Getting into trucking. Couple questions?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Adirondack46r, Apr 8, 2016.

  1. Adirondack46r

    Adirondack46r Bobtail Member

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    Hey all,
    New here in the forum. Thanks in advance for the responses I know will come. I am at 18 years now with the DOT and am starting to think about the next part of work/life. I am enrolling in a 160 hr CDL A course; it offers over 110 hours behind wheel in yard and on road on stick (looking forward to it :) ). I have to take it weekends due to still working. When I do leave the DOT/retire, I am really wanting to get into driving , home daily intermodal, or local accounts daily home . I used to go rollin' all the time with my old man when I was a kid and it never left my blood.
    I do not want to upset anyone with this next piece, or make anyone think I know everything, because I know nothing. But, I have a wife and two kids and I won't do OTR just for the sake of 'newbie dues'. Been military deployed, worked away for 14 of the DOT years during week... My being away dues are done, just not in a rig....
    * I know that severely limits my options, but that is what it is.* It is out there, but usually harder work, and fewer companies between from what I have been told...(don't mind long, hard days)
    There are some companies I see that say they will hire noobs for intermodal runs like JB. I see some other very small companies locally near me that say they will hire w/clean CDL for hauling 'home most nights'.
    If I do a 'pre hire/qualify' deal with someone like a JB; can I actually trust that if they offer me intermodal or locaI, i'll get it? Is it like a military recruiter, if it isn't in writing, you don't get it? Is 'home most nights' a lie type deal? (local flat bed company)
    Can I 'trust' companies who offer me routes during orientation/hiring?
    Or does it all need to be written out, just like with a military recruiter...?
    Sorry on being long winded... Just been reading and reading this forum and others, and thought it better for me to just ask, with all the tons info out there.
    Not on the computer a ton, so I may not respond back right away.
    Thanks much everyone.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    If you don't want OTR, then intermodal or LTL will work for you.
    No, it's not like dealing with a military recruiter. With the military, once you swear in, that's it. With a trucking company, you can walk away at any time.
     
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  4. Pete jockey

    Pete jockey Medium Load Member

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    Recruiters lie...a lot
     
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  5. Adirondack46r

    Adirondack46r Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for responding. I am glad to hear that 'people in certain positions lie'. I figured ltl, intermodal could work, but you guys know better so I am glad to hear it. My wife is finally finishing school and will be working as well, so I don't have to worry about being the only provider. I just want to make sure I can have somewhat of the steady check and also pretty much planned time home. Feel like a kid again getting ready to get back in a truck...
     
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  6. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    I'm curious, what do you mean with the "DOT"?
     
  7. Adirondack46r

    Adirondack46r Bobtail Member

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    I work for the DOT as in construction/maintenance... Not a fine wielding trooper.... :)
     
  8. Sea0fgreen

    Sea0fgreen Light Load Member

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    Depending on where you live, look into log trucking. Its probably one of the easiest trucking jobs to get, but probably some of the most disregard for safety and laws. Most of the outfits I have been familiar with have viewed DOT fines as just extra cost of doing business.
     
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  9. Adirondack46r

    Adirondack46r Bobtail Member

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    Smiling right now... I actually know a few guys with companies up here as you could prob tell by my username where I am from. I actually used to do some tree/logging work on the side years ago. I agree about the safety both vehicles and work ways... I absolutely loved that work and that environment; chips are like driving, once they are in your blood, you can never get em out. If I can't get a sure steady gig, I will prob look into it seriously. Thanks much.
     
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  10. truckthatpassesyouby

    truckthatpassesyouby Road Train Member

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    There's got to be a lady out there that's got a company that could vet a years worth of driving experience for you so that you can work with that lady's friend's truck that needs a cheap driver to haul stuff for him with. Badabing badaboom. A job. (If it works)
     
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  11. Pete jockey

    Pete jockey Medium Load Member

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    I'm not trying to discourage you from driving, just do your due diligence when researching a prospective employer
     
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