Getting Ready to Hit the Road with Magnum

ScooterDawg · Mar 1, 2009

andrew5184 said: ↑

Hey Scoot,

I called and left a message with a Mr. Swanson, I believe. At least I think that was his name. I haven't heard back yet, and that was Wednesday of last week. I imagine if he's the only person who works in recruiting, it may take a while for him to respond. Should I be concerned at not having heard from him?

I guess it's a bit different calling a smaller company. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Andrew
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Hey there Andrew....

I recommend you keep trying to call. He is rather busy and it is best if you can catch him at his desk. If you get voicemail, just hang up and call him later....

Good luck

luvtheroad · Mar 1, 2009

Should I call and see about getting a pre-hire from them?

ironpony · Mar 1, 2009

ScooterDawg said: ↑

Hey there Pony -

I have no argument with what you are saying. And I am not going to try to convince you that I am the exception to the rule, because I doubt I am. But what I can claim to is that I have had a few decades of experience driving frozen, inclimate weather under extreme conditions. I have be pulling LARGE travel trailers, fifth wheel campers, and driving large Class A (bus-like) motor homes for many years through the mountains of NC, WV, PA, and NY. And I have had many years driving emergency ambulance in frozen conditions and training others to drive those same vehicles.

Does that qualify me to drive a Big Truck? Nope, not at all. But I do think it qualifies me to recognize and respond to changing conditions and potential hazards. I would never profess to "knowing it all", because simply put, I don't. But I would like to think that I am intelligent enough to drive wisely. My trainer has a strong ethic about safety and "driving it right", and believe me, he has no qualms about telling you if he is not happy. He has been out there for many years, and he told me at the beginning that I would not get my own truck until he would be comfortable sharing the road with me and I could prove to him that I could handle it. When he told me that I was getting my own truck, it didn't mean I was a seasoned professional, it just meant I was on my way.

For the record (not trying to brag or justify), this week, on my own, I started out with 78300#. I drove that through snow, ice, high winds, small town streets, and two rush hour traffics. Dropped that, then picked up 77800#, drove that through high winds, 3 rush hour traffics, mountains, then mountains with rain, then mountains with rain, fog and nightfall. The following morning, drove it another 400 miles through torrential downpour the whole way.

Now does that "prove my spit"? Again, nope! But hopefully it does show my fellow drivers something. First, considering my first solo, I successfully made it through some rather harsh conditions without any incident whatsoever. Secondly, although I didn't feel I was in over my head, I did realize that these are "adverse conditions" and I adjusted my driving accordingly. I didn't drive like a "SuperTrucker"..... I drove like everyone else out there..... just maybe a little slower. I was just as concerned about you making it there as I was about myself.

And you know what? Not once did anyone give me any grief over the radio about my driving.

I still have a lot to learn.... and I know that. And I sincerely appreciate your concerns not only for my safety, but your own as well. Let me say this to you and all my fellow drivers..... when it comes to making safe driving, backing, and operational decisions, I promise to always "have your back". There is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. I have no intention of ever crossing that.....

See you out there!
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Good for you, and good luck.

Just my general opinion after being out here for awhile, watching new folks with no experience and little training getting into trouble - sometimes fatal trouble. Had a SNI driver with 4 years experience followed by a 2-year layoff (his own choice for family reasons) join my company. He's getting 40,000 miles with a trainer... that's roughly 8 weeks - he's not displeased with the situation at all. Don't get me wrong, my company pays trainees well... not the usual slave wages. We do all 48, including LA and NYC. Part of what he will be learning is how to operate the rig per our safety department, and the way my company wants these vehicles operated both from a standpoint of how they're driven and in terms of customer service. That's how we beat the competition.

Frankly, I've never been in an industry that does such hazardous work as OTR that pays such lip service to the concept of properly trained employees. They can get away with doing training on the cheap because it's easy to blame the employee for any tragic results - and avoid the liability in the courtroom. With only one week of training, I'd say that's putting an awful lot on your shoulders, so my advice - beware and be very careful. Most local companies (and that usually means small operations) that I've investigated won't even talk to you without a minimum of two years experience, and that's changing to three with the glut of unemployed drivers.

