Orientation 5/19, Road test question

Discussion in 'US Xpress' started by ASevenfold, May 13, 2014.

  1. Brandson

    Brandson Medium Load Member

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    Everything Truck Duo says, lol. All the major carriers have plenty of dedicated accounts. There's only one that each of them are always actively recruiting for, that they will bring up in presentations to students. You're going to be making an "OK" paycheck to go into tight lots full of cars and unload your own trailer. If you want a physical driving job, there's gigs that will pay you more for it, like flatbedding or grocery hauling.

    And the Northeast. I'm from Central NY, and I HATE the Northeast. Jersey and New England every day... Don't think that because Virginia or maybe North Carolina are on the map means you'll get runs that far south. You won't. Your best days will be driving through PA, and PA sucks. You're not gonna hit 3000 miles either. Some weeks you'll be lucky to hit 2K. I don't know what the average USX driver makes in the NE, but if you base it off 2K miles, you're only looking at 640 gross a week. USX isn't a smooth running operation, you're going to have days where you do barely any miles, usually AT LEAST once a week, so I can't see anyone getting good miles in the Northeast. You're also going to be prone to more accidents, more traffic and more stress. More than anything, it'll be a waste of time.
     
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  3. ASevenfold

    ASevenfold Bobtail Member

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    Fair enough. I live in Maryland. The recruiter gave me the option of either going OTR, NE Regional, or one of those dedicated accounts. I don't mind the physicality of unloading, and as far as I see it, backing into those tight lots will be a great training experience. Seems if I can get decent at them, I shouldn't have any problem backing somewhere else. I searched other " starter " companies, such as Swift, Werner, USA Truck but felt USX is the best option at the moment. I was interested in Schneider, but they require a refresher if you been out of driving school for more than 4 months with no experience. I don't have the money for a refresher at the moment, and the school I went to doesn't offer one.

    The recruiter said that the DG account I'd be on drivers average $1000 a week ( I know that's gross ) and are home for a at least a 34 reset on the weekends. 34 cpm and $107 per unload. I know recruiters have a tendency to stretch the truth but like I said, after being out of school for 11 months now with no experience, they're the best fit at the moment. I really didn't want to do OTR.
     
  4. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    ASevenfold, I totally understand about not wanting to do OTR. Give Dollar General a shot. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. I'm sure you'll do fine. Just remember to start applying for better paying jobs once you gain some experience. There are companies out there that pay better & get you home daily.

    Good luck ! Welcome to the US Xpress family.
     
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  5. ASevenfold

    ASevenfold Bobtail Member

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    Thanks TruckDuo. Truth is I kinda have to have a positive attitude with this because if I didn't want to go into the trucking industry, I'd be going broke within the next few weeks. No jobs in my tiny boring town, even fast food joints aren't hiring. Hell for a while there I was thinking about packing my stuff up and heading south to look for work, always wanted to visit Georgia. Was willing to live in my car if need be. Then I found a few trucking companies that would hire me without a refresher ( the ones I state previously ). I know a lot of people say get 1 year of experience under your belt and then you're pretty much golden. I think that's what I'll do, stick with USX for at least a year. If I like it, I'll stay here longer.

    TMC has always had my eye. but their age requirement is 23. They have some nice equipment.
     
  6. TruckDuo

    TruckDuo Road Train Member

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    Why don't you give OTR a try then ? Your from a small town. See the country and see what it has to offer.
     
  7. ASevenfold

    ASevenfold Bobtail Member

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    I didn't want to do OTR because I don't think I could stand being out 3-4+ weeks at a time. I know I'll probably be away for a while when I'm in my training period. I don't want to spend the younger years of my life living in a mobile cell for a month or two at a time. I've never had the intention of doing OTR, even before I went to school and got my license.
     
  8. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Whoever said that students don't back is wrong. Orientation with one company requires me to do a straight line back to a dock. Was told to set up however I want only one I knew was straight line to they said that one was fine
     
  9. vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    This is a USX forum. All my answers pertain to USX only. What other companies do is irrelevant.
     
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  10. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    And??? I'm not allowed to talk then???
     
  11. vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    You can do whatever you want, short of telling me I'm wrong. I work for the company, trained for the company and do road tests for the company. The purpose of these forums is to give information, not misinfornation.
     
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