Arky's Sunoco adventure begins in the west TX oilfields!

Yeah...without having any on the job experience, I can't say why they would have that as part of the physical. Most of the other stuff though, I could see at least some correlation. I can only assume that the crawling is for a reason...and I'm not sure if your knees are required to touch the floor or not...I don't remember. I probably would have avoided that myself if it was optional..lol.

I also remember doing a squat...and holding it for like 2 or 3 minutes...it was a long freaking time. That and the crawling were the roughest parts for me.

 

No problem Giggles. It was a surprise to me too at Maverick...the first one. I hadn't really thought about it when I went down to Abilene, but when they gave me some paperwork to take with me to the physical, I could see what it was going to be. It wasn't a big deal to me...but it could be for some. There really isn't any part of it that is extreme.

All of the excercises are short and somewhat light..just enough to test your physical ability in that particular area. You also have to remember that the test has to be somewhat generic for gender and age differences, so it's really not all that tough. Although Maverick's physical was similar, it was actually tougher on the physical lifting, etc. There were some parts of it that concerned me...and I was in decent shape back then. Of course, they are flatbed, so they wanted to see if you can handle flatbed work. I assume that hauling crude is a lot less physical, so the true physical testing is less. The Sunoco physical seemed to be more about range of motion than strength testing.

I have no personal experience with other companies, but I think that you'll find this sort of physical abilities testing at a lot of the larger carriers...if you are applying for a company driver position. Not so much if you work for an owner operator leased to the same company. I know that I have heard others talk about it over the years, although I would be guessing to try to remember carrier names.

Edit: Feel free to dig around over in the otr carrier forums. I'm pretty sure you'll find some physical abilities testing. They may describe it in as much detail as I did...but they did it.

 

Orientation Day 1:

First thing to note for those looking for a job. I was told today that they need crude drivers...a LOT of crude drivers. So, if you want a job, go to the links I posted in original post of this thread, fill out the apps and send me a pm. I can get you in contact with a hiring manager...not a recruiter.

Today's orientation was mostly filling out paperwork and signing forms. We did all of the formal hiring process stuff...w-4 forms, I-9 (citizenship confirmation), etc, etc. The day started at 10 am and ended about 4:30 pm. The next 3 days will be 9-4. They put me in a nice 3 star motel starting last night through thursday morning. The guys that live within an hour or two drove in and had a room waiting for them tonight through thursday am. As I understand it, we will be paid mileage and hourly for our travel time to and feom orientation. That doesn't amount to much from the hotel and back...4 miles and 15 minutes or so twice a day...but the other guys will be paid for travel time from their home. I'm the only one relocating. I'll find out tomorrow if I get paid for travel from home. I doubt it since I'll be eligible for relocation money ($3,000).

A few notable items of the day:
1) I was surprised to find that the orientation presenter is also a driver. He drove yesterday. Apparently he and another driver do the orientations..in a rotation of some sort. Very friendly and profressional guy. He says that Sunoco likes for the orientation to be presented by fellow drivers who can relate to the actual job. I think that is an awesome idea myself.

2) You will need a few items.

You will need your identification documents for the I-9 form. I used my CDL and SS card... birth certificates, passports, etc can be used also.

Bring a cancelled check for the direct deposit paperwork. If you want you money deposited to a savings account, you'll need some info for that.

3) Added ( I knew I was forgetting something). Parking. They will give you the address here in Abilene. What you need to know is that this is downtown Abilene. All of the parking spots immediately surrounding the building are either 1 or 2 hour parking spots...no meters...free...but limited. The best thing to do is go to the intersection of Cypress and 6th. Parking along 6th is free and not limited...so you can park there all day with no problem. I suggest you drive by and find the building, then go park. You'll walk about 1-1/2 blocks, but you won't get a parking ticket. This is also another reason to take the items listed above with you. Then you won't have to make 2 trips back to your vehicle like I did! Lol (I was told to just be there...didn't need anything...lol)

In all....was a good day, very relaxed and easy going. We will be off on Friday and Saturday and report to our assigned terminal on Sunday. There is 4 drivers in my group. I am hearing a lot of talk about how much oil is coming online and how crazy it's getting....and it's just starting.

 

365 Peterbuilts. I'm told that none of their trucks are very old. I meant to ask what the oldest was...forgot. I'll try to remember to ask tomorrow.

 

No. I will have to get one though.