Car Hauling from Chicago

Discussion in 'Car Hauler and Auto Carrier Trucking Forum' started by Myron_is, Feb 29, 2016.

  1. Myron_is

    Myron_is Bobtail Member

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    Read some comments on a different part of the forum that recommended applying for jobs within a week into CDL training. I'm in that position and trying to see if anyone knows of a company near Chicago, IL that would hire/train a new guy.
    Found a few companies but they all require 2 years experience. But will still try to contact them, doesn't hurt to ask. But not sure if it's even possible, or just have to know the people/owners for them to give me a chance in. Or would joining a company like Abilene, Magum, Mckenzie etc. that hires newly grads be a better route to gain experience and then branch off to the car carrier field?

    Any help/tips is greatly appreciated, thanks.
     
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  3. skinnytrucker

    skinnytrucker Heavy Load Member

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    Call Cassens Transport in Aurora. They hire new drivers. I've always thought it was a bad idea for a new driver to start off hauling cars. To much to learn at one time. Just my opinion. Tom is the terminal manager at that terminal. He will automatically hate you in the beginning but once you prove your willing to work he will give you a job for life
     
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  4. Myron_is

    Myron_is Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2016
    Chicago
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    Great thanks! I'll definitely look them up and give them a call, is there anyone specifically that I should ask for?

    In your opinion what would be the best route?

    The school I'd be going to recommended me to UnitedRoad. Gave them a call today and they said they would provide paid training and then after 3 months of training and a test it would be 25% of the total load. Would have to go to Ohio them MI though for the training. Was about to look them up on the forum and see reviews and threads about the company.
     
  5. SLANT6

    SLANT6 Road Train Member

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    The Nut House
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    I agree regarding learning how to drive and learning to haul cars at the same time. I aint saying it cant be done however it is hard enough learning to handle the truck much less the mental stress of carhaul.
     
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  6. skinnytrucker

    skinnytrucker Heavy Load Member

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    Cassens is a union company and since I believe in unions I would say go to them before united road. I worked out of that terminal for a year. Management can be tough to deal with but there attitude is if we're gonna pay you all this money you should be tough enough to deal with it. There's a lot of different opportunities in that terminal up to and including road work or home everyday work. Cassens has been around for a long time and is one of the most financially stable companies I've ever worked for. Just remember carhaul is a different animal. My advice to you would be go pull a dry van for a year or two and then learn how to haul cars. If a carhaul company hires 10 drivers they figure only 2-3 will make the cut. I saw guys while I was there come out of school and very few made it. There's plenty of work in the Chicagoland pulling a regular trailer and make good money. If I were you I would call teamsters local 710 and see if they know any place around that would hire you.
     
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  7. skinnytrucker

    skinnytrucker Heavy Load Member

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    In the one year I hauled cars I saw guys come out of school and into a parking lot but very few made it. That's one job that I do agree with needing experience. Whole different animal
     
  8. sxdime

    sxdime Medium Load Member

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    The one positive thing is if a guy is trained properly as a new driver in a car hauler he will know to stay away from curbs, watch for dips, trees and other obstacles from the get go. As stated above I believe it can be done, would be tough and is a huge learning process. Since you are going to be new to trucking in general and with the area you live, keep a eye out when you are out riding around and pay attention to the signs for the heights of bridges around your area. Chicagoland has LOTS of bridges once you are off the interstates that ARE NOT truck friendly. That is just one little piece of advice to help you to start your journey into trucking!
     
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  9. Myron_is

    Myron_is Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2016
    Chicago
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    Is the location in Aurora better than the one in Hegewisch, IL? I live about two minutes from Hegewisch.
    Would a reefer be a better option than a dry van? I recall reading some threads on how the pay is good starting in them.

    Yes, there are bridges all over! haha

    But am no stranger to hard work, am in my mid 20s so the learning process hopefully will not be too complicated. Just the only obstacle I feel would be the experience to get things done more efficiently, safer and deal with things that might pop up.
     
  10. Banker

    Banker Road Train Member

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    I know 2 different carhaulers who started their driving career as a carhauler. One has been hauling cars since 1973 and the other about 4 years. They are both very good carhaulers and professional drivers. In my opinion you may as well shoot for the best job you can get from day one, why wait? Cassens in Chicagoland will definitely be your best over all carhauling job in that area of the country, in my opinion. Even the good companies are short drivers. You won't get the good jobs unless you go after them and you may just get one!
     
  11. WhyDriveTruck

    WhyDriveTruck Light Load Member

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    I started as a carhauler , started with PMTGHOME.COM and i would recommend it, i would think its two different functions when learning to load the truck and learning to drive, simply because when you learn to drive a van your learning to drive, and when you learn to put cars on the truck your learning to put cars on the truck and strapped your done with that portion.
     
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