24yo no-lifer, need company / newbie advice.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Spartananator, Jan 17, 2025.

  1. FullMetalJacket

    FullMetalJacket Road Train Member

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    Well, I certainly screwed up this reply!

    Oh, well. Blame it on the senility. ✌
     
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  3. Spartananator

    Spartananator Bobtail Member

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    No worries I figured it out haha.

    I definitely recognize that it sounds like Prime is a great company to work for, but I think I would rather look to work with them as a second company, get my training in somewhere a bit quicker due to financial troubles. Schneider is quick but everyone says they take safety seriously, so I like them a lot.
    I will look into SD thanks! and yeah I recognize that taxes are levied based on where you live not work, I just wasn't fully thinking lol.

    I have no really set sights on any specific trailer type, I got my tanker endorsement on my permit and have an interest in hazmat / tanker. Fine with Van and Reefer too. Probably will just stay away from flatbed, I like being lazy :p
     
  4. Spartananator

    Spartananator Bobtail Member

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    Although in the end it looks like it might be that prime is my only choice!

    Schneider doesnt have any OTR positions open, and Roehl doesnt have tanker! haha.
     
  5. FullMetalJacket

    FullMetalJacket Road Train Member

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    Forgot to give you a little backround on myself.

    Retired early 13/14yrs ago in mid 40's. Sold my properties & put everything in storage & went full in on trucking at twice your age. All or nothing. Have to wait on age to start collecting retirement.

    I have been on the road 24/7/365 for that entire time, living in one small box or another. It's definately not for most, but you will find out fast if it will suit you. In fact, I did not take any days off for my first 4yrs. Then, 3 days just because cousin got married. I thrived on it, but definately do not recommend that to anyone.

    Company dispatcher had asked me at about 2yrs "when the hell are you going to get out of the truck?". Told him I was still having a blast & would let him know. He informed me to "cry wolf anytime" & not to worry about however long I wanted to take off. Never did cry wolf while there...LOL

    Intended to buy own truck sooner, but did stick w/Prime for 5/6yrs saving & bought own new truck & rented a trailer. Few years later, bought my own trailer. After 5yrs with that 1st new truck, traded in on current truck. Essentially, I now have a 2023 custom truck & 2023 reefer trailer, both bought new & for cash.

    This all finally paid off in a big way when I went down beginning of last year for 6mos due to medical issues, then the last 3mos of the year. Huge hit, but I have been able to weather it.

    So, if it had not been for health issues that time could have been for travel & enjoyment, all while rates have been in the toilet.

    Guess what I'm saying is, I do not think your expectations are unreasonable. Just may be a longer time frame, effort & planning to get there.

    Extensive time off working for someone else may very well be difficult. But, I have known folks that used to work 9mos & take 3mos off. Rare, but not unheard of.

    Be smart about banking your hard working first years & after you go to work for yourself, you can do any #### thing you want.

    Sorry, first time reading through entire thread from start. See a lot of similarity in your enthusiasm.
     
  6. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    I routinely see Schneider tanker job ads in AL, MS....& elsewhere.

    No experience required....in most cases.

    :dontknow:

    -- L
     
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  7. Spartananator

    Spartananator Bobtail Member

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    Yeah not saying they dont exist, but right now, only one tanker position open, and they dont hire in my area.
     
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  8. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    An outstanding opportunity -- for the right kind of individual --->>> Schneider flatbed duty....but without the usual tarping:

    Schneider flatbed near Louisville, KY

    Think outside the box (and literally, as well...:D)....

    -- L
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2025
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  9. MSWS

    MSWS Medium Load Member

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    I wouldn't recommend the tanker side of Schneider, at least not based on my personal experience. I went to their orientation in 2023, with driving experience but no tanker, and they were going to pay me $0.38 per mile. Then again, there are other drivers here who love the company, so maybe they just weren't for me.
     
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  10. Spartananator

    Spartananator Bobtail Member

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    That one must be new! let me take a look thanks!
     
  11. Spartananator

    Spartananator Bobtail Member

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    Ah, no CDL training on that one.
     
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