any advice? going to truck driving job fair friday

I was commenting on companies who train and school, not all companies. I see from your post you have 20 years and that is about what I would expect in your situation. I just quit my job to move across the country but before I did I had all the same you listed except our insurance sucked, but I get that fre from the wife anyways. I made almost $70k not including my perdiems of $25 per night any night I wasn't home. I'm kinda regreting quiting that one but you gota do what you gota do for the family or you have nothing in the end

 

MedicineMan,

I agree that you have to do what is best for your family. It is just really sad what a lot of these drivers have to go thru in order to pay their bills. I just wish that they would be able to find a company that compensates them for ALL of their time and provides the driver and their family with good low cost benefits. I wish I could do a little shortline and get out of the Los Angeles area for a while. Unfortunately, There are not any companies that pay what I am making that do that type of work. So I guess I will just be happy driving local. The work (mostly tanker) is not difficult at all. I am amazed at all of the (creative logging) that drivers need to do in order to make a pick-up/delivery time or to get a chance to get home. I wonder how long the average home time is? Yes, I am glad for the home time and benfits I receive, I just wish others had the same.

Drive safe.

 

Unfortunatly all the good paying local jobs I have had were 14 to 16 hour days, 6 or 7 days a week and mostly nights. SO I saw my family less than when I was driving otr. But then again the otr I do is out and backs with a few days off afterwords not the 3 weeks out and 34 hours off that most companies do these days.
I actually am still unemployed after almost two months mainly because I am really trying to get out of truck driving all together. I'm not happy with where the industry is going. There are a few exceptions out there but not many. The one part of the industry that does look promising is private carriers though. I have sen more good jobs there than anywhere else, just nothing in my neck of the woods yet

 

MedicineMan,

I know that there are a lot of companies that work nights. I was fortunate enough to find one that works Mon-Fri during the day. We do have one driver that works nights. It is easy for him as he just does the drop and hook game twice each night and gets about 12 hours for it. I do not know anything about private carriers so I can be of no assistance.

I just can't figure out how the same OTR companies keep advertising in the same magazines and a large amount of drivers keep applying with them? One would have to ask themselves, why do they have to keep advertising. If it is such a great company as they claim, why the high turnover rate? I know that there are a few that cannot handle this type of lifestyle. There are also those that keep thinking the next OTR job will be better. What gets me is some of their company advertisements. I was reading my local paper while unloading and saw an add for May Trucking. There was a statement from Billy who said, "My truck is awsome, have you seen it"? Wow, thats a ringing endorsment for a company! Oh boy!

Notice that they never said anything about pay, benefits or home time.

Take a look at the wording in the adds to get you interested. Potential for x amount of dollars. I guess that means if you spend enough time away from home, family and the activities you enjoy, you might just be able to make a living.

Sign on bonus. We so underappreciate our drivers that we have to pay you to come to work for us. This should be a huge red flag.

Bonus (miles, fuel, on time, no accident, DOT inspection and retention etc). Again, a comapny has to pay a little extra for you to want to stay there? Another huge red flag.

Benefits. Medical, dental, vision, sick days, vacation, jury duty, bereavment and retirement. Do I really to to comment here?

Good luck with everything. Time for dessert.

Drive safe.