recent and near future graduates for USA - say hello

I drove for them all last year. I also drove for them ten years ago. Just remember to not get in a hurry. Take your time. Plan your trips before you start out. Don't force a back up. Get out and look. People who don't use their heads don't last long.

 

You will have the best time with Bill and Jon. Learn alot and have a blast as well.

 

I finished my year last month. I'm still on and plan on staying as long as the job is still good. Best advice I can give is be patient. Don't ever get in a rush. It's better to take a long time and get it done safely than to get in a rush and not get it done at all. This applies to ANY task with a big truck. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Everyone will know you're a rookie by your demeanor and there is no shame in it. They all had to start somewhere. Know your limitations! That doesn't make sense now but it will when you get out on your own. If the maneuver doesn't look like it's possible (i.e. A turn or back up) DON'T attempt it! It maybe possible but not at your skill level. Sometimes there's another way. Get out and look. Trip planning is crucial. There is no reason in this company why you can't run your loads legally in the hours you have. Drivers that get in trouble with logbooks are often failing to adequately trip plan.

Lastly, don't listen to the negative comments. Make your own assessment when you get your own truck. Keep in mind that you are starting a new job in a new career field and that you are the low man on the totem pole. You exist to provide a service to the customers of a corporation. You are an extension of that corporation by which they profit from your labor. Understand that and things will be easier. Get any other false notions out of your head now and reconcile yourself with it. You will be compensated for your work, sometimes not as much as you'd like but fairly according to your contract. You will not make enough to have t-bone steaks 3 times a day in truck stops but you will make enough to survive. You may get an older truck that's not as awesome as the one on the recruiting brochure. Like any machine, it may break down from time to time. Just remember that you are a rookie and you are paying your dues and earning your keep.

Keep your chin up, keep the driver door closed, and your truck between the lines and you will be ok.

 

You shouldn't have any problem making more then 20k your first year even with bad circumstances. I think with my year at USA I made roughly 35k ish... I'd have to look at my taxes to be sure though. That was with a decent first six months or so with the last six months fading away with breakdowns, bad dispatcher, low miles, etc...

 

Starting Day 1 at FTA tomorrow. The Road is ahead of me.....

 

I start c1 in n. Little rock on Monday the 16th. Gonna let USA cover the upfront. I know it'll be a hard year just because its a new career, but I'm gonna be dedicated and keep my head up. I know I'm not gonna be a millionaire driving with USA, but at least my foot will be in the door. I'm very excited about the career change. I've seen America by way of the inland waterways over the past 6 years on a tow boat and now I'm ready for the new challenge.

 

I start C1 in Indianapolis Sept 10. I will find out Tuesday if USA is taking me or if I am going with PAM. Would much rather run solo with USA than teams with PAM.