Question for Exp. Cattle Haulers

If you're gonna have a month to be in the trailers doing washouts, you'll probably have plenty of time to figure them out. And have a chance to get live tips from other drivers. You really need to get in some trailers and figure out how to set them up for loading - it's kinda pointless to try to discuss it until you've been in some. The other drivers that you associate with will be able to show you what they're talking about instead of just trying to type it out so that you can understand it.

Be sure you've got some good rubber boots and a good slicker suit. One with a hood that will tie up nice and tight around your face. And you'll still end up with cowshit in your hair, ears, etc. Also, be sure you're in good physical condition. Some trailers will need scooping out and it's really tough on the back. It's a lot more demanding job than some people would think. Get in shape and get a good slicker - those are the most pertinent tips you need right now.

I'd check the guy out real good if I were in your position - just to be sure his offer is credible and that he's really gonna need a driver. I've hired some really good cowhaulers over the years. And I've hired some guys to wash out trailers, too. They were never the same type of person. High-school kids can wash out trailers, good drivers usually only wash out their own.

I always paid my drivers the going price of a washout if they wanted to make that extra money and if they felt like it, but it was never a requirement. In most cases, I felt I was a lot better off paying somebody else to do it while my drivers slept.

I'm not saying the guy's offer isn't legitimate, but I would never have asked a driver to start out by washing out trailers. If a guy is a good enough hand for me to consider trusting him with a truck and load of cattle, I would never insult him by asking him to wash out trailers to get his foot in the door. But that's just me. I suppose it's possible that there are some cattle haulers that have started out by washing out trailers. I've just never known any. Good luck!

 

If you know people that vouch for him, sounds like it might be a good opportunity for you. And there's sure nothing wrong with making $20-25 an hour. So, even if it doesn't work out for the driving part, you've at least made some decent money. As well as getting to learn something about the trailers and get some tips from the other drivers that you come in contact with.

As far as the money goes, that sounds pretty good to me. I'd never pay anybody that much money to wash out a trailer. I'd want to be sure that you are understanding each other, though. In other words, be sure that he's talking about paying you $20-25 per hour to wash out trailers. NOT talking about paying you $10/trailer and expecting you to wash out two per hour.

Also, I'd want to know just how steady the work would be. Making $25/hour is pretty good unless it's only an hour at a time and you have to drive a good distance to get to work.

But, if you have family that have worked for him and vouch for him, I'm sure those concerns are nothing for you to worry about. If he's a good man to work for, he'll probably take care of you.