Advice for (potentially) switching to reefers?

Discussion in 'Refrigerated Trucking Forum' started by MGE Dawn, May 21, 2019.

  1. MGE Dawn

    MGE Dawn Road Train Member

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    So I'm currently running dry van, but a small part of me is considering switching over to the reefer division of my current company. Obvious cons, though, include such things as possibly losing my driver ranking and any associated bonuses (not to mention having to learn how to even operate a reefer unit to begin with).

    Is it worth the tradeoffs? And if so, about how long does it take to get used to the noise immediately outside the sleeper? Also, any tips for first starting out would be helpful. Thanks in advance
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    You still with Swift?
     
  4. MGE Dawn

    MGE Dawn Road Train Member

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    Yup. Don't plan to leave until I have 3 years or so under my belt
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you're in the hiring area, MC VanKampen hires with 12 mos. experience. Trucks look like show trucks and run 75 mph.\
    [​IMG]
     
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  6. MGE Dawn

    MGE Dawn Road Train Member

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    Was honestly thinking of heading to DOT if they'll have me when I'm ready to leave Swift. Have an uncle currently driving for them, and he seems pretty happy with their arrangements
     
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  7. QuietStorm

    QuietStorm Heavy Load Member

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    Serious don't do that, if anything switch to their flatbed. You'll make more money later when you're ready to move on from Swift.

    Why? It's just a pain in the dick. You really have to have good planner (probably one that came over from Central, if there are any left) to make good money and keep moving. Also, sometimes you'll sit at a shipper for a whole day just waiting on a load (happened to me), the kicker is the load was ready when I first got there, they just "lost" it.

    But your mileage may vary, if you really want to do that good luck.
     
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yeah, DOT is a good choice and has lots of options and good benefits.
     
  9. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    That 75 mph Pete looks like it can do the job. Im not much for fancy paint, Just spray can coal black and then a touch of chrome leafing.

    In what I did was run for a fleet (Trucking company, who were dedicated to McKesson Pharmaceuticals of Memphis. Very high dollar loads and the minute both your tractor and the trailer's slaved to the qualcomm you have 5000 bosses watching your movements against previous loads you have hauled. The worst thing you can do is stopping across town to by some smokes, that gets them very excited potential criminal activity etc.

    Also you say you have done 3 years or are you looking at potential three years anniversay, The Trucking company will fall over themselves to be first offering with a wheel barrow full of money.

    My information is somewhat obsolete. But thats one Reefer lane idea.
     
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  10. MGE Dawn

    MGE Dawn Road Train Member

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    I guess I should've been a helluva lot clearer. I'm about 4 months done with my 13 month contract, but I don't plan to find another company until at least my 3rd anniversary with Swift. Wanna show the next company that I'm the type to stick around and not take changing companies lightly
     
  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    12 months is plenty of time to impress another company. 3 years is overboard, unless you just like where you are now.
     
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