Newbie Needs Advice/ Stay or Go?

Honest question. Knowing what you know now. What company would you try to work for? After your first year and why?

 

Talk to dispatch. If that does not rectify situation go to senior management. #### happens but should not be often
You are satisfied with pay so try getting a year in before moving to another muddy pasture

 

Snafus happen. Question is: Is this normal and routine with the company you are driving for or is it only on occasion?
I tend to agree with the others and recommend riding it out. I know, especially in the first few months things are tough. I cried several times and wanted to quit. But, I didn't and things got better. Also, until you have more experience, you'd basically just be jumping from one pan into a different pan. It would just be pure luck if the other company is any better than the one your with.
In the mean time, you'll be able to see if screw ups are constant with your company, or somewhat infrequent. But, in this business, they will happen regardless of who you work for.
As to just deadheading home, alot depends on how far and where. The company is trying to be profitable. Deadheading you hundreds of miles from an area with freight to an area that doesn't have much freight will be influencing their desire to deadhead you or not. From a business standpoint, it may be a bigger ask than you realize. My guess is that they will get you home as soon as they reasonably can.
I know it sucks and it's tough. I been there. But, ride it out as best you can. Hopefully, this hiccup won't be normal, although hiccups will happen. After your first year, you'll have a better idea if you should move on and if so, actually be in a position to make things better for you instead of just different.

 

I am sitting at a Love's in Georgia with a load that should have been delivered yesterday (Saturday) but customer is closed on weekends. Sheesh happens. Dispatch messes up. Every job will get you frustrated once in a while. Jumping ship every time will get you stuck on the "new hire" train. Get experience first then get picky.

 

Let's see, you were sent to pick up a trailer that wasn't there, there was a problem with your load due to miscommunication/willful deceit from the shipper and/or broker, the shipper gave you a hard time and you had some trouble with your truck and now you want to deadhead home because you've been away for 60 days? It doesn't sound like you're cut out for this line of work. Any experienced driver will tell you all of these things have happened to them many times. No part of the truck or trailer caught fire? Your truck wasn't put out of service because another truck hit yours leaving you stranded in Sheffield, TX for two weeks? You didn't have to spend Christmas at the Pilot in Rock Springs because after you bobtailed through a blizzard to make Christmas happen when you got to the Freightliner shop on the 22nd to rescue a load your ticket home was behind a locked gate with a sign on the door saying they were CLOSED and would be back on the 27th? Boo effing hoo!

Sorry trucking didn't work out for you but there are a lot of other jobs in the industry. Diesel mechanics make good money. If you can't afford diesel tech school there are plenty of openings for lot lizards and shower cleaners. Good luck!

 

Stay.

This industry sucks when just starting out.

The fact that they are NOT messing up your pay gives your current employer a leg up on the competition.

Every other starter company is "same ####, different color truck.

Good luck.

 

The title just makes me have to do it...

 

I think it's too soon for that kind of advice. He's new, just getting started. He hasn't learned or experienced enough to determine such just yet. In the beginning it's tough. You don't know what's normal or not. I know I had my share of growing pains much like the OP in this situation. But, I stuck it out and glad I did. If he'd been around for 6 months and still griping about this kind of stuff, maybe then think about if this is for him or not.
But, he came here, aired his delimma and asked for advice from those that been there, done that, what kind of advice experienced folk have to share. I understand his point, he just doesn't know and it is messed up. He wants to go home, he's been out a long time for a newbie and been through a ringer already (CDL school, time with a trainer and the first few loads). He's just discouraged, and I totally get that. I been there and done that myself.

OP, just hang in there, it gets better. Too soon to determine if this is for you or not. But, understand, this occupation isn't for everyone. It's much easier to get into than survive through. If, after 6 months to a year, you realize this ain't for you, so be it. It happens to many who try this. But! don't give up yet. Hang in there! Once you get through the initial rookie/newbie phase, which is a pain and difficult, you may find this fits you well. I did!

 

TRUST ME. I ended up doing 2 months with Prime Last December and January, and was sidelined due to a medical issue and I ended up staying home after I healed. My music gigs came back and things looked to be improving. I started applying for local jobs immediately and I found I didn't have enough experience to get anything even remotely that I would want to do. I could get a crappy local job but I make more money playing music.

I think you need to stick it out 4-6months and just take whatever loads you can get etc then move on. I'm looking to go back out fairly soon, get my experience then I'll be able to actually get a Linehaul type of job that I want. The ones I'm interested in require 6 months experience. So, brother, stick it out.

 

......OR WORSE! Stay put.