Well Baritone, welcome to OTR trucking!
I kind of glanced around the issue when you were starting out - not wanting to ruin the experience with my sour grapes. This is just my opinion though, I don't want to speak for everyone. In my opinion, OTR sucks big time. One thing you have going for you over my experience though, you have good equipment. I started out with CRST back when they had the ugly, set-back axle flat-top cabovers. All of them, except for what the Cedar Rapids trainers had, where pure junk. I then went to a company called Burlington, now twice defunct, where I had better equipment, but the experience was even worse. That was it for OTR. I've been local in various positions since '96. I pretty much freelance myself out to those little bus or truck operations who need a driver. I refuse to commit myself to most companies full-time now, unless I find one who wants to pay and respect a good driver the way they should be.
Now that you're in it, I urge you to stay at least a year. Two would be even better. Get your experience and then as I said before, write your own ticket. Once you have that CDL with experience to go along with it, it's more valuable than any corporate or manufacturing resume will ever dream of being. Different ways were being tried or explored to "outsource" OTR driving - Eastern European or Mexican drivers, but that was pretty much unsuccessful. Believe me though, other means are being looked at. Right now though OTR for American drivers is pretty much still safe, so you still have time to get what you need. In the meantime, get the rest of your endorsements like tanker, doubles-triples, passenger, and hazmat if you don't already have that one, so you'll be ready to hit the road running once you have the experience. Pick and choose a la carte when you leave OTR.
I'd like to send you a book that I wrote, free of charge, to any terminal that you want, in care of yourself. The experiences in it are not the "touring the USA - paid tourist" B.S. It's what OTR is really like. It's graphic, and there are a couple type-o's, because the publisher is second-rate, but I think you'll enjoy it - when you have time to read. If you think you would like to read it, send the address of your terminal to: pontiacman64@yahoo.com
Stay safe and try not to lose your temper.lol
My Millis Experience -
Discussion in 'Millis' started by Baritone, May 16, 2010.
Page 22 of 117
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Just want to say I have enjoyed Baritone's posts. Very informative...thanks for taking the time.
Skydivedavec Thanks this. -
I would agree - turn over is just part of this industry. Some companies add to that and increase their own percentages as well. I have seen several leave - most for thier own reasons not related to the company. However I have seen several that left that no matter where they work - they will not be successful due to their "outlook" on life, work and just about anything in general. But I will say - those are out there in every industry no just trucking.
We are hiring "big time" - but a lot has to do with freight being up and especially looking for people in Texas. We have more freight going and coming out of there now it appears.
I take each day as a blessing that I am working and let what doesnt pertain to me - roll off. But that's just me.wulfman75 and Skydivedavec Thank this. -
I'll forward the addy soon. -
Hey Everyone -
Just a quick update as I am rolling along. Got a load from Trenton to Manchester, NH and now just woke up after stopping close to Rochester NY. Been running nights lately due to the loads and time issues - not to mention being detained at a delivery. Love the less traffic but miss the views out the window but should be able to roll back to normal soon.
Gotta do what's needed to get these loads there on time. Deliver in Manchester at 9am and about 400 miles away. Called the receiver and they have room for me to park there for the night - so will roll all the way in.
Great News - my son's unit in Irag has been replaced and he is being processed out of Irag as I write this. Should be back in Georgia on Friday night! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!
Now let's just hope I can get a load back to GA on such short notice.
Take care and be safe!Skydivedavec, twinrose, difference-maker and 1 other person Thank this. -
Skydivedavec Thanks this.
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Ditto what wulfman says. Give your son our thanks. It's great that he gets to come home and hopefully you be able to get there to see him shortly.
Skydivedavec Thanks this. -
Tell your son thank you and welcome home. Been there back in early 08 with my unit in the Corp and was a enjoyable 7 months. Wish him luck back in the states and I pray he does not have to go over to afghanistan. That was a bad 7 months for me.
Skydivedavec Thanks this. -
Could anyone tell me if the $2500 fee for cdl training at MTI includes travel or lodging? A lot of company schools include this in the cost of the class, but I haven't seen this mentioned here or on the MTI site. If they don't, does anyone have any suggestions for a good/cheap motel near the Georgia school?
Skydivedavec Thanks this. -
Skydivedavec Thanks this.
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