Just getting started...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by 1badtruckdriver, Apr 13, 2018.

  1. 1badtruckdriver

    1badtruckdriver Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2018
    Mesa Arizona
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    Hi all and thank you for you advice.

    Im starting school next weekend for my CDL-A Az.

    I have a billion questions, but I will start of with a little background and then...

    55 coming out of retirement raised children and cared for a dying parent for the last 7 years.
    Graphic artist for 25 years and former military (Navy).

    My dream is to drive semis tractor trailer. However, I can't disappear for 3-6 weeks at a time.

    Dream job would be gone 2-3 tops 4 max couple days to take care of family and household responsibilities.

    I know that trucking is need of 100s of thousands of drivers from a report I watched recently and bagging a great paying job and negotiating great terms are possible.

    1. What are the GREAT companies to work with? You're personal experience...

    2. Large Corp or small operation?

    I have a billion and will post as questions come up.

    Thanks again for your ADVICE!
     
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  3. 1badtruckdriver

    1badtruckdriver Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2018
    Mesa Arizona
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    Found a sticky page...
    Site is HOOOOOGE!
     
  4. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Jul 11, 2011
    Missouri
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    Bigly. I prefer bigly
     
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  5. 1badtruckdriver

    1badtruckdriver Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2018
    Mesa Arizona
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    Ok Mr. "Bigly" Mike.
    That will be my moniker for you.

    Any pearly words of wisdom for a newbie?
     
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  6. Brickwall

    Brickwall Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2018
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    The driver shortage isn't as bad as the articles make it out to be. I'm of the opinion most of those articles are paid for by the megas who want to import more labor, because they're cheap. Our rates don't reflect such a massive shortage of manpower.

    In your area, Handy and Navajo are two highly reputable companies.
     
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  7. Brickwall

    Brickwall Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2018
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    Small companies are usually the best to work for, but seldom can they afford the insurance premiums to hire a rookie. You'll need to work for a larger company for a year or two before the little guys can afford to hire you.
     
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  8. 1badtruckdriver

    1badtruckdriver Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2018
    Mesa Arizona
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    Cool but jobs seem plentiful? Lot's of turnover, Im assuming...
    Thank for the guidence Brick
    Make it a GREAT day
     
  9. 1badtruckdriver

    1badtruckdriver Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2018
    Mesa Arizona
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    Kind of finding that out as I delve deeper. Fortunately I have a latitude of freedom now that the kids are grown...
     
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  10. Brickwall

    Brickwall Light Load Member

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    Jan 30, 2018
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    Turnover is exactly it. Some of these companies are higher than 100%, which is why they want to bring in foreigners. And lots of us have gotten our authority and look to grow, which opens up new opportunities all the time.
     
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  11. 1badtruckdriver

    1badtruckdriver Light Load Member

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    Apr 13, 2018
    Mesa Arizona
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    Authority? Or did you mean seniority?
     
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