First week driving SOLO thoughts

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by PIKARUX, Sep 18, 2019.

  1. PIKARUX

    PIKARUX Bobtail Member

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    Hello everyone,

    Just finished my company training period and passed the road test. Being driving solo for one week and I am not sure I am happy with my work.

    I underestand that as a new driver we get the worst schedules and the worst trucks and actually this is what the company is giving me so far. True is I am getting every day a different starting time, different task every day and I accepted and know that as a new driver I have to be patient because I am getting experience.

    But the true is....I am not making any money. Last month I made $1500 Canadian Dollars and I worked average 50 hours per week. Now that I am solo and not in training any more I was expecting to make more money....but they are not giving me enough hours/miles. I have to call 3 times the dispatcher and beg for work.

    What I dont underestand is the company keep hiring more and more drivers...I talked with other new drivers and they are making peanuts too. This week I called and they said "call later nothing for you right now", basically I can not plan anything with my family because I have to be on standby waiting for a call to go to work.

    People is really friendly and helpful in the company, besides the worst schedules and the unknow schedule every day, the bad trucks is a company that overall have a good reputation here in Ontario.

    I am trying to be loyal...they gave me an opportunity to get experience but I need to put some bread on the table for my family. Should I look for a different company? Sorry I just need to vent...
     
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  3. Weekend Warrior

    Weekend Warrior Light Load Member

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    I'd start looking elsewhere, but wouldn't quit here until you have something else confirmed; $1500/mth is crazy.
     
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  4. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    Driver shortage is crippling North America.
    Just like Climate Change.
     
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  5. BigHossVolvo

    BigHossVolvo Road Train Member

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    3 questions,

    What Company, What City are you in, Are you Local/Regional/Highway? also Can you go the US?
     
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  6. PIKARUX

    PIKARUX Bobtail Member

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    Hi, I am in Durham Region. I am doing local and short Regional. But I do have fast pass to cross the border. I hope you underestand I dont want to mention the company because I am still with them.
    Thank you
     
  7. TorontoTacos

    TorontoTacos Light Load Member

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    1500 a month? Is that even possible??? Are u working at bison lol??
    If u can cross into USA and are in GTA. Feel free to message me, even though I dislike highlight, miles and pay is there for people who want to work their 70 hr work week. $2500 net biweekly give or take.
     
  8. Intothesunset

    Intothesunset Road Train Member

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    The company goal seems to not to pay drivers much of anything. And not work drivers very hard. Yet they keep hiring drivers because they have a 100% driver turnover rate. This sounds like a typical mega carrier.
    Stick it out for 1 year than apply like crazy for a new job. Then you can say you have 1 year experience. Pay should be higher offers by then. Good luck.
     
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  9. BigHossVolvo

    BigHossVolvo Road Train Member

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    Sounds good, just for the sake of argument, lets just say you work for TransX/Bison/Schneider/Day and Ross maybe Challenger. What you are seeing, is pretty typical for Local/Regional for these companies sorry to say.

    If you have a fast card, you pretty much have your choice of jobs. They won't be local/regional, but they will be 5-7 day trips with 2-3 days off; for a #### ton more money.

    The first place I would call is ERB/K-Dac if you want Reefer or Transpro Freight Systems for Dry Van.

    There is also Versa Cold and Carmen Transportation who are OK with newer drivers.

    Highlight is also an option, but I would think about these first.

    @TorontoTacos can help, as he just went through this shuffle in the GTA.
     
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  10. BigHossVolvo

    BigHossVolvo Road Train Member

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    I was just going to say, this has to be Bison or Schneider lol.
     
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  11. PIKARUX

    PIKARUX Bobtail Member

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    Thank you so much for all your replies,

    Yes $1500 last month first pay deposit was for $700 second $800. Includes orientation in front of a computer for 2 days and then training with 3 different drivers. (Every day 10 or more hours).

    I am greatful with the company because they gave me the opportunity to get experience.

    I dont mind the old dirty trucks, I dont mind having to fuel the trucks twice (when I start they always empty and I always make sure to fuel the truck I was assigned after my shift), I dont mind being on a call anytime they need me.

    What I mind is...they are not giving me enough hours/miles. I have to call 3 times dispatcher to almost beg for work every day. Today I am off again...sigh*
     
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