Just did the Vets2Trucks program

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Speedwagon98, Aug 23, 2015.

  1. L.B.

    L.B. Third Generation Truck Driver

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    Going O/O would be a good way around this issue, however you would have to go independent since most companies probably wouldn't lease to you. Then you have the issue of finding freight since you don't have existing relationships with shippers. It can be done. I know people who did it but times will be tight living off of load boards until you get contracts coming in. Plus being a new MC number means some shippers won't even deal with you until you are in business for 6 months to a year. Then there is the insurance issue. Some insurance companies won't insure new CDL holders. Progressive will but they want you to stay within 500 miles of your home for the first 6 months. There are a lot of limitations.
     
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  3. wolf98

    wolf98 Light Load Member

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    Aug 2, 2013
    bowling green, ky
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    I appreciate that info because I didnt know about the insurance issue. I have had my cdl since 2000 but only been driving civilian since 2013. it sucks being short on experience but thats my issue to deal with. thanks again.
     
  4. wolf98

    wolf98 Light Load Member

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    bowling green, ky
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    any idea about how much ATS pays company drivers, I cant seem to find any info out about that. I checked with A&R last night and they said they need at least 12 months OTR before they will even look at me. Jim palmer wouldnt even answer my questions when they found out I only have 9 months OTR in the last 3 years.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    That's strange; Jim Palmer has their own CDL school and A&R website has 6 months exp. required.Can't help you with ATS; not much on them.
    Try M. Bjorn Peterson Transportation in Glendale. Reputation isn't too good, but at least can get some windshield time and move on.
     
  6. wolf98

    wolf98 Light Load Member

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    Aug 2, 2013
    bowling green, ky
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    I will check into that thanks. I am looking hard at marten transport right now.
     
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  7. blkheavyweight

    blkheavyweight Bobtail Member

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    Huh??? Hell to the no. A new driver needs the open road. There are way too many things to know driving local, way too many ways to end your career before it even starts. Turns,signs,traffic,lanes to be in, backing , just...hell no. Go over the road for awhile first brother.
     
  8. Speedwagon98

    Speedwagon98 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 23, 2015
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    I finally have start date! Groendyke was fighting in HR for a bit about my experience. I talked to them today, and just yesterday they approved my military driving as acceptable all the way through. (for the record, they wanted a DD214 at first. I gave them the signed Vets2Trucks waiver form and the letter from state accepting it, and the company finally accepted that)

    I've talked to a few small outfits in the meantime. Each one liked me, wanted to hire me, but couldn't because of insurance and the magic 2 years of having a CDL.
     
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Groendyke has an excellent reputation overall. Congratulations!
     
  10. Speedwagon98

    Speedwagon98 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 23, 2015
    Northern Colorado
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    Well I have finally started! Yesterday, did paperwork and watched a bunch of videos. Today I rode with someone for training day 1. They put me in at level 2, 10 days of training. Tentative corporate orientation mid November.
     
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