When are you actually considered an employee or "working".

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BR-549, Aug 24, 2019.

  1. BR-549

    BR-549 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 17, 2019
    Thailand x Louisiana
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    So you've been pre-approved.
    You hop on the bus, your ride, whatever....and head to your training depot.
    Get there, do paperwork, physical/drug test, start classes, get permit, hop on trainers rig, etc...etc...etc...
    Prob missed a few steps, but my question is....when does your recorded working history start with a company you're entered into a training contract with?

    In the oilfield, nowadays anyway, once you've basically passed the physical/drug test, you are an employee, even before you start training...if training or certification is even needed.
    You might have a probate period (60 days).
    You might have to wait for benefits, insurance to kick in.
    But...you're...still...an...employee.

    I realize there's typically an on-boarding period once you've successfully completed your OTR training with your trainer/mentor and then you are sent out solo (in the usual case of non-teaming OTR), but prior to any of this you ARE being paid, you ARE running miles for them, you ARE riding on their insurance, etc....

    So in the case of company sponsored training when does the company typically start day 1 of your working history with them?

    I'm interested primarily due to:
    1) terms of contract for completing a tuition repayment commitment (ie. "stay a year and you don't owe us anything")
    2) policies regarding riders
    3) general qualification for potential future employers requirements

    I realize this may ignite some opinions but I'm looking specifically for anything official if possible.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    R. E. West has free cdl school and no contract to sign.
    Don't know if the company allows riders.
    You're paid from day one. This is one of 3 companies I'm aware of that consider their cdl school students employees and put them on the payroll during school.
    The 3 companies are:
    R. E. West
    Roehl Transport
    Western Dairy Transport
     
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  4. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Flint, MI
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    I'll go off Swift as I know how they work, at least when I was there years ago.
    Employment date starts when you do orientation for the trucking company, not the training company.
    Very, very few training, even company training, is actually done by the company.
    For example Swift Transportation is a different company from Swift Driving Academy.

    As for the terms of the contract, simply read the contract. The terms are there. If you can't understand it, hire a lawyer to explain it to you. Its well worth the price.
     
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  5. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    You are officially an employee when they begin shorting your miles on your paycheck.
     
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  6. HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    Dec 15, 2018
    Savannah, TN
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    Best answer

    As anyone can tell you, your miles begin to drop off after about the 6wk mark. Courtship is over, coitus has commenced.
     
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  7. BR-549

    BR-549 Bobtail Member

    49
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    Aug 17, 2019
    Thailand x Louisiana
    0
    Good point re company vs academy or affiliate school.

    For sure will zoom in on all tuition contract details but in the case of multiple offers will more than likely call in anonymously to each outfit to mitigate a final selection.
    Don’t particularly want to give off a sense of becoming a short timer before I even show up to school.
    But I need to be open to the option if I’m put out to starve.
     
    FlaSwampRat Thanks this.
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