What do you think? Opinions?

I have been an avid reader here for some time now and it seems to me their are perceptions about what are the easy/hard parts of the job on the part of the newb, and then their is the reality of the easy/hard parts as explained by the experienced drivers.

It seems to me that people about to enter the industry percieve being able to handle the truck, backing, driving in winter, driving on mountains etc... As the hard part.

Now from everything I have gathered in listening to the experienced drivers, the driving part of this job will come to you rather quickly, and in fact the hard part of this job is the lifestyle change. Being away from home, living in a truck cab, waiting at shippers/recievers, minding your expenses on the road, etc...

From everything you have said, it seems you are quite prepared for the hard part and your worries are related to the easy part. Seems like you should put aside your fears and go for it to me. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

do you know any good companys to start out with for being new

 

That's a great observation and is a hundred percent on the mark - a thread for newbies could be started with that enty as a "must read".bb.

 

val
with no tie downs go for it. don't put thigs off till it becomes "Iwish I would have". Just do your homework first and discount 99% of what recruiters tell you . check this baord and talk to drivers who have left any company you are considering. if you talk to a current driver rebember there is usually a bonus for any one who gets the company a new sucker. oops sorry meant new driver. Just kidding.
hey if you know a driver and he is insured for it, will probably be an o/o see if you can spend a week or two in the truck before you make a permanent decision .
welcome to our world glad to have you.

 

Too funny! Great story. I do know that SNI has a program called a "Home Run" program. You are out for 14 and home for 7. You rotate with two other team members. So there are basically three of you running the same truck. Sounds like a good thing if you want a long home time.

I would however suggest getting your CDL's on your own. This way you dont fall into the contract trap.

 

Great advise! Do it now before you do meet that one special person, and life takes on a whole knew meaning!!

 

I used to feel the same way, but then I found my current company. Dispatcher was straight up and they won't tolerate a dispatcher that misleads a driver. This is the first company where the dispatcher was dead on about everything she told me. I do get a bonus for getting other drivers on, but that has nothing to do with what I tell the new driver. I tell the new driver I will get a bonus and it is not like some companies where the new driver has to be there 6 months. When they deliver their 1st load I get the bonus. $500 for the 1st lead, $500 for the 2nd then $1000 for the 3rd then it starts all over again. 500, 500 and a 1000.

I searched everywhere for info on this company and could not find anything negative. I was really impressed with them even after orientation. They have done everything they said they would do and then some. You did give some good advise tho. Most recruiters will lie to you and some drivers will tell you anything to get you on the company!