Starve Now, or Starve Later?

Well I know we looked at tanker experience and I'm sure all the top tanker companies do too. And along with us most companies don't look that hard at OTR drivers. Sorry but they want local drivers with tanker experience. That's the major oil companies.

 

But actually only you can tell what your needs are and can afford. Consider what your needs are every month and ask/see if it close enough to what folks are even making being slow on the road.

If you wait for the freight, when will it be up to your needs........your needs truly set the bench for your dilema.

The other aspect is what kind of work will you do until then and what kind of money does that provide to balance against the time of experience that you waste waiting..................

Just trying to help...............

 

Reefers are seasonal, but you are in the right area. I would look at the tankers, and stick it out at starvation wages. In the mean time, look to some of the guys working the oil patch. In your area, a CDL, and oil right at your back door, that is where I would be. Even a roustabout off shore at this point.

Myself, but not knowing your situation, but knowing your geographical location, I would be in school. Oil School. It ain't going to run out as some say, and hopefully you will find an outfit that will pay your way. But that all gets down to a persons work ethic, are you worth the risk? If you have half a brain, don't waste it behind the wheel of a truck like I am. But that is all I know anymore, to late to go back to nursing.

Drive, field tech, ENGINEER.

Mike

 

Reefers seasonal??? First time I took the holidays off since I've been driving. Seasonal.....I think maybe you're thinking vans...people don't stop eating...nothing seasonal about reefers except what you might haul. Frozen, garbage (produce), live plants, refrigerated products, oh yeah turn the reefer off and you have a van or a flat bed with sides.

Reefers are busy year round....we never stop rolling unless we choose to do so.

 

If the company is willing to hire you now they will be willing to hire you when it really picks up! If I were you I would take a van or flat job for now. Your gonna make more money and Like I said when things pick up you can always go back to them for a job. Make what you can make this year! its gonna be hard for all of us... You will always make more money in this business if you "specialize". I made a little under 70k last year with a dry bulk tank but moving to a van company this year just to survive. When times get better you can bet I will be back to that dry bulk tank I love so dearly!
Best wishes to you my friend!

Gator

 

I have never seen it this bad. I have never even dreamed of it being this bad! Im leaving a great paying tank job to go pull a dry van for a lot less pay. But IM very excited That I have a job offer. Check with con way. I have made a thousand calls and talked to a thousand recruiters and drivers. Con way seems to be one of the few with something to offer. The only thing I can guarantee is that when things to pick up I will be right back to my tank job! In the mean time bills and child support still gotta be paid.

Gator

 

Reefers are seasonal when talking produce. That is what I was referring too. You know, the GOOD paying freight?

I am always thinking like an O/Op, show me the money!

Mike

 

Actually I never think of produce as good paying freight. Produce earned its nickname...."garbage" for a reason.

Normal run for me is frozen potatoes out of WA to NC then pick up a load of frozen turkeys and head back. Pretty much have worn a path in the road doing that.