Wife of new trucker, need help deciding who to go with.

Oh, nice! I've only lived here 4 yrs come this April.

Companies do pay well up here and there are a lot of diff trucking jobs to choose from. There are so many legit jobs posted on craigslist daily(which is where I browse a lot just to see what's out there). I'm used to New York City living costs so WA living is cheap to what I'm used too, lol.

 

He's not obligated just because he receives a job offer. He should get several job offers then choose the one that seems the best fit. A job offer is only an invitation to attend orientation; still must pass orientation at the trucking company, ie. road test, drug test, agility test if required, maybe another physical, etc. Right now go for comfort, since you'll be riding with him. After 12 months, then look at other companies such as Holland Enterprises and other companies that require experience. Start a shopping list of companies early just in case you decide to make a move in a year or so.

Always keep a backup plan even if you think you've found the perfect company; keep a backup plan. I always kept a little notebook of my next move just in case I needed it. It paid off because in my entire trucking career I was never unemployed. For example, a company goes bankrupt, within 24-48 hrs. was on the road again with a company on my backup list.

 

A few things to think about ...

Where is the nearest terminal to your house?

Can an you take the truck home! (Or do you need to leave at a terminal?)

What/Where are there freight lines? (Can you swing by your house, or your parents/kids?)

How often do you/him need to be home? For how long?

I agree on the APU, I'm in an old '11 loaner truck for a couple weeks, while mine gets a new short block ... I miss my APU! Some places won't allow you to idle on their property, and some towns/counties also forbid it! If they don't have an APU, ask them what their idle policy is, some let you idle when you want, some have the truck programmed to only idle during certain temps!

I have found that "Twin Extra Long" sheets fit pretty good, as the mattress is a bit longer than standard ... My newer assigned truck has a good inner spring mattress, this loaner truck has a 4" piece of foam! The top bunk usually has a smaller mattress in all three dimensions! How are you at climbing?

I have not worked for those companies ... Is he looking to haul dry box, reefer, flat, or tank? (*Schneider is the only one of those four you mentioned that does all four types of trailers I listed)

Some companies put a "jump seat" on the passenger side, like Heartland ... No air seat! Some have basic air suspension under them, ours have six controls, one up and down, two for your thigh, three for your back ... Most all have fold down arm rests.

And tell him not to hurry ... Another week won't hurt to make the right choice.

*ETA - Now thinking about it ... Not sure if Schnieder has reefer's ... Prime does reefer and flat, Conway does dry (truckload is explained below) they also have a freight dept which is ltl, Swift does dry, and reefer ... Tank and flat usually pay the best ...

 

Hello I'm also a spouse of a trucker and have been on the truck full time with him for 4 yrs now, my husband drives for Conway Truckload out of Joplin, and has been with them for 3 yrs now. He and I both love the company. With Conway I do no remember there being a fee for me to ride on the truck, all they ask is that you get a rider pass, Conway has new 2015 Freightliner Casadias which are huge and very roomie for 2 people(thats what we are in) they also have Prostars (also roomie) KW 660 and 680 and some newer Volvos, both the Volvos and new Freightliner are automatics, all the trucks come with 1550 watt inverters in them. In our truck I have a dorm size fridge with freezer, an electric skillet, crock pot, toaster and george forman grill. They allow 1 pet per person there is a 1 time fee of $1000 that they take over time I think it's $25 or $50, I know its high but theyve had alot of trucks destroyed by pets in the past and just recently had to increase the fee. Terminal locations Main in Joplin, Taylor,MI, Lancaster and Laredo Texas, West Memphis,AR, they also have a few drop yards Kansas City,MO, Pocahontas,IL, Calexico,CA. Regarding going home they have 7 days get you home also you can bring your truck home as long as there is a safe secure place to park it, or if there is a freight yard/ truckstop close to your house you can park it there, we live in OKC right now and park our bobtail in a shopping parking lot. All trucks also come with XM Radio that the company pays for. Conway also offers alot of programs to help drivers quit smoking,lose weight, give you have any emotionally/stress issues they have people for that, also at the main terminal they have a doctor onsite, a nice cafeteria and a full size gym in the basement, also locker room with several showers (towels provided) 3 different lounges with recliners. health Insurance is really good it's thru Cigna and for a couple it runs about $45 awk. My husband said he will not leave Conway unless its to come off the. Email me if you want anymore info alacalihoma80@gmail.com

 

Dear Elizabeth C; I would strongly suggest a look at Conway, as far as a passenger, going along. You may both be surprised that this company treats their people well, and should have "zero" problems with being a permanent ride along, if that is what you both wish. Take care and God Bless!,