Running a side loader is hard work but I'm sure you're aware of that already. If you're only considering it as a means to get a CDL and get some experience so you can go do some other type of driving down the line, you should keep in mind that the experience you get from it could have limited value. If they put you in a straight truck to start, then you'll have no semi experience for that time. But even if you get in a semi, most of those trailers are short single axle. You might have a tough time finding a company that will hire you to pull 48' or 53' trailers if all of your experience is pulling 28'. Something else to keep in mind is that its one of those jobs where career ending injuries are not uncommon. Is the money going to be so good that its worth risking a back or shoulder injury which could limit your ability to do other things for the rest of your life?
I don't have a clue. In fact, I just learned this week about the warehouse pay. I would imagine you'd be there until at least your training is over, maybe longer until a position opens, not sure. I recently was offered a similar job working nights, loading trucks (read: laboring) to "learn the freight system BEFORE truck training" at a similar company. Talked to someone who was in the know and he told me to run as fast as I can as the company (not Coke) is advertising for drivers as a way to recruit cheap labor in the warehouse and it could be months, maybe longer before an actual driver job opened. I went back to the hiring manager and offered to work half of the truck training for FREE (two weeks!) and on my dime to prove my worth and skip the night shift labor part and lo and behold, my contact was right, this hiring manager said the loading was necessary to "learn the system." Well, I was born on a Saturday but it wasn't last Saturday. I don't need to labor in any warehouse to learn any driving "system" and when I told the manager the best way for me to learn any driver "system" is to put me on the truck with a current driver, he replied, "We need someone in the warehouse." I thanked him and walked then posted a disclaimer on the website he was advertising on and several other applicants came forward and posted right after me indicating they had the same experience as I did with this company. Suffice it to say, I spoiled his little con game and he's no longer posting on that job board. Seems like everyone is trying to get out of here and away from the economic meltdown taking place (and getting worse). I don't blame you. Asheville is a nice area, not sure if they have a plant up there or not. Good luck with your plan.
Yep, that's what it is and delivering into the walk-in coolers and back into the raging heat back and forth, back and forth can take its toll. My buddy was getting light-headed all of the time and was literally RUNNING because of the short delivery time he was expected to get it completed.
work?? that's why I'm a truck driver,don't want to work anymore. LOL. I used to tear down and rig machines into truck then drive it. was paid $17/hr in the late '80s and 90s,paid motels and meals. busted my butt and made dang good money. getting too old for that now.lol
That's the exact reason so many are becoming disillusioned with the current economy. Many of us made much better money in the '80s and '90s than what we can find today. What some of these companies are offering isn't even a liveable wage which is why some of us refuse to bow to these companies paying substandard wages. I know everyone's situation is different. It's not that I wouldn't work for some of these wages if I absolutely had no other recourse but at my age and with my bills, I can't AFFORD to work for some of these wages offered by trucking companies. Methinks it's time for a good old fashioned trucking strike for a solid day but I know that's never going to happen. People can't agree on anything today, let alone an effort of solidarity across the board. I know some are against unions but look which workers are making a liveable wage today with job security ... union workers.
Not sure about where you are, but the bud guys around here don't use side load. bulk load trucks with a powered pallet Jack. But they still work they're tail off. They work on a salary, starting at 42k per year. Sent from my cappy using tappy...
buddy of mine used to work for pepsi up here. he didn't do warehouse, but he started as a spare driver til a route opened up. he lived pretty decently, his wife only worked part time. he had to trot pretty good to keep up some days. on the other hand if you're in fairly decent shape, and maybe work out a little to keep up the cardio, this job will keep you very fit. to this day 8-10 later my buddy is a skinny little runt who can run up mountains all day long
Yep, started for coke in May and am now in the best shape of my life, lol. Lost 30 pounds since i started and can eat anything i want and as much as i want of it. Sent from my cappy using tappy...
