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Considering the switch

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ILucky VI, Nov 6, 2013.

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  1. Nov 6, 2013 #1
    ILucky VI

    ILucky VI Bobtail Member

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    Oct 7, 2013
    Berea kentucky
    0
    I currently drive a sprinter van for a medium size expediting company. I don't own the van I drive but I do have a nice owner which is nice. My dislikes about driving the cargo van is the sitting around waiting on a load that can take days, sleeping on an air mattress, and other things generally associated with living out of a cargo van. I do enjoy the driving aspect of the job a lot and being away from home isnt that bad either as im 24 single with no kids. My question is does switching to driving a big truck for one of the driver mill companies a good idea? Ive been considering the normal companies like Swift, PAM, and Schneider to try and become employed with. Have any of you all made that switch or know someone who has? Any insight good or bad is greatly appreciated
     
    ILucky VI, Nov 6, 2013
    ILucky VI, Nov 6, 2013
    #1
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  3. Nov 7, 2013 #2
    Pound Puppy

    Pound Puppy Heavy Load Member

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    May 31, 2010
    Amherst, OH
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    Do you already have a cdl? If you do thats a leg up. If not then you are better off to start with a large carrier to get your first years experience. The first year is the toughest, low pay and adjusting to the job. After that the pay gets better and your option at better companies open up. In 2-3 years you will be up around$ 50-55,000/yr. First year maybe 28-32,000. Just gotta pay your dues at first. I think it is worth it personally.
     
    Pound Puppy, Nov 7, 2013
    Pound Puppy, Nov 7, 2013
    #2
  4. Nov 7, 2013 #3
    Night Prowler

    Night Prowler Medium Load Member

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    Aug 9, 2013
    Temple, Texas
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    Youll have alot nicer place to sleep and live. more comforts like home. Go for it ! Good luck !
     
    Night Prowler, Nov 7, 2013
    Night Prowler, Nov 7, 2013
    #3
  5. Nov 7, 2013 #4
    missjhawk

    missjhawk Medium Load Member

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    Jul 24, 2013
    nutbush
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    if you tired of sleeping in a van. its time to bow out gracefully. be nice about it and find other means of employment. in your message you don't say u have cdl. if you do hope you have endorsements its a good investment. GOOD LUCK!!!!
     
    missjhawk, Nov 7, 2013
    missjhawk, Nov 7, 2013
    #4
  7. Nov 7, 2013 #5
    ILucky VI

    ILucky VI Bobtail Member

    37
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    Oct 7, 2013
    Berea kentucky
    0
    I do not currently have a cdl as the carrier I'm with doesn't require one for cargo vans or sprinters. I did talk to my owner about once I finish up my required time for going to one of the big carriers driving school of driving a straight truck or tractor for him as I like him as a person and a boss. Real fair guy like last week I got a bad sinus infection he let me go home and rest to get better. I know the big carriers all seem to have their draw backs but is one any better or worse than the others or do they all have similar pro's and con's?
     
    ILucky VI, Nov 7, 2013
    ILucky VI, Nov 7, 2013
    #5
  8. Nov 7, 2013 #6
    windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    Sep 2, 2011
    NEPA
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    I got my CDL through a community college where I lived. Cost around $1000 out of pocket, and I wasn't locked into a contract with any particular carrier. If I were inclined to train with one of the 'majors' to get my CDL, it would have been Prime, hands down.
     
    windsmith, Nov 7, 2013
    windsmith, Nov 7, 2013
    #6
  9. Nov 7, 2013 #7
    ILucky VI

    ILucky VI Bobtail Member

    37
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    Oct 7, 2013
    Berea kentucky
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    I havent heard much about prime, guess Ill be doing some google searching while here at the loves ts.
     
    ILucky VI, Nov 7, 2013
    ILucky VI, Nov 7, 2013
    #7
  10. Nov 7, 2013 #8
    windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    www.primeinc.com

    There's also a Prime section in the forums here.

    Prime seems to be a polarizing carrier. People either love them or they hate them. There seems to be no in between.

    One of the guys that I went to CDL school with ended up going with Prime. He says it's the best decision he's ever made.
     
    windsmith, Nov 7, 2013
    windsmith, Nov 7, 2013
    #8
  11. Nov 7, 2013 #9
    ILucky VI

    ILucky VI Bobtail Member

    37
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    Oct 7, 2013
    Berea kentucky
    0
    are they all o/o or company driving?
     
    ILucky VI, Nov 7, 2013
    ILucky VI, Nov 7, 2013
    #9
  12. Nov 7, 2013 #10
    windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

    7,296
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    Sep 2, 2011
    NEPA
    0
    They have company driver positions as well as lease opportunities. The cost of their lease opportunity is very high, IMO. But, there are folks that do very well with that program.

    From what I've read, their in-house CDL training is top-notch. As long as you get the right trainer.
     
    windsmith, Nov 7, 2013
    windsmith, Nov 7, 2013
    #10
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