Ask a Yard Dog

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Seebs, Jan 31, 2014.

  1. OzzyOKC

    OzzyOKC Light Load Member

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    May 29, 2010
    Durant, OK
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    I'm curious to know what kinda experience is required to get a job like that? I'm dedicating the next 5 years or so to driving a truck and if my gf and I are still together at that point, AND she doesn't want to move from where she lives, I want to try getting on with the Amazon DC near the town she lives in.
     
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  3. tirednaz

    tirednaz Heavy Load Member

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    Where have you been? been some time since I have seen you around on here.
     
  4. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

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    Rochester, NY
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    I quit driving, got a foreman's job at a warehouse, tore my rotator cuff, went out on Worker's Comp., decided that if I wanted to quit working with my body and use my brain to make money that I needed a college edge-a-ma-cation, started working an my Associate's degree in Polysomnography (think sleep apnea).

    So far, after 1.5 semesters, I have a perfect 4.0 GPA!

    Who would have thought? Me, in college???:biggrin_25512::yes2557:
     
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  5. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    Sounds like you're doing real good.Sure beats the heack out of a going no where job doesn't it?
     
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  6. tirednaz

    tirednaz Heavy Load Member

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    Arizona
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    Very cool, congratulations on your new career. Good to see you floating around the forum.
     
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  7. Seebs

    Seebs Medium Load Member

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    Mar 4, 2011
    Ohio
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    I would say it's a pretty rare thing. The problem is, sometimes theirs days where you just don't really do anything so it'd be hard to make money just sitting around. Most the yard jobs I know of are paid hourly.

    Best way to describe it least with our trucks. While with my job, the equipment is not necessarily old but it does get beat up. A lot of the trucks are drove 24/7 and on top of that you add in numerous potholes and such around the lot. It just takes its tole as time goes on.

    It varies from company to company. My company asks for 2 years experience, but with a good interview and a good backing test you can get hired with less. A lot of places have their yard guys do shuttle jobs also, taking a trailer 20 miles away or something like that. So it's common to see least a year of 'tractor trailer' experience required. Not necessarily otr though.
     
  8. rockee

    rockee Road Train Member

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    Pacific Northwest
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    I've always heard them called goats. And the drivers...hostlers, spotters, shag drivers and a whole list of other things that are not mentionable here. J/k
     
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  9. mpow66m

    mpow66m Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 6, 2011
    Northeast
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    Do you mind being called yard jockeys?
     
  10. Seebs

    Seebs Medium Load Member

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    Ohio
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    Nah. Personally, I don't really care what anyone calls us. Anything beats 'the ####### in the weird truck'. :D I think the 'official' title is Spotter though, least thats what my company refers to us as.
     
  11. Wargames

    Wargames Captain Crusty

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    WI.
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    Attitude, is usually brought on by stupidity. I would have drivers come in and Park there truck right in front of everyone, so they can not get out. I told them where to park, and either they listen or we play the attitude game, which I will always win at. When ever you find a trailer butted up against another trailer, back under hook up all your lines, and pull it out, drag it out. Usually when I would drop one, butted up against another trailer, I would lower the landing gear a bit, so when you hooked,it would be an easy pull out or a light drag on the landing gear, then get out after the landing gears cleared and you can crank it up. But the best way is BE NICE, and KINDLY ask the spotter" Do you have a second to pull a trailer up for me?".
     
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