MOVING TO FLORIDA lake city near i-10 and i-75. Anyone hiring?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Foxxynana, Mar 28, 2015.

  1. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Aug 24, 2011
    Tampa, Fl
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    Fla is a tough state to find 'Good pay' with good home time.

    I only know of the fuel haulers as the only 'local' drivers who make out ok. And even then, many work 14+ hours a day do it.

    Of the other companies like CCC/CTL, pay piece rate and of the 3 drivers I spoke with, said their take home pay could be anywhere from $450 - $600 weekly. The beverage distributors can make ok money.. but they too work insane hours 5 - 6 days a week. Hourly drivers typical get paid $9 -$12 with $13-$14hr being top scale. Pathetic personally.. I never went below $21hr since 1996. Even as a kid in the late 80's driving for a tow company, I typically brought home $500 - $600 weekly working on comission.

    The cost of living in Fla is not less. Not unless you want to live in a single wide listening to your neighbor beat his gf every night.

    When ever I meet people out on the road that ask me about Fla.. yes it beautiful, beaches are great, food and night life, plenty to do for just about any type of person. Weather is great almost year round. But the one thing I always emphasize... "Come to Florida with a job". Dont come to Florida with out some back up money and dont come looking for well paying work. Yes there is work. Yes.. some places pay better than others. But for the most part.. people from out of state can expect to be disapointed until they find that needle in the haystack.. or move back home.

    I stuggled like sum gun my first year. I now know how and where to hustle work. I had 12 yrs with the same company and was laid off and dropped like a bad habit with out so much as a thank you. Even now as an O/O I run OTR and stay out 6 - 8 weeks.. then come home for 7 - 14 days. Thats how I choose to run. It works well for me. Bank my money and then have mini vacations when I do come home. Working 10+ hr days, 5 - 6 days a week sux. For me, quality home time is more important than coming home exhausted just to sleep and wake up and do it all over again. Thats no life if you ask me. And I agree.. mine isnt much better. But my kids are grown.. and this is my retirement plan.

    Hurst
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2015
    peterbilt_2005 Thanks this.
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  3. ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

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    Jun 10, 2007
    Lakeland, FL
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    I moved to Tampa while I was with Heartland. I did ok with them up north, but not as well down here. Pay was still ok, but not as much as I wanted. I don't have any paperwork in front of me, but I know I made 6000 from Jan 1- Feb 20th this last year, just from doing my taxes a while back. And I was home every weekend for 2 days.

    Then I moved to Badcock, a locally owned furniture company that is all over the southeast. Been here for just over a year. Made 46k in just over 10 months last year. Home almost every day, just out for one night every 2 weeks. They pay for food and hotel. Have to help unload every load.

    Now I am moving to Saddle Creek Logistics in Lakeland. Pay hopefully will be close to where I am now. 5 days per week, no unloading. Will have to see how it goes. I just know I would not be retiring out of Badcock, so it was time to try somewhere else, to see if I can find a home for the long run.

    Oh BTW hurst.
    I had that same shifter and handle in my 1971 formula firebird.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    I've hauled many loads out of that Saddle Creek facility. That was always a decent place to pick up loads. Good people working there in the warehouse.
     
    DrtyDiesel Thanks this.
  5. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Feb 14, 2010
    Jacksonville, FL
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    The people were always nice and loaded in a decent time. I liked going to saddle creek
     
  6. ChromeDome

    ChromeDome Road Train Member

    3,706
    2,086
    Jun 10, 2007
    Lakeland, FL
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    I ran in and out of their facility's allot when I came down here with Heartland. So use to how they work. And they really seem intent on keeping their drivers and other employees happy. So hopefully it is a good fit. Being within 7 miles of home helps too.

    They are looking for allot of drivers at the moment. Picked up some new contracts. I know they need 15 in grocery. 2 of us are lined up for orientation that I know of so far. I have no idea what the qualifications are though. I never bothered to ask lol. Since I know I am good for anywhere.
     
  7. xlsdraw

    xlsdraw Road Train Member

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    Nov 17, 2010
    Lake Alfred, Florida
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    I've never seen their compensation package posted on their ads. I live close to there also. Let us know what it looks like when you know.
     
  8. ctoles86

    ctoles86 Light Load Member

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    Apr 22, 2015
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    Any luck or information on your job search? I live around the Valdosta, GA area (1 hour north) and job hunting as well.
     
  9. Stone Express

    Stone Express Medium Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2013
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    Not trying to be a jerk, but you sound more like his mom than his wife. Bad omen in a marriage is to be mothered....
     
  10. Foxxynana

    Foxxynana Bobtail Member

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    Jul 1, 2012
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    Lol. That why men needs women! Typical wife. He loves it though.
     
  11. Foxxynana

    Foxxynana Bobtail Member

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    Jul 1, 2012
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    Thanks for the info guys keep it coming.
     
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