Just got my AZ! Need help!

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Malyfsborin88, Jul 24, 2019.

  1. Malyfsborin88

    Malyfsborin88 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 24, 2019
    Mississauga
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    Hey guys and gals,

    First of, sorry for being a noob but I tried searching for similar posts but they were quite dated so here goes nothing.

    Just got my license a month ago and I'm ready to start a new career as a professional driver. Also I'm located in Mississauga but willing to travel upto an hour for a decent gig. Now I understand that every industry is hard to get your foot in initially as you start with no experience.

    So I was hoping to get some pointers in the right direction as to which companies are decent to start off with. I have spoken with Challenger, but their training is too long for my liking (8 weeks) even though I know it would make me a very good driver in the end. I have an interview coming up with Laidlaw, have any of you worked for them or know anything about them? I was also looking at Highlight since they take new drivers but haven't spoken with them yet.

    It's kinda hard to get that first job since I don't wanna start with some doohickey company and learn bad habits which are hard to get rid off.

    Anyways, enough of me rambling. I would really appreciate any advice and thanks in advance!

    Edit: Forgot to mention I'm looking for cross border single preferably!
     
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  3. upnorthwpg

    upnorthwpg Road Train Member

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    You need training. Period.
     
  4. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    I think it's best to get on with a local outfit initially to gain experience and be home every night to see if you like the work.
    Then work your way up to longer and longer trips.
     
  5. Malyfsborin88

    Malyfsborin88 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 24, 2019
    Mississauga
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    Hey thanks for the advice. My buddy said the same thing and he's been driving for 11yrs. I'm actually getting a road test for Loblaws in Ajax yard through Revolution staffing. It's quite the commute since I'm in Brampton but they have 6am start so traffic won't be too bad.
     
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  6. Malyfsborin88

    Malyfsborin88 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 24, 2019
    Mississauga
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    Yeah for sure. Laidlaw has training program for new drivers as well.
     
  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    White County, Arkansas
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    Congrats.

    Now the medicine.

    You forget the word Career. That and trucking are not compatible. Your ability to stay in trucking is determined by every day that you are ON time, NO damage, and no one writing you tickets or busted inspections level three two or one and no sassy backtalk on dispatcher. And so on so forth etc.

    There are alot of doohickey companies out there. Mainly in Chicago. God help you. Because you don't yet know.

    You are lucky in some ways, not knowing how bad or ugly it can get out there. It can hurt you. Maybe cost you freedom or perhaps hurt really badly a thousand miles from home facing death potentilly.

    Im not trying to scare you. Im just damaged internally because Ive seen all of that and then some. Precious are the good days when things are Perfect and a dispatcher glows with enough satisfaction to actually tell you great job driver.

    Then he will slap you with something bad so your head does not swell and block the highway. He he he.

    The best drivers in trucking are those who go about their work unnoticed by anyone else. Just Ghosts quietly doing their work, on time, no damage, no drama in particular and staying away from the land of STD's Drugs and lord knows what else.

    Good luck to you. You will learn now in your new journey. It's all on you.
     
    Raamman, upnorthwpg and Malyfsborin88 Thank this.
  8. mezwestrope

    mezwestrope Bobtail Member

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    Welcome to the wonderful world of trucking.

    Do not dismiss Challenger. They are a good company to work for and spending eight weeks with a trainer is just the beginning (and will go by quicker than you think!). I would suggest that you get on with an established company like Challenger or Bison and see if you can get onto a dedicated run. Staying in Ontario or at least Canada for the first 6 months to a year would also be helpful.

    You might want to think about finding an experienced driver who would be willing to team with you.
     
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  9. Malyfsborin88

    Malyfsborin88 Bobtail Member

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    Jul 24, 2019
    Mississauga
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    Just a quick update, passed my road test with Canada Cartage and they offered me a job out of their Ajax terminal. It's a bit of a drive there and back since I'm in Brampton, but gotta start somewhere right. On the bright side, it's local city work for Loblaws (no touch) and I'll be home everyday. Can't beat that I guess!
     
    tinytim and uncleal13 Thank this.
  10. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Congratulations. Thank you for the update
     
    BigHossVolvo and Malyfsborin88 Thank this.
  11. Garththomas

    Garththomas Light Load Member

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    When I completed driving school and got my license the first thing I looked for was a company with a good training program. Then which one paid the most while training. You will find the more help you can get the better. I trained 6 weeks and it was just a drop in the bucket. Best of luck and dont get in a hurry.
     
    Phantom Trucker Thanks this.
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