Carter Express .... My New Home

I live about 6 miles from the yard. I dont think you can take the truck home unless its on your way. For example if you had a pick up in Chicago or somewhere in the morning then I don't think it would be an issue to head out the night before and stop near home if theres somewhere to park.

Gross pay for me in my first year anywhere from 600 to 1200 but was usually around 900. The per mile rate is about average for a new driver but Carter does have good miles - better than average so long as you like driving!

You can fuel in the yard or Loves / Pilot / Flying J. They prefer the yard but Pilot are doing double points right now so its tempting to fuel there! I always plan and go my own route. If empty or light I sometimes get off the Interstate and take more direct 2 lanes. I drove all the way across Texas on 2 lane roads once because I was fed up with Friday night traffic delays on 1-35. It only took about 1/2 hour longer than the Interstate.

Not much in the way of accessories provided but you are welcome to bring your own. No idle restrictions - I have hardly idled at all this summer because its been cool but I would do it rather than sweat it out! I don't idle all night often in Winter as I sleep great when its cold and have a good comforter.

The Volvos are all 670s which are not huge on the inside - they do have curtains for the windshield as well as the bunk area which helps. The newer Freightliners are bigger but they are all 2014 / 15. They are mostly automatic. The older ones are Meritor / ZF 12 speed and the newer ones are I-Shift. There are also some refurbished 2003 trucks that are 10 speed manual. I have one of those right now. I drove an automatic for a year and then felt I'd like to learn manual shifting and floating (clutchless) gear changes. I kind of like the simplicity of the manual - no electronics!

No GPS provided - I got a tablet with a phone and use that. I use Co-Pilot for Cars and RVs and it works great so long as you don't rely on its routing. I will usually edit the route per paper road atlas and / or shipper instructions and have it direct me. I switch between that and Google maps. Google maps has excellent traffic. Its really spot on accurate and saved me a bundle of time in the North East.

 

Its 1360 one way I think. There is a Pilot in Arkansas thats exactly half way but it fills up quickly!

 

6 weeks and a professional.lol

 

Does anyone know if Carter goes into dangerous areas ?

I have seen some stories on here and in the news of drivers murdered and some beaten and robbed.

Any drivers here hear anything bad where Carter goes ?

 

You cant do it with one stop, he is probably talking about one stop as in break maybe. But Laredo solo CAN NOT BE DONE with one stop. You have to stop for sleep after 11 hours. And its more than 11 hours to get there. You may be able to do one stop from Arkansas but not Anderson. He also said waiting time in Laredo is unpredictable, that must be for Anderson people ONLY. Because Paragould, AR terminal gets turned around in less than 5 mins. They have priority.

 

It's Missouri pilot that's halfway btw.

 

Hoppy, how are things going for you.

 

When I drove for carter yes u can do it in one stop u can make it to the edge of town. My cousin is a trainer there he does Laredo every week and always makes it in one stop

 

Do you know where he stops ? Is he hauling refer or dry van !

 

I heard Carter Don't have APU,s do they have bunk heaters for winter , what about air condition do they idle truck ?