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Considering a Career Change, Where to Start?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by glbtrekker, Jul 25, 2022.

Page 5 of 6
  1. Jul 28, 2022 #41
    RuralTrucker

    RuralTrucker Light Load Member

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    Jul 21, 2022
    0
    And you are by no means alone in being a driver who started with Swift then stayed with Swift.
     
    RuralTrucker, Jul 28, 2022
    RuralTrucker, Jul 28, 2022
    #41
    Lostmykey, Another Canadian driver and Moosetek13 Thank this.
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  3. Jul 28, 2022 #42
    Northern Nomad

    Northern Nomad Light Load Member

    165
    643
    Apr 1, 2020
    The frozen north
    0
    Nice! I must say, you are an anomaly. It took me a few companies before I found the right fit.
     
    Northern Nomad, Jul 28, 2022
    Northern Nomad, Jul 28, 2022
    #42
    Another Canadian driver and Moosetek13 Thank this.
  4. Jul 28, 2022 #43
    Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

    14,655
    18,399
    Nov 1, 2010
    Burnsville, MN
    0
    From day one I have worked with the best driver managers, and I think at the best terminals.
    All the horror stories about Swift never applied to me, so I just fell into the right fit from the beginning.

    Fontana, Otay Mesa, Inver Grove Heights, and now Menasha terminals.
    All small terminals, so more of a family atmosphere where people really care.
     
    Moosetek13, Jul 28, 2022
    Moosetek13, Jul 28, 2022
    #43
    Another Canadian driver and Northern Nomad Thank this.
  5. Jul 29, 2022 #44
    RuralTrucker

    RuralTrucker Light Load Member

    177
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    Jul 21, 2022
    0
    It can have the feeling of working for a smaller company. Really glad to hear that you have found yourself at a company and in a position where you are comfortable. It's probably easier for some than others because of things like attitude, personality, work ethic, etc. I like working for KLLM and don't have any desire to hop elsewhere.
     
    RuralTrucker, Jul 29, 2022
    RuralTrucker, Jul 29, 2022
    #44
    Lostmykey, Another Canadian driver, Moosetek13 and 2 others Thank this.
  7. Jul 30, 2022 #45
    RuralTrucker

    RuralTrucker Light Load Member

    177
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    Jul 21, 2022
    0
    A company that I don't think has been mentioned yet is Premier Refrigerated Transport. Hiring areas include Knoxville, TN and Orlando, FL.
    Home - Premier Refrigerated Transport
     
    RuralTrucker, Jul 30, 2022
    RuralTrucker, Jul 30, 2022
    #45
    Another Canadian driver and glbtrekker Thank this.
  8. Jul 30, 2022 #46
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,538
    169,458
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Yeah, I think the Florida terminal is in Zellwood, FL
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2022
    Chinatown, Jul 30, 2022
    Chinatown, Jul 30, 2022
    #46
    Another Canadian driver and glbtrekker Thank this.
  9. Jul 30, 2022 #47
    glbtrekker

    glbtrekker Bobtail Member

    9
    26
    Jul 22, 2022
    0
    Thanks everyone, I'm old enough to realize that every job has it's challenges. Often times what determines the difference is a person's attitude. A positive attitude, a humble spirit and kindness can take you far in life. The absence of those qualities can make any job feel like misery.

    I do appreciate the insights given here and I can learn from the experience of others whether positive or not. Personally, I choose to look for the best in a new opportunity while being aware of any potential drawbacks. I feel those negative concerns have been adequately expressed in various outlets by individuals who are struggling with their career choice for whatever reason.

    And yes, I have much to consider, but the appeal of seeing the country (at least some of it), and having some "quiet" time (no meetings, counseling sessions, teaching responsibilities, etc.), while earning a living is intriguing. Sure, you have to deal with disgruntled individuals here and there, but I'll assure you, they are everywhere :).

    Now, back to the original question. Does anybody have an opinion on a good starter company? I'm leaning toward contacting Millis, but I would also like to run all 48 if possible.

    Also, is $50-60k + benefits reasonable to expect for the first 1-2 years? And then find a position earning closer to $80-100k, i.e. someone like Walmart?

    Thanks again everyone!
     
    glbtrekker, Jul 30, 2022
    glbtrekker, Jul 30, 2022
    #47
    Another Canadian driver Thanks this.
  10. Jul 30, 2022 #48
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,538
    169,458
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Chinatown, Jul 30, 2022
    Chinatown, Jul 30, 2022
    #48
    Another Canadian driver and glbtrekker Thank this.
  11. Jul 30, 2022 #49
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,538
    169,458
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Walmart requires 30 mos. experience.
     
    Chinatown, Jul 30, 2022
    Chinatown, Jul 30, 2022
    #49
    Another Canadian driver Thanks this.
  12. Jul 30, 2022 #50
    lual

    lual Road Train Member

    4,655
    8,353
    Oct 22, 2020
    SW Georgia
    0
    @glbtrekker --

    A good starter company?

    See posts 14, 17, 19, 27 & 48 in this same thread.

    Walmart is NOT a "starter" company; as stated above--they require at least 30 months experience--& they also will "slip seat" you for your first several years there (ecccchhh!!!).

    Millis is indeed a good starter company, but you probably won't see all of the lower 48 with them. Mostly the eastern US.

    I started out with Schneider. If you want to see all of the lower 48, pass them by. Being in TN--you probably won't see west of I-35 with them.

    If I had it to do over again, knowing what I now know--I would probably give Swift a call. Your odds of seeing the entire lower 48 are MUCH better with them. With Swift--you could start out doing dry van, & then later switch over to reefer duty (if you still wanted to)--and also stay with the same employer.

    If you started out with Swift--you would also have access to all their terminals/dropyards--as well as those for Knight Transportation (Swift's "sister" company). Especially for a beginning driver--having access to a lot of terminals/dropyards for safe, legal, respectable parking is a BIG advantage.

    For that matter--Knight Transportation is also another good "starter" company, as well. Same thing there--you'd have access to all of Swift's locations, too.

    Another advantage with Swift (or Knight)--the business world says we're now going into a recession. No one really knows (yet) just how bad (or long) it will turn out to be.

    Running with a carrier like Swift or Knight that has a VERY LARGE base of freight is a really good place to be in an economic contraction.

    They will be much more likely to keep you running--instead of sitting and waiting for your next load.

    --Lual
     
    lual, Jul 30, 2022
    lual, Jul 30, 2022
    #50
    Another Canadian driver, glbtrekker and Northern Nomad Thank this.
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