Life at American Central Transport (ACT)

what kind of truck are you driving?

 

Easymoney I will check into the motel mon night and start orientation Tuesday I don't think I am able to pm yet or I would send u my cell number

 

I sent you my cell number, just give me a call whenever. Tho i am used to hauling at night as my mail route left at 6pm and was done at 8am, most of act stuff is dont with day time driving which i am still adjusting to. So anytime a day is fine.

 

You can make it at ACT, but, winter freight slowdown is here like in all trucking, lol.
I hear it picks back up mid-feb. You must pay attention to fuel mileage and prices of fuel. I don't buy fuel per load, but, instead have learned places that I fuel, Sometimes I buy just enough to get to that cheap fuel like certain places in Mo.
Put some money back in case you are leasing. I say this because repairs can drain your maint acct if they start stacking up on you. In that case, they will expect you to write a check to cover that. I had to come out of pocket for about a grand due to a bad compressor and other repairs. This is not a complaint, but a forewarning to put money back as a reserve. Some folks think that this won't happen to them and think they don't have to prepare for it. You are leasing a truck that may be needing repairs that you will be responsible for. If you spend everything you make, you could find yourself in trouble. I started during summer, so I started putting back every week. You can do pretty well here, but, remember to put back for that rainy day...it will eventually rain.
There were five of us that started, and four left. At least two are looking elsewhere for different reasons. Miles have not always been great, sometimes only 1800 or so a week. Sometimes you get in areas where freight is slow--it happens. I have just made some new repairs....APU alternator, belt, and three new batteries for winter. I am sure this is going to run me in the whole again, and I am needing drive tires...so, I am walking a fine line. I don't mean this as negative, but to warn some that you have to put extra back just in case--no matter where or who you lease from.
ACT seems to be a company that isn't totally out to milk you as some other companies. I was in KC and they told me there wasn't any freight in that area til tuesday..Wife wanted me home. So, I deadheaded myself to ATL. I pay the fuel, but, they didn't have a problem with that. I could have sat in KC for four days--nah. Wife is happy I'm home.
Funny thing, I missed New Years, lol. I was in central timezone when it hit in Ga, and when I got to georgia it hit in Tennesee,,, sort of like that old joke where two Ala. troopers were chasing a guy into Georgia. When he hit the Ga. line one trooper says to the other one"We can forget it now, he's an hour ahead, lol.
Temptinfates

 

I started at act 5 wks ago and have had an good exp. so far,no complaints.I like your advice,but I have a couple questions.What yr.model is your truck? Why wasnt a compressor covered by warranty?I really dont like my tires either and would like to get some good virgin michelins after winter.I just personally dont like retreads,mine probably good for 6 mos.Also what kind of money and maint. have you spent on your apu?Ive leased several late model or new trks before for the reason that I wouldnt be paying for repairs just maint. because I always used the factory warranty.

 

Checked into Holiday Inn here in K.C. start orientation in the morning. I will keep you updated to my experience.

 

I'm thinking of trying ACT's L/P program and have a few questions about how to run the business end of it. I know I should hold out about 20% for taxes. Do I have to pay those quarterly or can I save it till the end of the year and pay 1 lump sum? Should I incorporate or do a LLC? Is there tax software for truckers doing a lease purchase? How do I get information on starting a LLC? Also, I have my CDL w/o Hazmat. I have been off the road since 1999. I want to get my hazmat endorsement and know I have to go through TSA's background check. I also heard something about needing a TWIC card. My question is this: If I go through the background and fingerprint checks for my hazmet endorsement, will I have to repeat the process for the TWIC card? Will ACT help with any of this or do I need to have everything before orientation? Any information you guys or gals can provide will sure be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

The process for the TWIC card is totally seperate from your Haz-mat endorsement. You have to go through homeland security and do a seperate background chech and fingerprinting. I dont belive you'll need that with ACT, but BigKid could let ya' know for sure. I have'nt used mine since i was runnin' the I-5 corridor a couple years ago. It's basicly just for getting into ports.