Got my monthly jb hunt call

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ad356, Sep 20, 2017.

  1. BQ Truck Driver

    BQ Truck Driver Light Load Member

    153
    244
    Mar 10, 2017
    0
    You had a bad experience with one mega company where you barely were had a cup of coffee, yet blast all "megas" as if they are the work of the devil. Are there some pitfalls? Absolutely. Is there any company out there that is absolutely perfect for every driver's individual situation? Definitely not.
    Many of these larger "training companies" provide an avenue into this industry some may not have gotten otherwise. There are folks at the "megas" for 10-20-30 years, same with smaller companies. What may not be your cup of tea, may taste terrific to the next guy.
    Personally, I got my start with prime with thought of leaving after first year. That year has come and gone. I drive a '17 peterbilt auto with apu, sirius radio, directv in my bunk and a $1300+ (net) check that hit my account around 10 last night. Like you, I am from western NY, but am happily sitting in Cali as I type this. Some folks, like you, just aren't cut out for this life. I have been around the world in my younger years and now travel this country, getting paid to do both. Some folks would be miserable driving the same areas, with same views day in, day out.
    At the end of the day, just because you feel you got a raw deal at ONE large company, doesn't mean all experiences are similar. You get out, what you put in.
     
    Western flyer and Chinatown Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

    2,138
    3,179
    Mar 13, 2017
    0
    That is all certainly true, still some things have to change. The government creates allot of problems for the industry. When I did the Werner thing I found complete and total lack of parking at times coming up on the mandatory 30 minute break.

    I don't know how anyone with kids can do this. I love my son to death, and need to have a good steady relationship. Had I gotten into this years ago and desired otr, I would not have gotten married or had kids. I am 36 years old so I entered this industry almost mid life.

    I don't really go the same places either, I have go all over wny. I like familiarity with the general area, but that's not to say that I am an enecloypedia of any.

    Yesterday I did 3 loads out of downtown buffalo and then go back to the yard picked up a load of millings and go to orchard park.

    Frankly I'm a nervous wreck driving somewhere I'm not familiar with.

    It's been almost a year and I'm still driving, at least I didn't give up. Different strokes for different folks. If you ever do get tired of otr and live in wny I would suggest you check out Serafini.
     
  4. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

    2,138
    3,179
    Mar 13, 2017
    0
    The mega company did get me started, would my company have hired me right out of school empty handed, I don't know. I went here green but at least there was grass growing so to speak.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    74,707
    169,882
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Friend of mine, several years older than me, from my little hometown in Tennessee, was a merchant seaman for over 40 years. He always got jittery when he was home for a few days. He just couldn't take routine and if he wasn't moving he started pacing the floor. I have my Ordinary Seaman papers and planned to move to Singapore to work on a ship ported there and take the family, but that's where the wife drew the proverbial "red line", so I honored her wishes. Just as you said, @BQ Truck Driver , we're all different. The work choices and various lifestyles isn't a "one size fits all."
     
  6. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

    2,138
    3,179
    Mar 13, 2017
    0
    At least there are options within the industry. I guess I was so used to being at home at night I could not cope. I bet I'm not the first driver that failed to adjust to otr lifestyle. Have I failed within the industry? I would say no. I'm still making a positive contribution to society and the industry.
     
  7. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

    2,138
    3,179
    Mar 13, 2017
    0
    And im getting some great practice backing in a large dump truck, into areas you could never take a tractor trailer. It's still a challenge.
     
  8. BQ Truck Driver

    BQ Truck Driver Light Load Member

    153
    244
    Mar 10, 2017
    0
    I wouldn't say you failed either, you went through a few companies but have found one you like, that's great. However, bashing all "megas" as if they are evil is nearly nonsensical, many ppl have long careers with some. I don't see myself staying at prime forever but they trained me, gave me a job at better pay than some folks that have driven years at other companies and have been completely fair to me throughout. There isn't a negative thing I have to say regarding them and they are certainly a "mega." Might I find a better fit down the line as life works itself out (kids, relationships, etc), certainly but for now I am building experience, being paid and treated well until that time arrives.
     
  9. ad356

    ad356 Road Train Member

    2,138
    3,179
    Mar 13, 2017
    0
    Maybe prime is better I don't know
     
  10. Oldfart trucker

    Oldfart trucker Light Load Member

    101
    86
    Jun 12, 2017
    0
    Tell them you will find them drivers $50.00 from the time they leave home until they t
    return home
     
  11. rocco92

    rocco92 Bobtail Member

    35
    6
    Aug 20, 2017
    0
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.