PGT trucking my adventure starts 01/03/11

I was thinking about joining the PGT team and wanted to get the current scoop on what PGT offers:

1. If you take the percentage option for pay, what constitutes a higher rate (low idle, fewer off route, longevity, etc.)?

-If idle time can hurt your pay, will they let you run an A/C or Bunk heater?

2. What is allowed in the truck (Inverters, frig, A/C, Heaters, mic, coffee maker, etc.)? Better question may be Is there anything not allowed?

3. Can you bring your own cb radio/coax/antenna(s) or do you have to use what they give you?

4. Are routes forced or can you create your own (guessing this would be handy with percentage pay)?

5. Are you assigned your own truck?

6. What are the governors set at?

7. Can you get Canada runs under Long Haul or are these dedicated runs?

8. Paper or electronic logs?


Thanks for any advice you can provide!

 

Hi Miz. I've provided as many answers as I know below.

1. Percentage pay is the only option. Rate is based on years of driving experience. They offer a performance bonus that's based on a few different criteria. Unfortunately I can't remember them all. I do know that truck revenue, fuel mileage, and completion of safety training are part of the calculation. If I remember correctly 30% or less idle time is considered acceptable unless it's extremely hot or cold.

2. I believe that the inverter is limited to 1500W and must be iinstalled by a company mechanic. Check on this. As far as the frig, microwave, etc; if you put them in the truck I don't think you'll have any place left to sleep. LOL. The trucks are small.

3. You provide your own CB. You can use the coax/antenna that's preinstalled in the truck if it still works.

4. If you're a company driver you pretty much take what they give you if you want to make money. You can ask to run into certain areas and then it pretty much depends on the available freight and your relationship with your fleet manager. The Owner/Ops (lease/purchase) get more freedom to choose what and when they run.

5 & 6. Yes, you will have your own truck. It will be set at 64 mph.

7. Not sure what you mean by "Long Haul." If you have a passport you can get loads going to Canada. They'll love you long time. LOL

8. Paper logs with a satellite in the truck which means your log book better match the satellite records or the log department will give you demerits (points) and that will affect your "grade" and could affect your performance bonus for the month.

Overall, I think it's a good company. They treat you like a person (ok, well most of the time) and if you do your job right you can make money.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

how is ur hometime looking i need as much as possible

 

it's between pgt and TMC who ever can get me home the most

 

Alright thanks bro. I looked up a couple of local companies but most of them want at least 6 months OTR experience so..... but I believe I will be done my refresher either next monday or the monday after next. Well I will keep on looking until then I will be on here doing research.

 

happy b-day...................

 

finished school yesterday, tested out today 1-28-2012..scheduled for Wakins and Shepard for the 13th of feb. Like the idea of W/S just because they have a flatbed division and I do not have to ride with a trainer, 10 day orientation and out otr in my own truck.
problem is can't hire directly into flatbed. TMC seems a bit silly for me all that marine corp stuff...etc.. Maverick only runs automatics so not interested.
Does PGT hire out of Michigan, I am within 15 minutes of Detroit, Michigan.
After reading about PGT my interest is piqued. How long does one have to ride with a trainer? My main concern is that I am 6'5" and 315 lbs....I hear the trucks are small...appreciate input.