Experience with YRC ( includes YRC, New Penn, USF Reddaway and Holland

Ok, I'm in. My 30 day probation is over as of today. Man I love this job (line haul). I knew this would be a perfect fit for me. Sure is nice to finally go to terminals I've been to before. lol This job is so freakin easy. I'm blown away how nice & helpful everyone is. This whole month I've only ran into 2 whiners & 1 smartasss dispatcher (326). I took today & tomorrow off to get stuff I've learned I want/need (12 volt cooler, totes & collapsible dolly, etc...).
Having said all this, I must warn this is not for most people. So far, I don't think I've seen/met a single guy under 30. Makes sense. I know I could have never done this when I was young. Alot of things one needs to consider before rushing into a job like this. Not trying to scare anyone off, just sayin.

 

Hi, Squonk. I'm 34 and attending a CDL school right now. Having a a wife and kids that enjoy seeing me more than a weekend a month, LTL sounds so much better to me than OTR. What aspects of the job make you say that it's not for most people?

 

I can answer that.

As heard from both squonk and skinny trucker, and a friend of mine who does it as well, it can be very stressful for someone young like my age. Will have to work weekends, crazy hours, and on call quite a bit until you get senority. As a road driver you might also be out for a night or two(unless you run teams). I like being able to hang with friends at night and even on the weekends (I am a city driver) HAving a crazy schedule would be stressful for someone like myself, but it seems as that you are older, with more responsiblities, and the more money is better for you. Like someone like myself and squonk. Both single guys pretty much on our own, as I am 23 and like going out and doing things and while hes 51 wouldnt want to to the things I do.

In your situation being married and having kids, the road driver wouldnt be terrible for you. Youd make a lot more money and would be home most nights and would have two consecutive days off as well. The terminal my friend works out of maybe stays out twice a week, other than that hes mostly home

 

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. If given the choice, I'd probably lean toward road driver for the exact reasons you mentioned. Thanks, I appreciate the input.

 

From what I know road driver is the way to go. Your truck is already hooked and you do the pre-trip. Then drive to your destination, they give you the directions and can always ask another driver they will always be helpful(at my terminal if you aren't you have to deal with a pissed of shop steward) once you get to your destination you will either be put to rest or will turn and burn. Either way you pull into the yard and go clock in. If the switcher is on duty they will break down your set and hook the next while you are waiting(yes you are paid), if there is no switcher then you will do it.

They put you in a fairly decent hotel as well. Make sure you take EVERYTHING out of the truck because you may not drive it again. All road units are REQUIRED by the contract to have a/c. For whatever reason something is wrong they will fix it or give you a diff rig

That is all I really know about road driving. Hopefully squonk, catfish1 or skinny trucker will add something

 

where are all the yrc cheerleaders, 6 days now and not a hit.............

 

Well, I'm still lovin it. Bought me a 12 volt cooler, boy what a good investment that was. Ok, time for a meet/turn in Old Washington, OH. Where the hell is Old Washington, OH? lol

 

WOW! I really hope it gets better for you. Too bad you arent in NY, the terminal north of us is HURTING for road drivers, theyve been asking us if anyone is interested in going up there

 

huh.............

 

What kind of supplies are needed for the linehaul road driver? I know that i'm gonna need a radio box. I've done some research and came up with the k40 roadcase plus. It doesn't seem fancy and its the price range that i can afford.