First Post - Possible new career with Carter Express - Several questions

Glad to hear your interview went well and the best of luck to you at Carter.

Thank you very much for sharing your process with those of us wanting to join Carter as well. Keep the info. coming, it is very much appreciated. Please make sure you keep me in the loop. I am leaving Northern Calif. in a while and moving to Anderson. So quite possibly we could be neighbors and co-workers. Are you planning on going OTR or being home more often ?

Just out of curiosity, did you look into any other companies in the area ? Thanks again.

QUOTE=iamchrisstone;4002901]I had my interview. It went great and I'll be starting in a few weeks. I have to go back to Florida to tie up a few loose ends first with my current employer, put in my notice and get everything moved up here.

I got there early. As I'm waiting in the reception area, the owner, John Paugh came out there as he was meeting with some people. My grandparents have known him for years but it was cool to see him out there while I was waiting for my interview.

I interviewed with Kurtis. I forget hit title but I believe he's upper management. The interview was laid back and he asked me a few questions as he reviewed my information. He told me about his history with the company and about the history of the company. He went into detail about many different aspects of the company and industry. I learned quite a bit. At the end of the interview he said he wanted to offer me a job.

After this I met with Samantha. She was extremely nice and funny. We only spoke for a few minutes. She said she was ok'ing me to be hired. By the way, she loves green and m&m's. Seriously. Even her folders were green LOL

They sent me back over to Kelli to handle the drug screening process and schedule my start date. All in all this was painless, and quite possibly the first interview that I've ever found to be fun.

I am extremely excited to start my new career in a new industry with Carter Express. I'll start a new thread when I start the schooling in a few weeks. I hope the information I'm able to share can help others that are searching.[/QUOTE]

 

I am tired of the high cost of living in Nor. Cal., plus the big city is getting on my nerves. Have friends in Anderson, so the connections are there and I'm closer to family in Illinois. Should have all my ducks in a row in about 15 months. Then it will be off to the BMV to transfer my CDL, the Sage in Muncie for a refresher, then to Carter.

I've had my CDL, with all endorsements since 2006, but traded OTR for home daily, so no recent T/T exp. Been driving a propane tanker bobtail since getting my CDL. The money and home daily was too good to pass up, so it was a trade off.

To me, Carter just has a good feel to it. John Paugh is a good guy. Most negative I hear is that Hitatchi owns 51 % of Carter and many say it's a good place for noobies to start. Some of the veteran drivers hesitate to get to know the noobs, because they think they are only there for a short time. But I'm a firm believer that you make it what you want it to be. If it's everything I think it is, I would retire there. At least their vids make me feel that way.

I actually sat in on one of Sage's seminars in Muncie, met Carol Antrim and was impressed with their program. When I told the group I was moving from Calif. to Anderson, they all thought I was a nut Job. Anderson certainly isn't what it was when GM was king. Most people are trying to get out and here is this guy trying to get in, hahahaha.

 

Learn as much as you can, pay attention and get into the mindset of being a professional in all aspects of driving, customer service and your own personal reputation. It will serve you well, then carry it into your daily work ethic. Keep your word and do the right thing. Your word and reputation are everything.

It will be a whole different world when you get out on your own. Your CDL is very valuable and can make or break you !! So keep it clean, also in your personal vehicle. I love to drive fast, fast cars, motorcycles, etc. but now I drive like a little old man. It's not worth the risk.

I get back to Anderson once a year and it blows my mind. All the rail tracks that used to go to plants just dead end, UAW. Scatterfield is the big deal with the casino. Downtown is a ghost town by 6:00pm. One good thing, you can afford to buy a house there, and have it paid off in no time,hahahaha. You said you are single and going OTR. If you can stand living in the truck for a year or two, you can sock away a nice chunk of cash. Learn to eat cheap, use the truck stops for laundry, haircuts, etc. It's good to have a plan and set goals.

I think Carter will pick up the tab for your schooling right ? I also think the first year will be the hardest. Nerves, getting lost, finding your way as you go. Plan ahead, better to be early, than late. Don't hit anything, blah, blah, blah, After that, you can pick and choose what's exactly right for you, just gotta earn your stripes first. Always stay legal.

To be honest, I wish I was there now !!!!