Folk's, it's really simple!

Just how do you propose I do that from California? I did it and so can you. I have never worked OTR and judging by the posts on here, I am thankful I didn't.

Heres how it worked for me:

I started driving bottom dumps hauling dirt, sand and gravel for an O/O. He taught me how to drive and I used his truck to get my license. I got every endorsement but passenger and motorcycle. I was there less than a year. I was paid percentage. I guess it was good until it rained. He also hauled, as a sub-hauler, petroleum coke (non haz) out of refineries for another company. I applied there (JBA inc) because they paid by the hour. I worked there for three years until they went to a percentage pay. I had already figured out that I, like others, need to be paid for all of our on duty time. I left just before they implemented the change. I then went to work for a company that paid both mileage and hourly (Bulk Transportation). I lasted 4 months there. At first, it was good. Monday thru Friday and a decent check. As those days off began to change and the pay got less, I went looking for a better job while still employed there. I went to many different companies delivering product and met a few good managers. I found an opening at LaRoche Industries. I applied and was accepted. That company hauled ammonia in tankers. I had never driven a tanker befor but a had a clean record and some experience. I stayed there 10 years. That was my introduction to the Teamsters Union. It was a good company until management changed. Suddenly, the customer was not important. We were not as important. There was rumor of restructuring (they are still in business as of today under Airgas). Thats not the way I wanted to work. I used my connections to find other employment. I went to work for BOC Gases. It was a good company although non-Union. I work Sunday thru Thursday hauling liquid CO2 in tankers. I was paid between 60 and 70K per year. I was there 3 years. I realized that I needed to get back to a Union environment for my retirement. I found what I believe will be the company I retire from. I work for Univar. A good company that pays their drivers well. I work Monday thru Friday and home every night. I work a 60 hour work week. Last year I was paid almost 80K for the year. Not to bad for those days and hours.

You see, if I can do it, you can. It's nothing special. Just keep your eyes and ears open. You will find the right job for you. It might take some time but you will.

Drive safe

 

Time to bring this to the board again. Just trying to help. Feel free to add your own thoughts.

Drive safe