New to USA any thoughts?

Discussion in 'USA Truck' started by Reycer, Feb 15, 2013.

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  1. Feb 15, 2013 #1
    Reycer

    Reycer Medium Load Member

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    Hey all, I'm going to be joining USA Trucking soon on the 25th of February. Been driving a school bus for about 10 years (and made some very good money doing it). But have wanted to get into trucking. I currently have my Class B, but will be going through training to upgrade to my Class A. I have a few questions hopefully that you all can answer.

    1: I've been reading here on this board that there are a lot of people who are waiting for a trainer to ride with, with what seems to be a very long wait. Is this still going on? Honestly, I can't afford (heck who can) to sit around for 4-6 weeks waiting on a trainer.

    2: Now coming from someone who has never done OTR (yet), what do I bring (besides the obvious change of clothes)?

    3: How long does the training last before I get my own truck?

    4: What's the deal with having to use my own laptop to run their software? Do they not provide company paid laptops to run their software on?

    5: What's the home time like? I have 3 kids and while I'm excited to get out there and provide better for them, I want to be able to see them too. I was told by the recruiter expect to be out 2-3 weeks at a time with 2-3 days home time. Is this right (I learned a long time ago not to trust recruiters).

    Thanks for any help and/or replies.

    Mike (aka Reycer)
     
    Reycer, Feb 15, 2013
    Reycer, Feb 15, 2013
    #1
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  3. Feb 15, 2013 #2
    driver7702003

    driver7702003 Medium Load Member

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    I am headed to usa truck on monday but as an exp driver i was told id be out 7 to 10 days is this true like the other guy on here rycer i have a family also
     
    driver7702003, Feb 15, 2013
    driver7702003, Feb 15, 2013
    #2
  4. Feb 15, 2013 #3
    Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Where did you hear #4?
    I don't think you are required to have a laptop at all.
     
    Balakov100, Feb 15, 2013
    Balakov100, Feb 15, 2013
    #3
  5. Feb 15, 2013 #4
    J_FROG

    J_FROG Road Train Member

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    Apparently you've been misinformed on a lot of things. First of all bring enough clothes for 7 to 10 days. that doesn't mean bring 7 of everything. Some things can be worn more than once. You'll get a chance to do laundry about once a week. Bring your usa issued logbooks and training manual. Bring a bed roll or sleeping bag. Do not bring your fridge, microwave, 42in flat screen or anything that you don't want to have to leave. You will be traveling on a bus most likely to get to your truck if you pass or to take you home if you don't. If you are just starting out you will be with a trainer from 4 to 6 weeks. You must have a minimum of 175 drive hours before you can be sent in for upgrade. Exactly how many is determined by your progress and getting you into a training terminal. There is nothing usa does that requires you to even own a laptop so that part you heard was just hogwash. Call recruiting or training if you have any other questions cause you know, if you read it on the internet or heard it from a truck driver it has to be true... yeah. Right...
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2013
    J_FROG, Feb 15, 2013
    J_FROG, Feb 15, 2013
    #4
  7. Feb 15, 2013 #5
    driver7702003

    driver7702003 Medium Load Member

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    Thanks j-frog
     
    driver7702003, Feb 15, 2013
    driver7702003, Feb 15, 2013
    #5
  8. Feb 16, 2013 #6
    Reycer

    Reycer Medium Load Member

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    Not really sure how the other guy thinks its "hogwash" when it's mentioned on their website (hence the reason I asked)

    http://www.usa-truck.com/drivers/Default.aspx?id=208
     
    Reycer, Feb 16, 2013
    Reycer, Feb 16, 2013
    #6
  9. Feb 16, 2013 #7
    Jamesakaduke

    Jamesakaduke Bobtail Member

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    Thats for transflo u dont "have" to have that its a luxury type deal
     
    Jamesakaduke, Feb 16, 2013
    Jamesakaduke, Feb 16, 2013
    #7
    J_FROG Thanks this.
  10. Feb 16, 2013 #8
    Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

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    Yeah, what he said.
    Since most companies have switched to Scanning systems, you wont need to worry about sending the Paperwork In.

    Soooooo much easier...
    I guess USA uses Transflo like my Company.
    Basically you can Scan at all Loves and Pilot/Flying Js, and a few smaller places here and there.

    Can't do it at TA/Petros.
     
    Balakov100, Feb 16, 2013
    Balakov100, Feb 16, 2013
    #8
  11. Feb 16, 2013 #9
    Reycer

    Reycer Medium Load Member

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    Cool. I love "Loves" stops anyways.
     
    Reycer, Feb 16, 2013
    Reycer, Feb 16, 2013
    #9
  12. Feb 16, 2013 #10
    falcon241073

    falcon241073 Heavy Load Member

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    Transflo also has an app on iPhone and android that works really well. Or you can buy a mobile scanner and use your laptop if you have mobile internet. (I wouldnt bother with truck stop wifi)

    Sent from somewhere out there
     
    falcon241073, Feb 16, 2013
    falcon241073, Feb 16, 2013
    #10
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