About to obtain my CDL

Some Werner dedicated accounts are not a bad idea for you -- others, avoid as much as possible.

When I first started out -- both Schneider & Werner had accounts with Home Depot. This is a good example of an account where it offers a reasonable environment for learning to drive a big rig.

But avoid all the "dollar" store accounts -- Werner may try to put you on one...to see if you can swim with the sharks.

Regardless of which fleet you start out with -- you need to stay there for AT LEAST A YEAR. Longer is even better.

Other good dedicated accounts:

• Lowe's
• Costco
• Walmart/Sam's Club
• Target

I did Target dedicated for a while, too. Not bad.

Both were lots of drop-n-hook; just the kind of practice a new driver needs.

-- L

 

If you can do/get a Walmart dedicated account -- GET IT.

Keep it -- for as long as Werner will let you.

Why?

Walmart dedicated is a great training "platform" to later put on your application -- to apply for a driver position within Walmart's private fleet.

Walmart is generally regarded as one of the best driving gigs in the industry.

Another suggestion: if you don't already have a hazmat endorsement -- GET IT.

A hazmat endorsement will later be required to pull department store loads with everyday, relatively harmless, mundane items that we take for granted:

• paint
• paint thinners
• insect/pest sprays
• charcoal
• hairsprays
• lighter fluid
• and the list just goes on & on....

If you don't have that hazmat -- great opportunities -- like Target or Walmart dedicated....may well pass you by....

-- L

 

Pre-employment means nothing. It is just the first in a long line of BS that mega companies hold out there.

Starting out with a regional or dedicated account happens at Mega trucking companies but it is rare. You really got to be a DEA hire to score that. For everyone else it becomes a job within a job. Different degrees of butt-kissing will be needed to land a prime account. Of course all Mega companies will lead you on the promise.

I know guys at a competing Mega that make 60-70k but..... and a big but...... they have been there 20+ years..... And some of them are still trainers, that is like a full time job and a half. First year 60k is 100% BS.

You will team for the first 6 weeks or so at any Mega. That is an issue for some folks. The truth is your pre-employment means nothing. You will not likely to get a dedicated account until you pucker up, and after some experience. You will not see 60k for decades. You will not see home for weeks or months at a time. And the pay is not the study, it is very seasonal. And your hard work will not be appreciated after long hours of doing it.

 

The "teaming" reference above....is the time you will spend out on a trainer's truck.

This is VER-RY valuable time -- use it wisely.

You can easily eclipse $70k - $80k per year...as a driver within Walmart's private fleet....or any of the other private fleets:

• Pilot/Flying J
• Love's
• ADM
• Air Products
• and still others

-- L

 

• DOT Foods
• Winn Dixie
• Publix
• Saia
• Southeastern Motor Freight
• Linde
• ABF
• R & L Carriers
• Estes
• UPS

 

Your pay....as a truck driver...is based on a number of factors....one of the main ones is your level of experience.

The more experience you accumulate (along with a clean safety record) -- the more pay you can reasonably expect (up to a point, anyway).

It will help you out A LOT -- if you think of your first year or two....as a paid "apprenticeship".

During that time -- you are actually learning how to drive -- ALL OVER AGAIN.

Thus -- your pay will be more modest...as you start out driving commercially.

-- L

 

There's lots of local jobs in Jacksonville.
Werner might be ok, just to get the cdl school paid for.
~
Jacksonville, FL
CDL Truck Driver Jobs | Airgas
Hazmat endorsement
At least one year of experience driving a tractor-trailer, OR driving school equivalent

 

Local job after you have 6 mos. experience somewhere else.
Southeastern Freight Lines
Jacksonville, FL
P&D Driver
Jacksonville, FL