A little past...a new future

I've seen TWIC in several posts....what is that card? I'm not familiar with those initials.

 

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic
Transportation Worker Identification Credential - for access to ports and such. One chemical company I used to go to asked if I had a TWIC card, and since I didn't, I had to be escorted to certain areas of their property. It is basically proof of an extensive background check by the federal government. The ironic part is that a similar background check is required for a Hazmat endorsement (which I have), but that was not good enough for that particular company.

 

Well, it's been a couple weeks now, and I thought I'd update the job search options. As I feared the majors aren't interested in me at this time, although every single one has told me to contact them after I get some experience...usually recommending a year but off the record saying they could likely get me in with six months.

I do have offers from three companies currently, although one Carolina Cargo, is flat out of the question. I only applied to them after strong prompting from my counselor.

The other two are Western Express and PTL. I expect that Trans Am will offer as well but after my two conversations with their recruiter I don't really think they will make the cut. Couldn't get the guy to shut up about their Lease program. I may not know much about this industry but I know dang well I'd go broke on what they want you to pay for a ragged out truck and no freight guarantees.

I think at the moment I'm leaning towards WE as PTL wants me to team with another inexperienced driver for 40k miles. Seems like a bad idea to try and put a couple of nuggets together in the name of getting experience, when they only put you with an actual trainer for 5k miles and they seem to play games with your cpm, claiming that you'll get .35 after training but really 80% or so of your runs will only get you .33 as they chop you off once you cross the big river.

Any input on these companies from drivers who have worked or are currently working with them would be appreciated would be appreciated.

 

6 months goes fast if that's what some megas have said they will consider! Just curious if you have also looked local?

 

No I haven't. I'm looking solely at OTR right now. I want to see a bit of the country and get paid to do it. I'm already as familiar with the Charlotte area as I care to be. To many outsiders move here and suddenly think that because they are in the beating heart of NASCAR that they can drive like they belong on the track...and endless road construction to boot. State monument, the traffic barrel. State motto, Road Work Ahead...and so forth. Guess I'm just hearing the call of the open road.

 

Good luck G. I'm glad you have options to look at. Welcome to the game