ESTES Express (5 Year Review)

Thanks for this. Yeah they seemed pretty happy about me wanting to stay out on the road. I see from this thread it’s better to travel west and south (except CA) than to stay in the northeast, so I’ll definitely try to let central know I’m interested in venturing out further. I’m tired of the northeast anyway and want to see more. I love the idea of having my breaks in other states, and I have family out west, so I’m hoping to get close to there on my breaks so I can see them too. But I realize at the end of the day, I’m there to move the freight they need, so I’m focused on the work they need me to do, wherever that is.


How was it for you when you traveled out? What’s the longest you stayed out? Did you travel light? Also did you pretty much eat out every day/meal? I’m used to that, but I just wish to be able to buy a little more at a time without it spoiling, so I don’t have to stop as much.

 

Good thing about a cooler on wheels is that it can act as part of a three piece bed in the cab, add a mat and pillow, then when ever your tired or can't find a hotel room, you have something to fall back on. I still use this one daily even for my scheduled run. Amazon.com : Coleman Portable Rolling Cooler | 50 Quart Xtreme 5 Day Cooler with Wheels | Wheeled Hard Cooler Keeps Ice Up to 5 Days : Coolers : Sports & Outdoors

Don't overbuy supplies, weekly or 3 day tops, plenty of walmarts to bobcat too or even stop in at on the road. Hotels are your friend, prepare meals in your room and for the next day on the road. Stay out 2-3 months at a time, Central will love you. Don't forget points at hotels (I'm still using mine) for free stays, points at Love's, free supplies and refills, 6th day driving $100 bonus for the week, even xtra board.

 

You may or may not know the answer to this question but most ltl guys know drivers from other carriers. I got a job offer at OD in the process of on board with them at the moment.

But do they offer any 6th day bonus if you stay out longer then 5 days? The terminal manager said they will only let you stay out for 2weeks at a time.. i applied for a team driving position in Atlanta, Ga.. i guess ill ask all these questions in orientation im just overly excited i suppose lol.

 

No idea, LTL is different with each carrier and even at our own terminals to a degree. OD is a good outfit, good luck!!

 

Not I, lol. Nothing like being home every night. Set schedule, regular sleep pattern. Can always do a 6th day, now I meet my regular run meet driver for the 6th day. If you have Saturday/Sunday off do a layover every other weekend, get that sixth day over for two weeks in one shot. Get that staying out bull satisfied, chuckle.

 

That was how we had to open every trailer at Yellow