Is there any Good ones Left??

So it would be a great idea to return to the pre-deregulations era of the 70's?

I am not being sarcastic but maybe it would?

 

There are several good advantages that "De-regulation" accomplished, but overall it actually hurt the livelihood of drivers. It opened the door for companies such as J.B. or Swift to come in and "low ball" the freight rates. Before "De-regulation" trucking companies basically were on the same level as far as rates went. Say a load of textiles from the Carolinas going to NYC and the rate was the same for Carolina Freight as it was for Yellow or ABF. The trucking companies did not have "discounts", they got their freight through their service and through "wine and dinning" the customers. Now it is through who has the highest "discounts". And by "discounting" the freight rates, the trucking companies "discount" the drivers on their wages("what goes around, comes around").

 

well.. my 2 cents... i at first avoided going to the big mega carriers and the bottom feeder training compainies..,. and it did not go well.. and so, I made a choice to go with Werner.. and I am very pleased with it... I got on a trainers truck right out of orientation.. now, we did bump heads and I made the decision to call my SDM and see about getting off the truck and on to another.. it was quickly done.. with in a few moments they got us a load going to Omaha, got there they checked me into the hotel, did paper work and stuff the next day, and then on to another trainers truck.. and I am glad.. he was an awesome trainer and taught me a lot..

I am done with training.. I got in early this morning, got my stuff off the truck and am at the hotel.. I have already gotten placed on a dedicated account which I will start as soon as i get my truck, deliver my first load on time and get a bonus, then a few days at home.. it is a good paying account and I am excited to get started...

Now, it doesn't go that well for everyone.. but, in trucking you pave more of your own road then most realize...

the terminals are bizarro places.. drivers who are quitting, drivers who are being terminated and those who are moving forward.. all converge....

the one thing I did was stay away from them, and dont get caught up in the diatibe around the hotel coffee pot... they are the ones wanting it handed to them, they have many crioes and complaints... it is a trap and vortex of negativity...

if you want to succeed.. you got to find the truckers who are succeeding.. and it is not easy.. they are in their trucks.. rolling, sleeping. cleaning oir planning... but, they are out there and if they see you are serious and have a backbone and drive.. they will help..


a good driver can make it just about anywhere..

 

Grouch covered it all...................... only thing I could to that would be try looking at GSF in Conyers Ga. great company.

 

I guess most people don't read.

That's all those ads are to do is entice you to leave your job and enter into the world of bottom feeding frenzy. Here are a few rules

1. NEVER TRUST A TRUCKING COMPANY. You are a dime a dozen and they have your replacement in orientation.

2. Trucking companies don't do anything for your benefit. (WOW I CAN LEASE A TRUCK WITH NO MONEY DOWN OR CREDIT CHECK THANK YOU SIR)

NO thank you for paying for the truck twice what its worth, and when we see you are doing well. We will starve you on the miles. You quit we still have a truck you helped pay for, and some other clown is going to come and rent the truck, pay for the fuel and maintenance. While we sit back and roll in the dough. SUCKER.

OH did you not say provide a great living for your family. OH WE TAKE the trucking payment, fuel, maintenance, and every other thing out of your settlement and what ever is left you can pay your taxes, and help moma with the phone bill. Oh yeah don't go home because when you go home. That payment is going to be taken out your check. So plan your home time wisely.

But I guess if the ads said this. There wouldn't be so many knocking down the door to play share cropper.

 

I agree, there are many factors involved with the lowering of rates, this internet thing is one of them, brokers with low bonds are another issue. I remember my cousin's company and things he had to do, he had to actually send in a rate schedule to the ICC in order to operate interstate. He had 75 trucks at that time and they didn't approve it because it was too low for some items. The really bad thing we have now isn't with the mega companies but some of the mom/pop shops who run on very thin margins and grab anything they can grab to move the truck.

People have a choice, either they want a job or not want a job. No one forces anyone to work in this business or as a professional at this, so for those 100 people who can't make it and blame the company, there are maybe 1000 more who are doing well enough making a living and are pretty much happy with their choice.

 

I think your numbers are backwards. More like 100 make it out of 1000. Not very good odds. There's a reason these companies target newbies. Yes I'm sure if you have been in the business awhile you have a better shot at paying off their truck and not going into bankruptcy. But I think the newbies who do it have a better chance at winning the lotto. IMO

 

I just finished training and tomorrow I will be assigned my truck.. so, I am at a hotel.. well, this hotel has a nice indoor pool and hot tub and I went down there to relax and enjoy the hot tub.. yeah, silly thought, as of course there would other trainees, students and such..

There was one guy on his third trainer and complaining.. cause, of course nothing is his fault.. he said his new trainer called and is on his way and would be here shortly.. So, I asked why he was in the pool,.. cause, usually the trainer is under a load and doesnt want to wait around.. well, he said he knows the ropes.. they call and say they are on their way and it is another 5 hours before they show up..

Well, guess what.. yup.. trainers truck rolled up outside.. calling his room and his cell phone and got no answer he called the front desk.. the lady came into the pool and told him your trainer is outside waiting for you..

well, aparantly he still had to pack his stuff and all... so, the trainer called, got another student assigned as there were others waiting for a trainer and the trainer and his new student rolled off..

well, this guys day got a lot worse.. as he was terminated and now needed to get checked out of the hotel or pay for it himself.. also had to find away home..

Now, he has been warning everyone about what a bad company this is and how they don't give a crap about people... and bla, bla bla...

but, never once does he hold himself accountable.. he should of not have been in the pool and he should of been ready to roll when the trainer shows up..

I had to sit in the lobby for 6 1/2 hours waitingg for my first trainer.. of course it was not the time of my life.. it was what it was.. but as soon as my trainers truck rolled up I grabbed my stuff and headed to the truck.. when you are a trainee you have got to be ready to roll when it is time..

but my point is.. the reason so many don't make it in this industry.. isn't just because the companies are bad...

Seriously, think of some of the ones you have met that didn't make it.. you really want the bar to be lowered to such standards that would allow for the unmotivated, lazy, unhealthy, cry baby individuals to succeed.... I know I sure the hell don't...

 

I'll just stay Union. I do the best job I can with a good attitude. They pay me a living wage to take care of my family.