Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

9 years local driving, want to go back to OTR... honest opinions needed

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by SF1998, Jul 3, 2012.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Jul 3, 2012 #1
    SF1998

    SF1998 Bobtail Member

    42
    17
    Apr 30, 2011
    0
    I have been a driver for 14 years, the first five were OTR the rest local. If I wanted to go OTR again (particularly flatbed) what would be the best path to take. I have been driving an auto the last three years (and hating every minute of it) but I have experience with 10's and 13's. I'm sure there is some stuff I'll need a refresher on, I just want to know how to make the transition to a good company without being treated too much like a trainee.

    Also, is it asking too much of a company to request hometime in two different areas? Example: 1 month here, two months there.
     
    SF1998, Jul 3, 2012
    SF1998, Jul 3, 2012
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Jul 4, 2012 #2
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
    0
    First off, if you go with one of the larger carriers or mega-carriers they are going to require a refresher course and probably even a ride with a trainer. This is due to their insurance. You will find that different carriers will require different amounts of time.

    A smaller carrier may just put you with a trainer or have you team for a bit. Will also maybe depend on your road test as to what they will do with you.

    As for the taking time off, yes, you will most likely be able to take your time off anywhere. As for taking a month or two off that most likely isn't going to happen unless you turn your truck in. Most companies will only allow 5-7 days max. before they want their truck back. Keep in mind that when that truck sits they are still paying for it and losing revenue just as if you owned it. Now if you own the truck you can do whatever you want. Provided you can afford it.

    Living in Indiana should be beneficial to you. There are tons of companies to choose from up there! Here is a website that may help you find some smaller carriers in your area...

    http://www.truckdrivercentral.com/Truckingcostate/INtdc.html

    Good luck man...
     
    chompi, Jul 4, 2012
    chompi, Jul 4, 2012
    #2
  4. Jul 4, 2012 #3
    SF1998

    SF1998 Bobtail Member

    42
    17
    Apr 30, 2011
    0
    Sorry...by "a month here, two months there" I meant that if I wanted to take the standard 3 days off at home one month and then take my next two hometimes (using the 21/3 schedule) elsewhere. Thanks for the link.
     
    SF1998, Jul 4, 2012
    SF1998, Jul 4, 2012
    #3
  5. Jul 4, 2012 #4
    Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

    11,545
    23,903
    Dec 15, 2007
    Northern Indiana
    0
    Just curious, who do you drive for in South Bend?

    I know ProFleet in Elkhart is always looking for drivers, smaller company, they are all flatbed, and everyone I've ever talked to over there seemed to be happy.
     
    Lonesome, Jul 4, 2012
    Lonesome, Jul 4, 2012
    #4
  7. Jul 4, 2012 #5
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
    0
    Oh yeah, definitely! You won't have a problem taking time off wherever. As long as its withing your companies freight lanes and not way out of the way. Actually they would probably prefer it then try to arrange something to get you home.
     
    chompi, Jul 4, 2012
    chompi, Jul 4, 2012
    #5
  8. Jul 5, 2012 #6
    SF1998

    SF1998 Bobtail Member

    42
    17
    Apr 30, 2011
    0
    I drive for Airgas in Elkhart. They have great hours and they treat me well but the pay is lacking and I'm getting a little tired of spinning all that steel.
     
    SF1998, Jul 5, 2012
    SF1998, Jul 5, 2012
    #6
  9. Jul 5, 2012 #7
    SF1998

    SF1998 Bobtail Member

    42
    17
    Apr 30, 2011
    0
    Good deal! That's what I was hoping to hear. I'm just outside of Chicago and the other location I have in mind is just west of Memphis on I-40, so I don't think freight lanes will be a problem.
     
    SF1998, Jul 5, 2012
    SF1998, Jul 5, 2012
    #7
  10. Jul 5, 2012 #8
    Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

    11,545
    23,903
    Dec 15, 2007
    Northern Indiana
    0
    No doubt. I go by there all the time. Mishawaka St?
     
    Lonesome, Jul 5, 2012
    Lonesome, Jul 5, 2012
    #8
  11. Jul 5, 2012 #9
    sedain

    sedain Medium Load Member

    419
    328
    Dec 4, 2010
    0
    airgas from what i have seen is one of the higher paying companies in the entire industry,plus home every day...? good luck on your endeavour.

    depends on the company, and where you want to go probably, but theyll work with you from what i have seen.
     
    sedain, Jul 5, 2012
    sedain, Jul 5, 2012
    #9
  12. Jul 6, 2012 #10
    SF1998

    SF1998 Bobtail Member

    42
    17
    Apr 30, 2011
    0
    Nope, Northland Drive Mishawaka St is Praxair.
     
    SF1998, Jul 6, 2012
    SF1998, Jul 6, 2012
    #10
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

    • Page 1 of 2