thoughts on these?

My father has a MS (Master of Science) in mechanical engineering from UNM (University of New Mexico).

He has worked at UPS since before I was born in 1980.

He started working at UPS while he was attending UNM and for some reason, even after graduating, he continued to work for UPS. My grandfather had a Ph.D in electrical engineering and worked at Sandia National Labs while my dad was at UNM. He offered to help get my dad a job there at the labs in the mid 80's before my grandfather retired - my dad didn't go for it.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

 

I believe that's a different JJ Transport hauling gas. I think they became Team Transport ( or t'other way 'round) Nothing wrong with Pumpkin, I've had better luck with smaller companies.
http://www.doublejtransport.com/41cms_images/Sign Team and Truck Cleaned.jpg

 

Here's the big question: will you be able to turn off your brain for extended periods? It seems that's what is expected of drivers these days

 

It's actually Double J Transport in Jackson, not JJ... I drive for them currently.

It is a power only company and they lease onto four different accounts. Quad Graphics is one, I am on the Leonard's Express account.

They do require some experience however, not straight out of the school... I think it may be a year, but could be 6 months.

 

Avenger, I started driving after 28 years doing something completely different. Worked for a smaller family operation my first year, regional OTR, they gave me a shot when no one else would due to my CDL being "stale". With a different outfit now, local, home every night. If you keep in mind that there is NO perfect job, and remember to just keep breathing "when the stupid starts" you should do fine. I've got a BA, about half way to a MS. Happy with the change, making decent money to just drive. OTR is a great way to let your brain decompress from decades of corporate stress. Enjoy!!!

 

What school are you looking at, Avenger? I'm sure any one will work. I went to Sabertooth in Waupaca and came right to H.O. Wolding the week after my road test. They're paying back the loan on my tuition, which is a huge help. I looked seriously at Roehl and Schneider, but we ended up taking a field trip to Woldings and my instructors had nothing but good things to say about them. Sometimes it's a struggle, tough lifestyle to adjust to, but really glad I went with Wolding. My dispatcher is awesome and I get home when I need/want to. I still think Roehl is a nice outfit, but I got no complaints here.

 

FYI, Schneider does not have their own CDL school anymore and has not for years. They will just give you tuition reimbursement for up to $6,000 if you go to one of their approved private CDL schools (see http://schneiderjobs.com/company-drivers/truck-driving-career/cdl-training for more information). They will of course have a company orientation but that is not the same thing as company training for a CDL.

I think that is better than training from a company CDL school anyways in most cases but you will need to pay for your schooling upfront and get reimbursement from Schneider or get some sort of financing that agrees to get reimbursement from Schneider after the fact. I think they pay out the reimbursement over a year or so as long as you stay working for them.

 

You had your CDL for 28 years before getting a driving job?.

 

No, sorry. Had the CDL for a bit less than a year before I was able to start looking for a driving job. Thanks for asking - that DID need clarification...