What is the demand for truck drivers right now, during the pandemic? Are they hiring?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Labrador, Apr 25, 2020.

  1. BigpopperRunner

    BigpopperRunner Light Load Member

    198
    103
    Jan 10, 2019
    0
    Yeah that’s the crappy part but I didn’t have any experience when I applied so I just took it, my trainer was awesome though! He taught me so much and it made my backing and turning pretty good. If you have experience you would be with a trainer for 2 weeks versus 2 months like me. Other than that it’s going to be hard to find a local company that will pay and train you if you have no experience. I know I had a hard time finding local work, like China town suggested you can also try northern refrigerated, there main terminal is in Ontario, CA. I had an interview with them, it’s $19.50 per hr straight pay no OT and training is 2 weeks in Turlock, CA. They pay for a train ticket there and hotel and meals (only breakfast and lunch though). You can also try FFE. (Frozen food express) I believe they run locally as well. (Chinatown recommendation haha)
     
    TravR1, Labrador and G13Tomcat Thank this.
  2. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,999
    170,971
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    G13Tomcat Thanks this.
  3. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,142
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    Agreed. The guru @Chinatown ROCKS~! :)

    PS: What about Gardner Transport (div. of CRST) in CA. ?
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2020
    Labrador Thanks this.
  4. 88228822

    88228822 Heavy Load Member

    827
    1,310
    Sep 26, 2018
    0
    I run OTR. Had to wait a day for a load and another time I waited half a day. other than that it's been business as usual.
     
    Labrador and G13Tomcat Thank this.
  5. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,142
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    Keep me in the loop, @Labrador ... be happy to help where and when I can. Sure wish you'd put your 'state' in the location tho, LoL. I am getting old and tired, to keep scrolling, and I don't have a 'rolodex' like @Chinatown .. (yet! ) ...j/k~!
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2020
    Reason for edit: closed parenthesis.. :)
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  6. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

    3,693
    9,588
    Nov 9, 2017
    TX
    0
    I have been driving for FFE over two years now. It's a solid company for new drivers.

    Though I will say just in the last month I have been on the road my food loads have all been cancelled. And my blood loads have decreased by more than half. That has all happened in just the last 4 weeks.

    We have had 10 meat plants, major meat plants in this country close down.

    I anticipated more work, not less. But it so far has ended up being the opposite. It doesn't have anything to do with the company, it's just people staying home and being afraid to go out. The food loads are being given to the food haulers first and my priority is to the plasma stuff. In the past there was enough for everyone and they even had to have their plasma haulers help with food. But not the case now since I am once again driving deadhead to start my runs.

    About 5 days ago I was in the blood warehouse and it was mostly empty. I've never seen it like that.

    I will mention though for anyone that's not afraid of being poked by a needle and need some extra money, you can make about $300-$400 a month donating blood. I think it's about 2 donations a week is what they will allow you. It's even more worthwhile if you save that money and earn interest off of it.
     
    G13Tomcat Thanks this.
  7. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,142
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    Dang.. wow. I haul cardboard for I/P..haven't seen a downturn... I'm just amazed that the blood and plasma has dropped off...just wow! You'd think people would be needing a coin and trying to help the fellow populous, anyway they could....and get paid, or even if not. Fear of Covid. . . (another thread I know..) equates to fear of medical procedures, overall. At least that's my belief. Wife still donates O+ on her regular schedule....not sure if financial gain nowadays or not; just what she's done for years.

    Man, I hope it balances out for you soon. These 'uncertain' times suck for all of us, in 'offbeat' ways, even.

    Be safe~
    Tomcat
     
    Selva and TravR1 Thank this.
  8. TravR1

    TravR1 Road Train Member

    3,693
    9,588
    Nov 9, 2017
    TX
    0
    I was surprised. You would think that with economic hardships people would donate more. Especially with the hardship being medical related. You donate, you help people, and you also get paid. I understand completely people that are afraid to be poked by a needle, but if you can stomach it, then donate some blood. It's extremely valuable freight, people need it, and you get paid.

    That's the current state. Hopefully it turns around soon. Worst case they let me go and I can float myself off of savings for about a year or so. But that really shouldn't be necessary. I have a good safety record so far.
     
    G13Tomcat Thanks this.
  9. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

    11,872
    42,142
    Jun 7, 2011
    Ohio
    0
    Thanks, Trav. Always like your posts.

    OTOH, wife got pizza for the kiddo and I for lunch...buy one (at a higher price...) donate one. She's happy w/the simple stuff, also.

    Stay healthy, happy, and spirit smart, man.

    Ttys.
     
  10. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

    15,169
    33,412
    Dec 17, 2010
    Williesburg, Virignia
    0
    I'm not 100% sure, but I'm not sure "paid for" blood can be used in a lot of situations. That is something I need to ask about. However, there is something that is needed almost as much as blood and that is blood plasma. In this area, many people donate plasma for payment. If I could I would be donating plasma. At the donation center, they remove blood, separate the plasma, and return the blood to you. My neighbor who works as a flight attendant donates plasma as does her husband.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.