Western 11 ((Van) for experience or 48 (reefer) for miles

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Cali Hawk, Aug 25, 2014.

  1. Cali Hawk

    Cali Hawk Bobtail Member

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    Sep 25, 2013
    Las Vegas, NV
    0
    It looks like I am going to hook up with a Knight but can't decide between van or reefer. :smt017

    What I am thinking is that with Van (=Western 11) I will get more chances to back into docks, more hook/unhooks, more city/tight quarters experience, etc. due to usually shorter runs. Generally just become a better/adequate driver trying to become an experienced one.

    Whereas with the reefer, lots more miles but less learning chances during training. Want to make sure I "test out' and get a tractor when done with training.

    Am I close on this or am I sitting in the left field bleachers?.....Not even in the playing field!



    Thanks.
     
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  3. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Isn't hook up like dating, kind of describes what companies do to drivers.

    Refers tend to sit and wait more, dry vans get more drop n hooks. Considering the unloading/loading pay better to drop n hook. And vans are quieter.

    Not sure whose spoon feeding you dung, but refers do not necessarily get more miles, sounds like they are steering you toward refers. 11 or 48 is a matter of preference. I prefer South-west but run mid west refer. Just a matter of taste.

    Outside of fence in left field, maybe parking lot

    Not really going to get more in one than the other, just luck of the draw and your dm.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    I've done both van and reefer & for me always had the worst places to back in or deliver with reefers.

    Been in docks beside Knight van drivers; a lot of them at K-Mart stores & all of them were happy with Knight van division. Haven't talked to any of the reefer drivers.

    I'm guessing you'll probably get more miles with van due to less waiting times for loading/unloading.
    Once you get trained and 12 months experience, then can decide if you want something different. There's some good jobs based in Las Vegas for drivers with 6-12 months experience.
     
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  5. Cali Hawk

    Cali Hawk Bobtail Member

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    Sep 25, 2013
    Las Vegas, NV
    0
    PJ

    I just hope to get in the game.
     
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    You'll do OK; keep it in perspective, set a goal and have a backup plan for the future.
    Looks like you're almost my neighbor; I live in Seven Hills, but overseas loafing right now.
     
    dennisroc Thanks this.
  7. Moon_beam

    Moon_beam Heavy Load Member

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    In the West you will have opportunities to hang iron. The wind will start sometime in September.
     
  8. Cali Hawk

    Cali Hawk Bobtail Member

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    Sep 25, 2013
    Las Vegas, NV
    0
    Sure 'nuff. I am out off Lake Mead Parkway near Lake Las Vegas. When your heading this way give me a heads-up to try and get together.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  9. Cali Hawk

    Cali Hawk Bobtail Member

    27
    4
    Sep 25, 2013
    Las Vegas, NV
    0
    All you said, Donner, and I-5!!! Why are those channels I want to keep changing?

    I guess there will be plenty of "suck-it-up buttercup" moments to come.
     
  10. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    You'll be fine, No worries, just don't sweat the small stuff. I personally pull refers, dont mind the backing goes with the turf. Did powder for like 13 or 14 years, no backing there.
     
  11. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    I run the west more than anywhere, very rarely hang iron. Like 2 x in 30 years..Yhe wind no big either just take your time
     
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