Do you guys like working for dollar general?

Are you good at backing in small crowded parking lots? That's generally what determines if people stay on DG dedicated accounts.
Go look at a parking lot for a standard Dollar General store. Now think about backing your truck and trailer from the street or alternate entrance, if the store has one. The risk, especially for new drivers, is they have pretty poor backing skills and they may not be VERY careful about checking their mirrors A LOT, so they accidentally hit things. It's not unusual for a newbie driver to take one of the dollar type store dedicated accounts, have a few minor backing incidents on the dollar store property and quit or get fired. Now they are a newbie with very little experience, a job termination on their record, and to be looking for the next CDL job. I don't know your trailer backing ability. I have seen many drivers complaining that Dollar General and most other similar type of stores complaining that the parking lots are small, the store employees are grumpy or over-worked, or not very helpful, and how difficult it is for them to find the 2nd job after getting fired in the first few months of their first job.

I generally would not recommend any of the dollar type stores, (Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc) for newbies. That's why most trucking companies with these type of dedicated accounts have so many openings for newbie drivers, most veteran drivers don't want that type of work. It can be a lot of physical labor rolling racks off and on the truck, and big chance of backing into cars, store, shopping cart corrals. If you have good backing skills, patience, and are very discipline then it might be good for you. You have to have an honest evaluation of your skills and your personality.

 

I haven't worked there but "don't do dollar general if you are new" is something I hear quite often.

 

WARNING: GET OUT AND LOOK ("GOAL") -- A LOT.

This/the above will generally be true/valid for ANY "dollar store" type dedicated account (Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, etc).

 

Food service pays much more. Much better companies to work with.

Beverage delivery is a dream job compared to dollar accounts.

No one stays long on the mega company dollar accounts. That is why they are always open.

Hand bombing full trailer loads of freight will kill a driver off. Roller conveyers that are always broken. Customers that hate to work, or even show up for work.

If the busy road backs into tiny parking lots don't get your CDL. The hand bombing freight has drivers so tired, they lose their #### falling asleep at the wheel on the way back to reload.

It is refreshing here to see a new driver that wants to work, but watch what you step into.

 

In your first post you indicated that you did not want food/beverage.

 

Anyone that will hire you.

In some areas, straight out of school, some will hire new drivers. Other areas, fat chance even if having experience. I cannot tell what your local job market is like, even if I knew it.

I just know all these mega trucking companies put that Dollar account out like some carrot, and then churn through drivers in light speed. The money is better than OTR, but never anywhere like the recruiter promised.

Seems like every student is under the impression there is a shortage of truck drivers and they are going to walk away with bank right off the bat. Mega companies fuel that delusion, yet churn through drivers at an unbelievable pace.

Put in apps. everywhere, but don't try to hold out for big money, or even expect it. Develop some experience first.

If inclined to work, look at flatbed too. Just make sure you sign up somewhere that will pay for your work tarping.

 

I would always recommend OTR for a new driver unless their family situation doesn't permit it. Going down the interstate for 10 hours a day and only close quarter maneuvering and backing occasionally is a much more gradual learning curve than most local jobs. Plus you can give yourself a pretty big raise by living in the truck and banking what you would have spent on rent and bills.

 

Try reading it again