Arrived in texas for upcoming trans am orientation

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Midnight Mike, Aug 14, 2012.

If this helped put me as your referral :)

  1. My name for referral is

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    Mike

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  1. kf4omc

    kf4omc Medium Load Member

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    Also becareful to not job hop too much. Was told in school that you will do better and get better jobs if you stick at least one year with your first company. If you can stay at a company one year and keep your CSA clean you can just about write yourself a check and go work anywhere.
     
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  3. kf4omc

    kf4omc Medium Load Member

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    Read signs aloud on your test? We dont do that in Florida. During your CDL test here in Florida the examiner will ask you about a sign you just passed and you tell him what it was. Other than that you dont have to say anything while driving. (Only when stoped to explain what you would do on an emergency stop and a Hazmat stop.)
     
  4. kf4omc

    kf4omc Medium Load Member

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    Wow!! In CDL school we were taught by the instructors that the pivot maneuver should be used only as a last resort because of how close you get to damaging the truck and trailer if you get it wrong. We were taught to avoid getting the tractor at a 90 degree angle at all cost. I see the real world is different than school.
     
  5. Midnight Mike

    Midnight Mike Light Load Member

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    Remember though im not into the trucking gig as a career im just buying time for 6months to a year before i start getting into my dream job, first as a co then eventually police officer.
    Yea you actually had to read off each sign as you went past them if relevant to your trip (dont read off a sign that says tag sale/stop)
    funny that you mention real world because once you get out to some truck stops and docks you will abandon the pivot and go back to what you learned in school.
     
  6. Midnight Mike

    Midnight Mike Light Load Member

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    Drumright,Ok
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    Btw they had a list of about 10 trucks to choose from only 3 were t700 one has 190k miles another had 90k and close to a maintenance needed and another leaking oil on the rear axle and on the block. So i got out of their pretty quick and went back to motel around 9:30am to check in over the weekend (paying 35$ a night) its worth it though because i get to pick first come monday and mondays are the best day in terms of truck selection. Btw bseam i havent heard you chime in lately, dont hate me too much as i went lease -.-
     
  7. strawberryrhubarbpie

    strawberryrhubarbpie Light Load Member

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    Not exactly true. There are enough companies needing drivers that as long as you meet their minimum experience requirements and have a clean record, you are a go for hire.
     
  8. strawberryrhubarbpie

    strawberryrhubarbpie Light Load Member

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    What's the difference between now and Monday? Where do the trucks come from, do you know?

    My husband and I are hoping to lease on with TA. We have 8 months otr with Schneider. Several reasons why we chose TA: the trucks and... well that's about it lol. And we want to lease so that we can have control over where we go. The things we didn't like Schneider: Freightliner (although they did give us a brand new truck, it was still uncomfortable) and we were forced to go where they wanted. It all comes down to what is important to you. If being able to choose your own fuel stops and being able to stop by your house when you drive by is important to you, then getting a lease is a good choice. We are not looking to make any more money then we did with Schneider (.31/mile). Having more control and being comfortable is what's more important to us.
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2012
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  9. Midnight Mike

    Midnight Mike Light Load Member

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    The same points i had with being more comfortable and not getting beat up by a dm for going out of route or missing a fuel stop and not having to go to some ghetto. The trucks come from either kenworth after they perform some work on them or from trans am drivers recovering them from being abandoned and driving them back. Since they will be coming in later today saturday,sunday and monday i should have more than 2-3 as an option. Another driver who has done a couple 6 month leases told me that monday was the best picking day because they are not open and noone gets to pick and also because the drivers who came back on thursday already had their trucks picked out. So i should be th only one to choose since everyone else already picked and theres no other classes coming in.
     
  10. strawberryrhubarbpie

    strawberryrhubarbpie Light Load Member

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    so are you waiting around until Monday? are they paying for the hotel or are you?

    how will the first week of the lease work, do you have to pay them upfront before you take the truck out? and what about diesel, do you have to front the money for diesel until you get your first checks? I suppose they go over all of this in the orientation, I'm just curious.
     
  11. Midnight Mike

    Midnight Mike Light Load Member

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    Drumright,Ok
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    I am waiting till monday in my own room at 35$ a night, im not sure if they would still pay for a room if you shared a room. The lease starts 7 days after you take posession in my case i wont have to pay for 10 or 11 days because ill get the truck monday midway through the week so ill get the 7 days free plus a half payment the following week. As far as the diesel goes,every purchase goes on your tch card and its charged against your first paycheck so no you dont pay up front. Ill also eventually be posting some settlement checks vs. mileage for all to see how it works.
     
    strawberryrhubarbpie Thanks this.
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