Going back out...any advice

The poster above me nailed it. When I contenplated going back on the road, I talked to a few small shops doing heavy haul. None of the shops had a problem hiring me, even though I spent the last 4 years in a daycab.

i also drive part time for Celadon. They never put me in a refresher. I was rushed through orientation.... lol

 

Apparently not gonna work for this guy. See; all of them have a tendency to send a driver some place that may be a little colder than Vegas....and ....well....the OP already admitted being scared ****less of the cold. LOL!!!

 

you know, Cdub, I went with Swift a few years ago in a similar situation (too old, nobody else wanted to hire me) and it worked out well. I ran about 3,000/week, paid me (low) on time every mile, every Friday, had the usual issues with dispatch and shops, but I tell you, it worked. Sure, I had to eat some nasty snacks, but here I am now, good income, good stability, money in the bank, bills paid. I ran for Swift for 13 months and have no complaint or realtime issue to tell you about. Worked for me.

One other thing, about reputation. Most all of the guys you hear bad mouthing Swift never drove for them, they're just parroting something somebody said at a truck stop because he heard it on an internet/youtube clip sometime. Swift runs like 16,000 trucks - tell me there aren't going to be a few issues with that size outfit. There are and have been issues, plenty of them. But those issues aren't yours. Of course, that CSA score issue and scale passthru....Good news for you, they increased pay and benefits, they actually have good bonus programs for safe, on-time drivers, so you might surprise yourself and do well. Best to you.

 

I dont think its going to matter much where you start,.. one way or the other if your going to run OTR you'll have to suck it up until you get enough seat time in. I'd say do 12 months,.. after that you should more than qualify for some of the better companies to work for.

I was in a similar boat myself. I had a 15 yr haitus when I decided to get back behind the wheel, so I understand very well what your up against. I wouldnt want to repeat what I went through to get where I am now. Unfortunately this is how things have become. So unless you have a bank roll and can go the O/O route,.. this is probably your best option.

My best advise is to get your mind right and prepare yourself mentally for what your about to go through. Look at the bigger picture, stay focused and go after what ever your end goal will be.

Good luck,..

Hurst