Husband/Wife Team to start with Covenant

Today, we got a QC message from our dispatch manager that we are both due for our upgrades, so we are getting routed back to Chattanooga. This is wonderful. I thought we were to be out as a team for 90 days; it has only been about 70 days, so we are stoked. Once we upgrade, More Pay! So, from NJ to PA to Ma, then to CT to NC and finally to TN! Ron and I are excited!
Until next time...

 

Thank you for asking that question. It prompted us to look into the specifics of Upgrades. Apparently, there are two types of upgrades.
__One is the Upgrade you do upon completion of your training with your trainer (approx 35-40 days out) Once completed, there is a series of tests before being assigned your truck and given your first load assignment. The tests include a road test + backing (both straight backing + alley docking) We completed this back in Mid November and have been over the road ever since.
__The other Upgrade we found out was mistakenly sent to us. It is the upgrade designed for those who are teamed for a period of time, but wish to go solo. This Upgrade is basically the same type of test, but a bit more difficult. Once the driver passes this upgrade, he or she has proven they are capable of going solo.
__So as a husband/wife team, obviously, we are a permanent fixture. (my husband might beg to differ. LOL!) No need to test out to go solo! We checked into it and after a certain amount of time (I believe six months?), the husband/wife team automatically are upgraded in pay as long as (specificly to the law) there are no serious log or driving violations.
So thank you astarcher74. You helped clarify this for US!!

 

Only 3 months...when did you finish training? We finished right before Thanksgiving and jumped right back on the road without going home with the prospect of additional pay for working through the holidays. For the most part, Ron and I have enjoyed this work. As with anything new, there is a learning curve and I know I am certainly thankful for those putting up with my MANY questions. (Thank you Dennis!) I agree, there certainly are not enough good experiences posted. It would be nice to see more. Frankly, I would like to be so busy, I just don't have any time to post.

What you said about those who are not cut out for truck driving is certainly true. It is the type of work that requires unique attributes not only from the driver's standpoint, but also from those who are their loved ones at home. Being an OTR driver requires long periods of time away from family and friends. From the family standpoint, there must be patience and support while you are away. We both have very supportive families and I think that is a big part of why it is working for us. Although my mom wanted to know the exact time we would be home this last home time. It was tough getting the point across that we could not schedule it the same way she schedules her weekly card tournaments. And as for the trust part. It is rewarding when you are given a load like we had today. I look at what we are entrusted with and it does feel good to know that they do put that much trust in us. And as for the TRAINING being our responsibility...YES! Ron and I both liked what you said "proactively ask, watch, and learn" We have asked SO many questions and watched experienced drivers to learn. We met a fella who works for Crete. He was scaling a load and I watched him as he went through rescales and adjustments. Apparently it was quite a heavy load. We ended up talking and he was wonderful answering the questions we had. Found out he had been driving going on 57 years. All I could say was WOW. He even talked about his wife who had just recently passed away and how over all those years had been supportive of him as an OTR driver. We made a friend that day and hope to stay in contact with him. He was just a really descent human being. It's getting harder and harder to find those these days. You could tell he actually had a kind soul.

That is encouraging about your miles. You obviously hustle. That was something our trainer taught us as well. (I'm wondering if we didn't have the same trainer?) We both have hazmat and we do stay moving. Who likes to sit? not me. Although it would be nice to sit on Superbowl weekend! LOL Oh and I read your note about crawling under the truck and trailer to do a thorough inspection for the extra $75 for the clean inspection. Can't get Ron to do it.

I agree with you about starting from scratch with Covenant. As a relatively new CDL driver, still learning and having this opportunity available when only 7 months ago, I didn't even know what a fifth wheel was. I have no regrets. We are making an honest living and loving what we do.

 

Awesome!! Superbowl weekend, Ron is stoked. We are getting to spend it with family in Ooltewah. Good home cooking, loving family and a big screen TV for Ron to kick back and watch the game. Thought we were going to miss it! Go Pats!