ScooterDawg · Mar 2, 2009

simpleinterest said: ↑

Scooterdawg is a madman, he knows that and so do I. hehehe kidding my man. Soooo good to see you drving the roads my man. Would feel proud and confortable if you even passed me on the left (smile) but never on my right.

look forward to seeing you in my little tanker beside you big old rig for breakfast one morning you old old old. LOL So happy for you my man and meeeee too
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hey Buddy -

Sorry I haven't been in touch. Been just a little busy. Absolutely on the breakfast! Holler at me and we'll put it together!

luvtheroad said: ↑

Should I call and see about getting a pre-hire from them?
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Sure! But if you end up in Fargo, you better call and let me know when you are gonna be there. I would hate to miss a chance to meet you!

ScooterDawg · Mar 2, 2009

ironpony said: ↑

Good for you, and good luck.

Just my general opinion after being out here for awhile, watching new folks with no experience and little training getting into trouble - sometimes fatal trouble. Had a SNI driver with 4 years experience followed by a 2-year layoff (his own choice for family reasons) join my company. He's getting 40,000 miles with a trainer... that's roughly 8 weeks - he's not displeased with the situation at all. Don't get me wrong, my company pays trainees well... not the usual slave wages. We do all 48, including LA and NYC. Part of what he will be learning is how to operate the rig per our safety department, and the way my company wants these vehicles operated both from a standpoint of how they're driven and in terms of customer service. That's how we beat the competition.

Frankly, I've never been in an industry that does such hazardous work as OTR that pays such lip service to the concept of properly trained employees. They can get away with doing training on the cheap because it's easy to blame the employee for any tragic results - and avoid the liability in the courtroom. With only one week of training, I'd say that's putting an awful lot on your shoulders, so my advice - beware and be very careful. Most local companies (and that usually means small operations) that I've investigated won't even talk to you without a minimum of two years experience, and that's changing to three with the glut of unemployed drivers.
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Oh yes, I share your concerns. Actually, there were a few people in my school who were "not very good" at backing up and negotiating the truck. Luckily, the instructors washed them out of the program. But you know, I would feel comfortable in saying that there are schools that would rather make the money to graduate the student than to wash them out.

I know I have a lot on my shoulders. But it is really just as much as every other new driver has. The nice part about working for my company is that they are very insistent that if you are not comfortable with conditions, you can shut down without worrying about repercussions from dispatch. And like I said, I am not going to put myself or anyone else out there at risk unnecessarily. There is not a load, shipper, or receiver out there that is worth my life or anyone else's. Period.

But again, thanks for your concern. It's refreshing to know there are others out there who actually care.

Red Fox · Mar 2, 2009

If I EVER have to or decide to train again, I'll be praying for guys like Scooter to ride with me. I believe I could actually sleep with him at the wheel.
Others have scared me to death.

ScooterDawg · Mar 2, 2009

Red Fox said: ↑

If I EVER have to or decide to train again, I'll be praying for guys like Scooter to ride with me. I believe I could actually sleep with him at the wheel.
Others have scared me to death.
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Man, Thanks Red..... I really appreciate that.

On the other side, you would have to put up with my snoring hehehehehe.... or bury my head in pillows )

Arf!

Red Fox · Mar 3, 2009

Oh Gawd, that's why I'm leaving home! You're FIRED!

ScooterDawg · Mar 3, 2009

Red Fox said: ↑

Oh Gawd, that's why I'm leaving home! You're FIRED!
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<sigh> Always a bridesmaid, never a bride..... story of my life eheheheheheh

Shot clean out of the seat before I even get to clip the seatbelt!

luvtheroad · Mar 3, 2009

Only if you promise to buy dinner! LOL

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