I have been trolling these forums for a couple of weeks now, ever since I started contemplating where my life is headed. For the last six years I been working at a small fastener company doing deliveries in a small stake bed truck. The pay isn't all that great ($12 an hour), but lately theres been a lot of BS going around at work. Been doing a lot of extra work to cover up other peoples f-ups. Sometimes it gets really frustrating and been wondering if it would just be better if I went somewhere else.
I've thought about driving big trucks locally like for a beverage company or a supermarket, but of course most of those jobs require at least 2 years exp. Thats where I'm having problems deciding how to start up. I been looking into a couple companies mostly Central Ref and Schneider but since I don't know much about the trucking industry I'm not sure if these companies are any good. I heard a lot of good things about Central Ref but also heard they are owned by Swift which are BAD. I heard both good and bad things about Schneider. I have also heard that there are companies out there that get you home every weekend can anyone tell me which companies these are? or can someone tell me another company where a newbie can start at with a good training program. I live in Riverside Ca. if that helps any
Lastly I had a few questions about being a trucker
Always wondered what happens if you guys get sick while driving, do you have to continue with your deliveries or does the company have someone take over? I would think it be kinda hard driving a big truck with 100+ fever
Also I know you guys can only drive around 11 hours a day but does that mean you guys drive those 11 hours straight? or do can you guys take breaks in between?
Also I lived in So Cal my whole life so I never had to deal with driving in extreme weather was wondering do driving schools teach you how to handle such situations? I'm worried about driving in the snow and sliding out of control.
Like to thank anyone that can answer my questions in advance.
Thinking about a career change
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by wannaBTrucker, Apr 2, 2007.
-
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
-
i am a new driver but i will give you some input on what i know on a couple of your questions. About getting home every weekend, you might want to find a company close to your home. From what i've seen so far most of the backloads are close to the terminal. The driving 11 hours part is probably the one of the only aspects of the job where i am my own boss. You plan the trip, but the load better be on time. I always plenty of time for a break, or two,....or three.
-
-
-
-
I have been driving truck for over 20 years, and the "BS" and "covering others &*ups" is part of the job.
-
Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.
