Pet Policy and Training Length to go Solo

Well let me see, based on my research Westside Transport, Freymiller, K & B, Celadon, Epes, USF Glenmoore, Hogan, Ruan, Ozark, Heartland, Interstate, do not hire students as of 9/28/08.....so those can some off the list.

Of those that take students, only Con-way, Covenant, US express allow pets of those listed. I have heard that one insurance company is requiring a 90 Probation period before allowing new drivers to have a pet on board. This safety manager was very confident, that by the end the year most companies would follow suit or just eliminate pets entirely or "grandfather" present employees. Hope this does not happen!! He told me that there was a huge misunderstanding with many of the states "Anti-Id" policies, as there is no exception to the 10 min rule in CA or other states if you have a pet on board.

Some of those companies just stated they are not hiring period........but these policies seem to change monthly based on freight volume. Another thing I have noticed in the truck stop magazines, is they state they allow pets and when you call the company, they tell you that that is for owner operators only and they use the same ad for all recruiting. Its seems this whole industry is in a state of flux in regard to their policies.

Hope this helps

 

Kat,

You will still be classified a "Student Driver", even after you go to a qualified school and get your class A. There are some companies that offer ground up training, and also accept students from other schools......regardless you will still be a student driver until you complete your OTR training period with your chosen company, that can be as short as a month or a long a 6 months (Prime, Covenant, Etc.)

The Anti-Ideling law has to do with leaving the truck running for extended periods (to keep you and your buddy warm or cool while you sleep) of time and CA just started enforcing the 10 Min rule and that even applies to APU's that do not meet CA Emmision laws. The fines in CA are very stout. There are some exceptions to this rule, but just having pet on board does not qualify.

 

You mean to tell us that your choice of career hinges on a pet???Take an old fools advice-FIND A DIFFERENT JOB.Don`t waste your money learning any more about trucking.There are bunches of reasons why not-here are a few:
1.Newbie driver with pet,neither used to trucking. huge potential for lawsuit against truck owner.
2.Pity the poor person who has to get inside the truck after you(or mechanic)and deal with pet hair,urine ETC.If I were to drive a pet owners truck-someone would pay for a thorough cleaning first.
3.As a truck owner I would expect a full day(at least 11 hours worth) without your pet taking precious time from me.I don`t think anybodys pet is on the same bathroom schedule as they are so I know it will cost the company money-everyday.
4.Since I am an animal lover I think it is torture to keep a pet cramped in a cage.A truck is just a bigger cage.No way any pet can get exercise riding in a truck.
5.Since you most likely will be driving 11 hours a day,with maybe 3 more truck related hours-you still have 10 hours left to sleep,shower ,eat and do whatever.How much of that time is devoted to the already neglected (if you do your job)pet-everyday.
As a former company owner,as a mechanic and as a driver all I can say is that the negatives far outway the positive.I would not let my drivers carry animals in my trucks out of respect for the"next guy".Lots of drivers carry pets but not in something I`m going to drive.
Seriously-if your dog is that important to you-find something more suited for animals.Everybody wants to "drive",Nobody wants to do the "job".There are already enough steeringwheel holders out here we need more drivers.Dedicated drivers.

 

rjones56,

I'm still not real clear?? I'm asuming your not big on pets in the truck?

 

Actually I love animals.Its people who expect to be treated differently because of their lifestyle choices while making a half-as### attempt to do a job they shouldn`t be doing that tick me off.Not trying to rain on your parade but I stand by what I said.You are not the only one grinning at ignorance.

 

Rjones56,

I'm sure you are a pet lover, I really think a pet on the truck would be a challenge, even more so as a new driver. I have decided to become a safe, focused driver and maybe a few years down the road take my dog at that point, when thing become a little more routine. Jonny

P.S. I dont think being a professional truck driving pet owner and be good driver and employee are mutually exclusive.

 

alot of companies have pet policies but I don't know of any while your training. due to the fact it's not your truck let mew know if you find any good luck

 

I don't think there is a company out there that allows pets for trainees. The ones that allow pets require a pet deposit from the driver to take care of cleaning and damage by the pet.