I'm a veteran and need some advice.

Eventhough recruiters are prone to falsifications, they are still required to only recruit those drivers who meet the minimum company requirements. If their policy states that DUIs must be 5 years old (this information should be available to you on the internet without having to call the company), then you should wait before calling.

As a side note, thank you for you service to this great country of ours. I greatly appreciate the work that you and all other servicepersons and veterans do or have done in the name of our country's freedom.

 

Crete's website shows 5 years.. Maverick says they have their own point system and do not list the time frame, at least I could not find it.

 

Yeah your army alright. Can tell by the way you type the date. From one ex-army soldier to another , Welcome back and thank you for all you did over there. You need to do more research on the companies you choose. If you want to go into flatbed take a gander at TMC. But there are a few others out there that are really good. Good Luck.

 

I might be proven wrong but, when you first start driving with all there needs to know on regulations and logs,you probably won't be driving for any company much over 2500 miles a week. There are so many variables,it takes 3 to 6 months for the driver manager to know and understand what you want,what he needs and what you can handle,this means, accidents of any kind,any kinds of fines,speeding,log book violations,these are really tough on these companies,if a companie starts getting alot of logbook violations it sends a red signal to fed and state dot,then they audit the company,sometimes costs company 12000 and up. i worked for a company in me. that had to pay 12000 to me. dot. They used my logs as one to help them pass the best they could,without getting bigger fines,point being,when you get there,do everything by speed limits,log legal or be really careful and redo log to stay legal.Use looseleafs if that company lets you. stay clean and no accidents and or fines,then they might give you more miles. When you first start,I personally,knowing what i know today,get the bestcpm you can, and ask if you can get 2500 miles per week every week to start,if you go to flatbeds,make sure you ask, and get paid for,long waits loading or unloading,tarp pay on and off, layover pay if you have hrs to run. On vans,same except for the tarping. TYou can't get alot from the beginning but you do need these things to get a proper and deseving paycheck. If they have perdiem,thats a plus,puts more money in your pocket everyweek and you pay uncle same alot less,by not being taxed all year on it,verse claiming it at end of the year. Turbo has an excellent post on what to ask a company.I would ask these questions directly in person,eye to eye,if possible,if not on your phone directly to a company person like the human personnel person,not the recruiter,most will make mistakes but are actually telling you everything positive to get you in,even if it is not the truth. Thank you very much for serving our great country,I am a proud Army Vietnam Vet,thks again,let us know how you make out and ask all questions,no matter what they are,there are no stupid questions to ask any of us.We are here to help you.

 

Nice hearing back from you,drink a few for me,be careful and get home safe and soon.

 

Check out TMC only if your interested in paperless logs, their safety rating with DOT is very poor. They do however have one of the strictest guidelines for securing their loads, I've heard tell they've had roll overs and the loads stayed on the trailers. BTW...Thank you for the service to our country.

 

First Thank you for your service to our country. Welcome home.
I would check out any companies safety rating before I made did the first interview. Then you will have the information to get the answers to the questions you should have about what ever their safety rating is during the interview. Once you get in a company's truck you are automatically branded with what ever reputation that company has with the trucking industry, other drivers and the DOT.

I'd wait until the DUI is 5 years old, some companies have even a longer period before they will consider a driver that has had a DUI. We don't hire anyone that has one no matter how old.

I'd also tell what ever company you decide on that you will not go any where nor sign any type of employment/ school contract until all the back round checks are in and you have cleared every department that has input on your potential employment. Reason for this recruiters lie, they don't make the final decision. I'd be sure to read every line of every document that you are required to sign, get a copy, ask questions, get it in writing. I'm sure you have heard of CYA, in this industry you had better be a master of it.

Good Luck, Happy Trails
NightWind