Away from kids question

Yup. You are correct. The terminal here is quite nice, but there isn't much coming or going out of here. Good people at this company, just not sure this is the JOB for me.

 

I took a buyout from Ford and went to the railroad and ended up getting laid off. No clue as to when or if I'll be getting called back.
I drove truck back in the mid eighties for a while and I'm thinking of giving it another try. I didn't stay with it for the same reasons you are contemplating leaving. But my kids are grown now and have children of their own.
Do you run over the road and if so how often do you get home?
And one more thing, do you know if Watkins is doing any hiring in SE MI.

 

I left Ford also.

They just hired my cousin to team with me. Not sure if that is the only reason they hired him though. I am OTR and get home every 2-3 weeks if I want. They have signs out in front of the terminal saying they are hiring drivers here.... But, they have those signs in front of almost all of our terminals too...

 

Thanks for the info. I noticed you said you were driving an auto trans. Are all their trucks autos?
I worked at the Sterling Axle plant, how about you?

 

We only have about 10-12 auto trucks.

I worked at Michigan Truck and then Dearborn Truck.

Feel free to ask any question. I'll do my best to answer...

 

Well I do have just a few questions you might be able to answer.

About how many miles are you averaging per week?

What is the starting pay?

I have a CDL but no recent experience, do you think I would have to take the 30 day training or the 10 day training? ( not a recent Grad )

Do you run terminal to terminal ?
Thanks

 

Probably have to go through the 30 day class. It is well worth it, IMHO.

I average between 1200-2000 miles a week. I could have more, but I get home every chance I can.

80% of my runs have been terminal to terminal.

Starting pay is .29/mile or .28/mile if you do tuition reimbursement like I did.

 

Thanks for the info, it doesn't sound to bad. I'm going to give it some thought.

One more question. Do you run pretty much the same lanes or does the freight go all over?

 

You have that right.....Thanks to our wonderful governor....Best of luck to ya..

 

wildbill123, you worked at the Sterling Axle Plant..Right... What department? My dad worked there for 36 yrs dept 10 ring and pinion grinders, Job Setter, Afternoons.


Boughtout, I use to run two loads a day into the Rouge plant...dock was "outback" buy the old steel mill....

With computers today I can keep up with my kids day and night and I have 6...13,9,8,6,4,2.....I run a web cam with audio and they can track me in real time through copilot GPS.....The company I run for gets me home every 7 to 10 days for 34hrs or more if I ask...I run out of Grand Rapids....