Hi Everyone.
I've been lurking around for 14 years. It all started way back in 2008 reading about Evertruckerr's adventures at Crete. Anyone remember him? A few years later I officially joined but have never posted. Since then I would peak in from time to time seeing how life was treating everyone. Like many of you, I also found particular joy living vicariously through Wsyrob's journey with Superior Carriers. Both have been instrumental in my interest in trucking. I've seen a lot of drivers come and go over the years. Many seem to have simply vanished. I know with changes in life things can change quickly and before you know it, for one reason or another, you move on.
I'm a veteran who got my CDL and all endorsements 2 years ago. I graduated from a 237 hour course at a local technical college north of Atlanta in early March 2020. Within a matter of weeks the world shut down with Covid. Now in 2022 my hope is that better days/weeks/months/years are ahead of us. I am finally making the leap into trucking. Although I have my CDL and all endorsements, I have no experience.
They say that companies are hurting for drivers right now but I am not sure how much I believe that. My hope is to get hired on by a good company that is not a Mega. I'm not look for a blue screw, or being stuck in a slow wagon in the fast lane type of company. My apologies if you work for either. It is not directed toward you, rather how Mega companies in general treat their drivers.
My Stats:
CDL
All endorsements
No restrictions
Interested in tanker, dry van, or reefer
Areas: Atlanta and Central Florida (Orlando/Lakeland area)
I have family in both areas so could work out of either but to be honest am tired of the cold. I've lived in both New England and Alaska for several years and am ready to have nicer weather year round so leaning toward making central Florida home.
Although open to OTR with no experience, definitely prefer regional or local.
No touch freight or primarily drop and hook would be ideal. We can all have a wish list right?
Some questions for you. Before I ask, thanks in advance for reading this short novel, and for being honest and straight forward in your answers to these questions. I've enjoyed reading a lot of your adventures, some more than others, and look forward to reading about your true experience and learning from your advice.
Questions:
Who was your first company?
What's the good, the bad, and the down right ugly about this company?
If you had to do it all over again, knowing what you now know as a veteran driver, what company would you go with if you had a CDL but no experience?
Where Did You Start Driver?
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by a1a, Jan 28, 2022.
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First company was Swift in 2009
The good:
Got my foot in the door at a time when I couldn't afford to pay for a CDL school, and I didn't know anyone with a truck who could teach me.
The Bad and Ugly:
Was the standard Mega-Company treatment of drivers as a number rather than a person. Not much more to say than that. It was a job with no intention of staying long term.
If I had a CDL but no experience and had to do it all over again, I'd of spent more time knocking on the doors of local companies to find one that would take on an inexperienced driver.
If you're looking for local work one company you may look at is Ferguson Plumbing or Ferguson Waterworks (both the same company, different divisions). They run their own trucks both Class A and Class B. They're a nation wide company and I would be surprised if they didn't have locations near you. They will hire inexperienced drivers and train- Look at the Waterworks division first because they'll be more likely to have Class A openings.
Editing this in: This wouldn't be drop and hook, no touch. It's all touch sometimes working your tail end off in all kinds of weather.Last edited: Jan 28, 2022
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Nothing wrong with the mega companies. Some are really good to get started with.
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That 2 yr. gap between the time you acquired a cdl and now puts up a few barriers, but plenty of companies will hire you.
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Dutch Maid Logistics hires Florida and Georgia drivers and has a training program for drivers with a CDL and little to no experience.
Dutch Maid Logistics | Now Hiring Drivers
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Got my license Dec 2014 and by early February was doing food service. Stayed for a year and couldn't wait leave
a1a Thanks this. -
Submit some online applications from the trucking company websites before calling. Only takes a few minutes to fill them out. Some are short apps.
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Freymiller | Logistics and Transportation Experts for Time ...
This company has a program for cdl grads and a "Restore Program" for drivers that have been off the road for a long period of time.Wargames Thanks this. -
Nationwide Motor Freight Company | Abilene Motor Express
Hires in Florida and Georgia.Last edited: Jan 28, 2022
Wargames Thanks this. -
CDL Jobs | Hiring Now in Utah | Pride Transport
This company hires from most states.Wargames Thanks this. -
Navajo Express has a facility in Lakeland, Florida.
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Navajo Express: Heavy Haul Shipping Services and Truck ...Wargames Thanks this. -
USA Truck – Capacity Solutions
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After working for USA Truck 6 mos. you can choose your loads and run where you want to.
Last edited: Jan 28, 2022
Wargames Thanks this. -
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