looking to get into ltl/linehaul

I got a call from a recruiter, but it was from the OTR end. He didn't have any info about the LTL end for me, other than a number to call. They were offering 5 cents more a mile though. The only hesitation I have for it is the fact that I'd miss at least four paychecks coming over, no idea how many miles those guys actually get, and the truck I am in here at con-way was brand new when I got it. I have bad allergies to pet dander and smoke, so used company trucks are a sure way for me to spend about two weeks in absolute hell trying to acclimate to whatever filth the previous driver left in it.

I spoke with a fellow from Craigslist who owns 6 trucks, and does LTL deliveries around the Dallas area. He's offering lucrative pay, but no benefits, no 401k, no anything. Just about 2 grand a week. Which really won't even be that much after Uncle Sam takes bends me over his knee and beats me at the end of the year. I am still thinking about it, all he wants is employment verification, hazmat tanker double/triple, and my medical card. Which I have all of. No road tests, missed weeks of pay for 'training' or anything like that. Still on the fence for now though.


I really appreciate all you guy's input. Some other things I looked into:

Fuel Transport for Gemini, they're ready to hire me now. But I'd be training, and then on probation.
Frac Sand Transport. Something I have never done, or thought about. But I was approved to start. I'd be a ridealong until my 'mentor' was sure that I was capable of the task.
Milk Transport. Ruled this out, not enough money in it at the level I'd get in on.

LTL Companies I have applied to: Con-Way, FedEX, UPS, SWMT, ABF, Old Dominion, RL Carriers, YRC, SAIA. I have gotten some calls back, two for ops positions, and several for dock positions. One for Dock and Drive.


So far the pay doesn't look high enough for me to afford leaving my current position. I may have to do some reevaluation, and decide whether or not I am even able to afford the seniority climb in LTL at the moment.


*There is a fedex contractor that called me for linehaul, but they are wanting team drivers. =\ 1,500 a week minimum pay. That's the kind of run me and my teamate wanted before we split.

 

No, I misread. I just read the first part of the company, I was talking about Southwestern Motor Transport.