Company Cell/Smart Phones??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by boxxxtrucker, Oct 15, 2012.

  1. boxxxtrucker

    boxxxtrucker Light Load Member

    I've only worked for two companies since I started trucking. The first was a major carrier, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx. The second is a regional operation called Forklift Brands. They have everything from cargo vans to straight trucks, tractor trailers and everything else. Deliveries are primarily food items to their various retail outlets, but i've hauled everything from empty pallets to machinery and equipment. One of the best things about this company, though, is that every driver is issued a bells and whistles cell phone for both personal and business use. Talk, text, web...unlimited free of charge. I've gotten so used to having it that I didn't even re sign the contract I had with my personal cell carrier. Circumstances have changed though and I'll be leaving this job and region fairly soon. I've considered both OTR and local but I've yet to find a company that issues smart phones to their drivers. I'm not cheap, I don't mind paying for my own phone, but if I can find a company to give me one as part of my employment contract then why not save the extra 100 bucks a month?

    So my question is: Is the company cell phone a standard or exception in this industry? Does your company offer this benefit?? How likely am I to find a company that offers me something similar??? This thread is more for my own curiousity and less because I absolutely "need" a free phone. Still though, every little bit helps...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 15, 2012
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  3. mangocat1

    mangocat1 Light Load Member

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    Check out Straight Talk prepaid. $45/mo talk/text/web.
     
  4. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Most companies use satellite communications anymore. Some of the smaller ones might communicate via cell phone. Most just want your number.
     
  5. sherlock510

    sherlock510 Road Train Member

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    Seems highly unlikely, as most everyone in the US over 18 has a phone already.
     
  6. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    company provided phones for last 3 SMALL,(15 or less trucks), companies I've been with in the last 10 or so yrs. either that or an allowance for use of your phone.

    current company is over 100 tractors with Verizon "dumb" phones.
     
  7. david123abc

    david123abc Heavy Load Member

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    I would say most companies do not. However, check with the company to see if they have an agreement with any companies to provide discounts. A lot of time companies contract with a company to provide phones to management/executive level positions, and as part of that a discount may be available to you as an employee.
     
  8. Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    Not normal to give driver smart phone. I have seen some driver that do local pick and deliver have the dumb phones, because it seem like they are always changing pick up and deliveries on the fly.
     
  9. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

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    we run regional. smart phone is probably smarter than me.lol
     
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