TWIC + Hazmat = Better treatment for Newbie?

You also have to remember companies now days search for the 'cheapest' driver they can pay the less money too.

Having all the endorsements & Twic can work against you if you're a high dollar driver; #example- I consider drivers who take $Cash/Advances cheap drivers.
The company loves this type of driver because the can make money off the drivers money by loaning it to him, Yes a cash/advance is a loan, they can charge you interest on your own money, Plus a fee, plus if you're really stupid they can pay you whatever they want because running you all over the place; come payday you have no idea what you made.

So I consider drivers like me $$High$$ Dollar and so does the company, I don't do cash/advances or Per/Diem's.
My checks are $890.00 to $977.00 to $1070.00 take home.

So they cut my miles down and feed the cash/advance driver the miles, his checks are $210.00 $105.00 $305.00, If he has child support also, they really love these drivers.
Never do cash/advances, it's a bad deal for the driver, you'll get behind and never catch up.
You're just a puppet on a string.

 

It's good as a trucker to have as many endorsements you can mustard along with the TWIC. It shows initiative and a company likes a driver that can do anything for them. You are more flexible and it does open future employment opportunities.

It really doesn't hamper a driver as there are usually loads available. Companies work around a drivers ability. I got a little upset when I was told I had to get the TWIC at my expense only to see other drivers from our company getting paid escorts because they didn't have it. So you see how that part goes.

Hazmat is an added responsibility and some companies won't compensate you for it.

 

Right now D.M. Bowman is offering $1K per week to recent school grads who have a Hazmat and twic. That's with weekends off for your area (Indianapolis).

 

LOL

 

I hate paid escorts at some of the ports. But not so bad I'm willing to get a TWIC. LOL

 

I like to think I'm a professional and I should have all the tools of the trade even if it means doing some jobs I don't like. It can't be all gravy.

 

Yeah, I'll shuttle.. for $100 per load. I paid for my TWIC, and I'm not going to take a pay hit and work for free simply because I've taken the initiative to make myself more valuable. Don't want to pay? Then I'm not shuttling.

 

Danc694u there are ways around that as well. One just has to be smart about it. I have only been to one port since I've been driving,so getting a TWIC card would be useless for me. Having Hazmat on the other hand has saved me from sitting in the middle of nowhere for a couple of days a few times.

 

Best advice on the subject right above. If YOU got the TWIC w/o being reimbursed by current company (don't take it if they offer) the. The company can pay up or let the loads sit its their choice, especially if the company doesn't require it. If they start abusing it or refuse to pay start leaving the card at home and let the. Know you can't legally do it since you dot have it on you BUT for $100 a shuttle you can probably find it.

 

Also remember that some drivers can't get a TWIC due to not being able to pass the background screening. Why should a driver who qualifies for a TWIC be expected to support someone who doesn't without being compensated for it?