bronx is tough driving with low bridges and people cutting you off every ten seconds. I just take it slow, observe my surroundings for low bridges and none truck routes.

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