Choices, choices, choices, got any suggestions?

When I was hauling for yellowstone we used to haul these racks that were trianglular in shape, step deck required load, had to put a pair of lumber tarps over it. Had to strap it just so the tarp wouldnt flap, it was a PITA, but it paid well.

 

Not saying she can't do it, merely a pun! She is probably in much better shape than most of you. I will say why the hell would she want to get sweaty and dirty without the possibility of a shower everyday when she could run reefer get paid the same and sleep while the truck is being loaded and unloaded. Out of all the different trucking jobs would you really recommend flat bedding. I am sure she is more than capable but if given the option, why would she? Unless she just wants to stay in shape, I don't know. Maybe she could weigh in and let us all know!

 

Reefer Companies:

MAY Trucking
Central Refrigerated
KLLM Transportation
Roelh
Swift
Shaffer
Gordon Trucking
Stevens Transport
Navajo
Werner
Prime

Just to name a few, I know there are more.........




American Trucker

 

Coke might be ok. Big co. Lots of training and advancement possible. Being new I might suggest you stay south until you get some exp. if you have to run the road.

Look down San Diego way for a garbage ( produce ) hauler. You might catch a ride running reefer to Fla. All good flat running.

Check Stevens Transport too.

Just a thought.....

 

I am working currently at Central Refrigerated. They are part owned by Swift CEO but pretty much run their own gig. If nothing else it is a stepping stone co. I have a really good driver manager, knows actually what is going on and keeps you running.

 

Good luck.... and I have heard many an old school driver say they are happy at Martin on the cb

 

Do you know where your reefer companies are close to you? If so go down there and start writing down every company that goes in and out. Then check out everyone of them. Find out which will hire students and check out equipment and pay. Just by doing that you will know who can get you back home! If my company hired students Id take you out myself and train you. Heck you and i would have a blast out here harrassing all the boyz!!!

 

Forget Roehl, TMC & Maverick as they have no presence/terminals around LA. There are bazillions of companies with terminals around Fontana/Ontario/Chino. Get a phone book & start digging. So Cal is a great place to be a truck driver. I have thoght about moving down there myself (I Love LA!) If you can get a year or two in and become a quality driver the world will be your oyster.

I don't know if they hire new drivers, but check out Gardner, Meyer & some of the milk haulers; DDG is one of the lager ones I believe. For bigger companies that will train look at Gordon, Interstate, May & Watkins Shepard. They all have west coast divisions that will get you through the house and are all better than Swift, Werner etc.

Keep an eye on Craigslist and register on the Cal Jobs web site. I actually found my current position on Cal Jobs. I already knew all about the Co. & when I figured out who it was, I was sitting in their yard the next morning with my resume in my hand. Be ready to move fast, the good jobs don't last.

It's my opinion that even as difficult as the job market is now, there is still a shortage of real drivers. I mean those who don't require hand holding therapy, HOS counseling and/or personal appearance makeovers. If you can maintain the appearance of yourself and your truck, do whats required to get the freight there on time and show the customers (and your employers) courtesy and intelligence, there will be plenty of small & medium size companies that will give you some respect along with a decent paycheck.