I'm now at FFE

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Biscuit75, May 11, 2009.

  1. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    So many of you may remember my recent struggles in trying to get back OTR. I decided on FFE after talking to a few of their drivers, seeing the trucks go through Columbus all the time, and the fact that they will allow me to bring my pup.

    So here I am in Illinois at orientation. Day one in the books. Physical, drug screen, paperwork out the dupa, and some boring videos. I am the only one going for company driving. The other 3 here with me are owner ops. Was told today they are getting Volvo's for their new trucks. Also think they are all automatics. That will take some getting used to. Of course I was also told I should be getting a 2009 Volvo and if I didn't get one here I would be sent to Lancaster to get one.... Yeahhhhh, suurrreeee. I know better than that. LOL

    I plan on keeping up on my experience here. Then eventually move into the blogging world. So keep checking back for updates.
     
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  3. Fooman

    Fooman Light Load Member

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    Mar 11, 2008
    SW Indiana
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    Will Do Mildew!

    Glad youre keepin us informed, havent seen much on FFE,
    (......specially since they are letting everybody have new Volvo's!:biggrin_25525:)
    Good Luck!
     
  4. cdweb

    cdweb Bobtail Member

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    Sep 3, 2007
    Brick, New Jersey
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    Thanks keep us updated.. I was thinking about them too.
     
  5. panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

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    glad ya got it all sorted out driver!!! good luck man
     
  6. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    Well, day 2 in the books. Of course it couldn't go smoothly. I was pulled out of orientation half way throught the day and told I was being sent home because of my MVR. Thought this was taken care of before I came up here. Called my recruiter, talked to the safety guy here in Chicago and they checked into it. Less that 15 minutes later the situation was resolved. When they were processing my paperwork at the main terminal in Lancaster, Tx., someone just saw "accident" on my MVR and disqualified me. Well, I had already sent in a copy of the police report that showed it was a deer hit. A couple phone calls later all was fixed and I was back in orientation.

    Later in the day was time for my road test. I was a little nervous because I had not been behind the wheel of a truck since August! I suprised even myself. It's like riding a bike. And it felt good too. Back behind the wheel after so long and everything I've been through with the car accident then being laid off. When I got back to the terminal the girl doing the orientation gave me my truck number. It's a 2009 International Pro Star. Not too shabby!!! I get a newer truck. I go back in the morning, inspect the truck, get my stuff in it, finish up orientation, then I should be on the road sometime tomorrow hopefully.

    I have to say that so far they have treated me very well here. Everyone has been helpful and nice. I have a nice hotel room. They have fed us good food (today was mexican from a local restaurant) and I'm getting a newer truck. I just hope things keep going well.
     
    Fooman Thanks this.
  7. GBRob

    GBRob Bobtail Member

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    May 3, 2009
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    Man, that sounds nice. Are they hiring out of the West Coast? I've been doing research on different companies for a couple months now.

    Congrats and good luck.
     
  8. Biscuit75

    Biscuit75 Road Train Member

    Well, I'm out of orientation. Got that done early yesterday. Got my truck. A 2009 Century Class. Thought it was the International, but it ended up being the Freightliner. I don't make the payments, I don't care. The previous driver ragged this truck hard. It's got damage between the step and front fender on the passenger side, can tell her got in a bind and chewed up the LFO drive tire and scuffed the trailer on the frame, and the inside was trashed! Probably never saw a dust rag or cleaning product until me. And I found the previous drivers "Diploma" from truck driving school. I intend on sending it back to him with a little advice on how to take care of a truck. He had less than a year driving. Judging by the shape the truck was in, maybe he needs to go back and learn something. :biggrin_2552:

    Anyhow, the truck had only 47,500 miles on it. It won't take much to get it back in line. Already talked to maintenance in Lancaster and will get some of things fixed when I get through there. I just need to sweep and scrub the floor and it will be good as new inside. In the mean time I was dispatched from the facility in Chicago to drop a wagon outside Atlanta on Friday. Plenty of time, so I decided to get south of Chicago and go to bed. Did the rest of the drive today and will go in and drop the wagon tomorrow morning. Then who knows where. My Fleet manager has been helpful answering my questions and will hopefully will head up toward home to get the rest of my stuff for the truck.

    So far so good though.
     
    Lonesome Thanks this.
  9. trunch13

    trunch13 Light Load Member

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    Apr 12, 2009
    high desert,ca
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    Keep it coming Biscuit,good stuff
     
  10. solitary_con

    solitary_con Light Load Member

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    Cook County, IL
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    Good luck guy and stay safe.
     
  11. Butcher

    Butcher Bobtail Member

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    Apr 22, 2009
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    Biscuit
    So FFE will not hire you if you have had an accident. I rearended a car 14 months ago. Just minor damage had to replace the bumper. Would not had to do that if it would have been a plastic bumber but it was crome and left a little mark on it. But was cited for failure to control. Only accident in 30 years. What a bummer.
     
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