figuring this out.

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by jericho, Nov 30, 2012.

  1. Nov 30, 2012 #1
    jericho

    jericho Bobtail Member

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    Nov 30, 2012
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    Hi. I am new to trucking but not new to driving. I couldn't afford CDL school so I went and took the tests on my own. Passed written and driving so now I have a class A . You wouldn't think it would be hard to get a job driving but I have found it near impossible to get a job without a school cert. Or 6 months or more experience. I contacted over 30 companies. I found 6.
    Out of the 6, two wouldn't take me until I switched my CDL to the state I live in. (Got my CDL doing custom harvesting in another state.).
    Two companies wouldn't take me because of a youthful inncident twenty years ago. So I signed on with PTL.

    Now I know there is a lot of negative stuff out there about them but I am willing to give it a go. I will try to keep this updated as to my experience with them. So far it has been pretty positive. They are even getting me a room to myself for my first night of orentation because my fiancee is driving me down there. Normally they charge you an extra? Hundred dollars for that. So we shall see. Seems cool so far.

    I will try to keep this updated so there will be current info on them, and me.

    Anyways, stay tuned and please, DRIVE SAFE.
     
    jericho, Nov 30, 2012
    jericho, Nov 30, 2012
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Nov 30, 2012 #2
    Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    Jan 31, 2012
    Green Bay Wi
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    anybody willing to give you a shot without the expense of school is worth giving them 6 months
    so that you are more attractive to other carriers
     
    Cranky Yankee, Nov 30, 2012
    Cranky Yankee, Nov 30, 2012
    #2
  4. Nov 30, 2012 #3
    EZX1100

    EZX1100 Road Train Member

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    Aug 18, 2012
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    there was just a thread on this exact subject started about two days ago
     
    EZX1100, Nov 30, 2012
    EZX1100, Nov 30, 2012
    #3
  5. Nov 30, 2012 #4
    pokerhound67

    pokerhound67 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 30, 2012
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    ive heard good and bad about ptl...but then i could say that about any trucking company. talked to 3 drivers about ptl...all gave good reports and details. but good or bad by comparison, you should be able to sit in their seat for a year, and in that time you can do a LOT of research about where youd like to take your year experience.
     
    pokerhound67, Nov 30, 2012
    pokerhound67, Nov 30, 2012
    #4
  7. Nov 30, 2012 #5
    ATX

    ATX Light Load Member

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    Nov 21, 2012
    Savannah, TX (DFW Metro)
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    Good luck!
     
    ATX, Nov 30, 2012
    ATX, Nov 30, 2012
    #5
  8. Dec 10, 2012 #6
    Fr. Adam

    Fr. Adam Bobtail Member

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    Dec 6, 2012
    Elkhorn, WV
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    This is something I learned too late when I was driving the first round. Stability is the best thing you can show backed by a clean MVR when looking at companies to apply with. The thing is these companies are still in business for a reason. They are making money. I don't care about all the other stuff people bring up like companies making money off of drivers coming to orientation or whatever so I'll leave that to the perpetually negative folks to ponder. Trucking companies make their money from moving freight. That is what the family owned companies are in it for and those with investors as well. Big or small they are in the industry to move freight and make money for doing it. Depending on the nature of freight, the economy and customer habits every company will experience up and down seasons and that is just the way it is. You prove something about yourself when you are able to ride the same waves the company is riding and come out the other side still standing. Just starting out in the industry if you are able to hang tough for a year or two you will have more options down the road. You may also very well find that you have found your niche with PTL and there might not be a reason to move to another company.

    Headed there on the 17th myself with an open mind and a committed spirit to take care of my family. After being out of the industry for just over five years I appreciate PTL giving me a shot.

    Good Luck!
    Fr. Adam
     
    Fr. Adam, Dec 10, 2012
    Fr. Adam, Dec 10, 2012
    #6
  9. Dec 11, 2012 #7
    Rich_Trucking

    Rich_Trucking Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2012
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    Good luck!
     
    Rich_Trucking, Dec 11, 2012
    Rich_Trucking, Dec 11, 2012
    #7
  10. Dec 11, 2012 #8
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I agree with your post 100%. The 47%ers will disagree with you 100%.
     
    Chinatown, Dec 11, 2012
    Chinatown, Dec 11, 2012
    #8
  11. Dec 11, 2012 #9
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,872
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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Put your posts on the "New Drivers" thread for us. Thanx.
     
    Chinatown, Dec 11, 2012
    Chinatown, Dec 11, 2012
    #9
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