How long should I stay?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Odin's Rabid Dog, Feb 17, 2020.

  1. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    May 6, 2018
    NW MT
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    I got my Class A in Aug 2017, drove OTR for a white truck mega for 8 months, drove local hauling chips and soda for a few months, drove flats OTR for 3 months last winter, then a few weeks of reefers doubles and belly dumps doubles. I've been back to flats OTR for 3 months again.

    14+ months OTR.

    I have all endorsements but X, I have TWIC, US passport, I go to Canada frequently.

    I have one DOT reportable tow away with minor injuries, not my fault, no tickets.

    I'm happy with my current company, except. Except every time I need something done, like steps added so I wouldn't break my neck climbing into the catwalk, or getting routed home, I have to launch nukes, threaten to quit, then suddenly they take me seriously.

    I ##### hate that.

    I'm living in a brand new T680 with a 36" sleeper. It's ########, and there's no REAL reason for a 36" sleeper. These guys just can't spec a truck for ####.

    Anyhow, just wondering... I've done a ton of job jumping since I started driving 2-1/2 years ago, which kills me when I talk to potential employers.

    I drive pretty hard, I consider anything under 3K miles a week a weak week.

    Anyhow, I know there are good skateboard outfits where I wouldn't have some of these seemingly petty issues, and i know no company is perfect, but I'm looking for advice on how long to stay where I am before I start shopping around.
     
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Gettin' down westbound
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    By a rule ive always found its best to start shopping around when u starting to think about it and sounds like u unhappy . go for it. Where do u live at? Check out any of the daeske companies, they all good flatbed outfits. Lots of good conestoga and curtain side companies in PNW . George van dyke, and some other companies pulling lumber products on them quad axle trailers, jones bro out of missoula, my company dsv is out of missoula as well . i think @Rideandrepair posted them pics of his quad axle flat up in that area . i would search for a smaller company that knows u by name rather than them megas. U will get treated way better
     
  4. Coffey

    Coffey Heavy Load Member

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    Life is to short to be unhappy and miserable.
    I suggest you look really deep into the next company so you can atlest get a year in at one place
     
  5. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    May 6, 2018
    NW MT
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    I live near Kalispell. Freight black hole.

    Jones Bros is a no go for me; Rex and I just don't get along. ;)
     
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  6. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    NW MT
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    I agree. I guess my prima dona attitude don't help. ;)
     
  7. Coffey

    Coffey Heavy Load Member

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    May 14, 2019
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    What type of flat beding interest you the most step deck rgn oversize if you know that look for the company's that can progress you career in that direction I find it easy to do something if you have a goal in mind when going there
     
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  8. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    It was kinda funny, a SPD driver tried recruiting me over the CB last week near Yakima.
     
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  9. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    NW MT
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    I've only pulled highboys and steps so far, with one OD load, local only.

    It's ALL interesting. :)
     
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  10. BUMBACLADWAR

    BUMBACLADWAR Road Train Member

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    That Flathead Lake is Nice. Maybe some runs from Canada to Missoula and back to Canada?
     
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  11. Odin's Rabid Dog

    Odin's Rabid Dog Heavy Load Member

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    NW MT
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    Yeah. I drove down the west shore this past Saturday morning. The Mission Mtns along the east shore are really pretty right now.
     
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