First Post - Possible new career with Carter Express - Several questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by iamchrisstone, Mar 25, 2014.

  1. iamchrisstone

    iamchrisstone Light Load Member

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    Hey guys!

    First of all, awesome forum! I've been coming here for quite some time reading and researching. Everytime I'd get a bug up my butt and think about trucking, I'd end up here. I've just now started an account so I can post, though.

    I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I grew up in Anderson, Indiana but moved away when I turned 18 (I just turned 35). I visit often as most of my family is still there. In fact, my brother works at Carter Express and has gone on and on about how amazing it is. The management, the routes, the hours, the pay, the trucks, etc. This impressed me because he's an old military guy who I figured would be hard to please with a job/career. After speaking with him and been contemplating a career as a driver for years, I've decided to put in an application. Long story short, I'll be having an interview soon. I'm also going to have to relocate, but no problem. I have zero experience nor do I have a CDL but from my understanding, they pay for all of that and all I have to do is agree to at least a year with the company. I've done some research and so far I'm impressed with what I've read online. With all of that being said, I have many questions that I hope you guys can help with:

    1) I'm single and don't need to, nor want to be home but maybe once a month for a couple of days. Maybe twice a month to check on my grandparents since I'll be based out of that area. Realistically, a brand new solo driver on the road non stop minus once or twice a month, what can I look at bringing home? I know I can't get rich, but would like to have an idea. Also, if I have a choice in routes, what routes pay the best?

    2) If you have experience with Carter Express, what is it? Good, bad, etc?

    3) What does the benefit package look like? Health, dental, etc? Retirement? Discounts from mother company or sister companies?

    4) Do you feel Carter Express is a company that you could build a lasting career with? What would you recommend a new driver doing from the beginning to build himself up for a successful career?

    5) What model trucks do the new guys get with Carter?

    6) To maximize the idle/fuel bonus, do you recommend getting some kind of portable a/c unit or the screen/fans for the windows or what?

    7) Any other thoughts, feedback, etc?

    Thanks for everything guys! All of you rock!
     
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  3. iamchrisstone

    iamchrisstone Light Load Member

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    Still reading more on Carter Express. Seems a lot of posts are from years ago, but there still seems to be overwhelming positive over negative.

    And again, I want to make sure I'm successful in this industry so any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
  4. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    Check out all your options...you will be in area that is prime for lots of companies. Only thing that concerns me...this is my opinion...is why their yard is always filled with trucks. This is based on 3 years of passing by there during different days of the week...just strikes me as odd. Yet I have talked to people that are happy there...mostly lease drivers though.
     
  5. iamchrisstone

    iamchrisstone Light Load Member

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    Great question about the trucks. I have no clue but will ask my brother. And yeah, same here - everyone that i've spoke with that has worked there tend to like it.
     
  6. Trapdoor

    Trapdoor Bobtail Member

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    I have 2 friends that work there. 1 does team the other solo. Both are extremely happy. I would be there if I lived near a terminal.

    They both have volvo automatics, no complaints on loads or maintainence. They have told me a lot but I'm bleary eyed tired right now lol, hope that helps a little.
     
  7. TexTrucker

    TexTrucker Medium Load Member

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    I have zero knowledge about the company itself, but honestly it sounds like your brother could answer most of the questions you listed? I mean unless you think he's overly biased and has no issues screwing you over for a referral bonus lol.

    Would you be get a dedicated route or otr 48 states? As for going home once or twice a month.. If you are otr, remember more home time equals less paycheck. Not only do you not get paid for home time, which you expect, you lose miles while they try to route you home. For instance, my loads generally are 1700-2900 miles per. Right now I'm scheduled for days off on Friday, been out since Jan 3rd. My last 4-5 loads have been 700-1000 miles because they are trying to keep me out till Friday and keep me in the area. Of course dedicated is different.
     
  8. iamchrisstone

    iamchrisstone Light Load Member

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    yeah he said they LOVE the automatic volvo's
     
  9. iamchrisstone

    iamchrisstone Light Load Member

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    no. in fact i dont think i qualify for the referral bonus for him since i have no experience or even a cdl. i just wanted to get other people's feedback other than his. From my understanding, they mainly run the NAFTA Highway. Detroit, Dayton, Indy, Knoxville, Arkansas and Texas. That being said, I'd be running right by the house at some point during the month, I'm sure. But I totally get what you're saying - more home time means less money. I wouldn't mind running non stop to be truthful. I just figured once a month home for a couple days wouldn't be too big a hit on the check.

    Thanks for the feedback. Anything else you can think of?
     
    dennisroc Thanks this.
  10. dennisroc

    dennisroc Road Train Member

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    How do they pay for your CDL ? Do you go to school while you are employed there or before they hire you an maybe reimburse the cost.
    Do you know about pay ?
    Can you have riders ?
    Could not find much Info on the website and I am in South Korea right now so it's hard to call a recruiter.
     
  11. iamchrisstone

    iamchrisstone Light Load Member

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    I haven't started so I don't have all of that information. From what I know, I have to have an Indiana DL and Indiana CDL Permit. I have to pass the Carters Express tests that they have (probably character tests is my guess) and physical. Then they send me to the local truck school up there. I believe it's at Ivy Tech in partnership with SAGE. I'm responsible for a couple of small costs but nothing major.

    Pay is pretty good for rookies with 100% no touch freight. And from my understanding, you CAN have riders after any probationary period. That info was from another driver, not the company.
     
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