What's happening?

Electronic logs are not a big pain like many lead you to believe. You can get your miles and make money too.

As far as the training period goes, I feel may does this right. Especially for a guy who has never driven a big truck solo before. It gives you a brief period of what life on the road is like and allows you to make up your mind if it is right for you. Also, would you rather encounter a mountain grade your first time alone or with someone who can guide you through it? I know you probably did one in school, but did you do it with 80,000 lbs? IMO, you cannot go wrong with May unless you make it hard on yourself.

 

Grayman, I'm starting school tomorrow Jan 10th, also interested in May Trucking, from everything I've read they are good company. I've also looked at W/S they seem to be a good company too. I think Efon is right though about the training, that was the only thing about W/S I didn't like was their short training.
Thanks Efon for the answer about elogs, I've read so much crap about that, I didn't know what to think I feel much better now . One thing I am concerned about is; May doesn't have APUs, Is that a big problem when the weather is extreme one way or the other? I 've heard that they only allow you to idle 15 minutes every two hours, Is this true or rumor? Either way, May is the top of my list.

 

Having to idle is based on a percentage that varies due to the time of
year. Hottest summer months are the highest at 30%. Winter is lowest
at 10%- because May trucks have bunk heaters in them. If you need to exceed the percentage for any reason, just send a q-comm message to your DM and get an OK for extra idle.

 

I love May Trucking, I just started with them back on Dec 1st and ive been solo for a few weeks now. Elogs IMO are great. Really easy to use and you always know exactly how much time you have left and it takes care of everything for you. As far as idleing I havnt had a problem with getting extra time if I need it. My dispatch down in Florida has been extra nice and helpful with that. Also the bunk heater does get really hot lol. Training was good and my trainer was excellant but I did want to quit a few times out of my own frustration but I am more than happy that I didnt. I am really enjoying it out here. Out West gets rough but it is what it is!

 

I do not drive for May, but I've talked to a fair amount of their drivers and most seem pretty happy. I had considered them at one time, but went elsewhere.
Something for new driver wannabes to consider:
Idling is becoming a serious problem. There are a lot of places now that don't allow you to idle. Places like Dallas, Boston, Atlanta, California...as well as companies that you may sit in their parking lots waiting to unload...Walmart.
More and more locations are getting on the 'no ilde' bandwagon.
Now the last thing you want is to have a LEO come knocking on your door and tell you to shut it down or worse...write you a ticket for several hundred dollars.
Now that goes against your CSA score. Didn't use to. Some companies will pay the ticket, some won't, but there's nothing like not having a/c in Barstow in the summer.
I have been there when the 'green police' come thru.
(Calif is the worst in my opinion)
So many companies are going to APU's due to driver safety and CSA scores.
Keep that in mind when comparing companies.
Because as an OTR driver, you are bound to run into these places and be made to comply.

 

NJ is notorious for its idling restrictions, and yes, they will write you up for noncompliance.

 

May idle policy can be a pain in the you know what. During winter time your batteries doesn't seem to hold the charge as long. Your bunk heater will drain your battery in about 6 hours, even faster if you got anything else pigged in. I have to turn my fridge off for the night. Also my bunk heater doesn't seem to heat up more than 59 to 63 degrees and it's set at 80.

As far as paperless logs go, I love them. Very easy and convenient.

 

Be careful of May, I worked there for 10 months before I landed my Local job. Good starter company, but! Not long term driver friendly in my opinion. Their primary concern is to haul the freight ( not an unreasonable goal!), but they do use the driver as a tool, no emotional attachment or investment from the top down. Know this and work within this system and you will be ok.