What are my options? 8 Months since OTR

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ArcticWolves, Jul 8, 2021.

  1. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Swift will pay you for orientation and a couple of weeks with a trainer. You WILL NOT pay them for a "refresher course". Last I saw they were starting rookies at $.46 plus some bonuses. @Moosetek13 has been with them for over 10 years. Hopefully he checks in to give some more insight.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I've seen Knight trucks doing drop & hook at Sam's Club's. Seems those loads originate in Arizona.
    The trucks I've seen at Sam's Club in Las Vegas are top notch trucks and look new.
     
  4. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Knight and Swift run new tractors constantly. They cycle their tractors every 3-4 years. Not sure about Knight, but, when I was with Swift, trailers were hit and miss. I have no idea how they even track 70-80 thousand trailers. I picked up my share with flat tires, missing mud flaps, non working lights, holes punched in them. Picked up a trailer one time with two big holes punched thru the roof from a dips#!+ forklift driver. Lol
     
  5. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    OP, I went to truck driving school, then with the same company for just under three years, after that I took 8 months off. Did my own thing.

    After 8 months off, I applied to a few nearby OTR, companies. All of those I applied to offered me jobs. I picked one, went to orientation and two days later I was in a truck driving my first load like I never took a day off.

    You should have no issues if your record is clean. Eight months off does not require you to have a refresher or retraining. At least it didn’t for me
     
  6. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    .

    OP only has 3 months of experience, vs. your 3 years. Big difference. Most Companies will require a minimum of 2-3 weeks with a trainer
     
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  7. Lennythedriver

    Lennythedriver Road Train Member

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    I didn’t catch that. Yeah, He will probably have to go out with the trainer again for a couple weeks then.
     
  8. ArcticWolves

    ArcticWolves Light Load Member

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    Not a big deal. Just don't want to foot the bill for refresher training or get locked into a year contract. Thanks so much everyone for the suggestions!
     
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Put the applications out there, then pick the job offer that suits you best.
     
  10. ArcticWolves

    ArcticWolves Light Load Member

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    Do they have driver facing cameras? I can't remember I would assume so since I almost joined a tour bus company out here and the director of safety lady from Swift brought all that crap over to them.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2021
  11. ArcticWolves

    ArcticWolves Light Load Member

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    Oh they're out there and now the fun is trying to choose, lol. Thanks a lot everyone and to ChinaTown for being a such a big help!
     
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