My personal TMC Journey...

Good luck to you. Being away from home as a over the road truck driver can be hard especially for someone who is not used to being away from family, its not for everyone. Get a laptop and video cam (Skype) with your family during down time would help a lot. Also a data card from Verizon as WiFi isn't always the best or available.

 

Make sure each company puts its policy for pay rates on paper! How much to start, how much you can be advanced, how that is paid back and what is required to move up the pay scale. Good luck to you!

 

Good luck to ya sir. Leaving today for Werner's orientation and I'll be leaving two kiddo's behind as well. But I gotta do, what I gotta do. Safe travels to ya.

 

Better stick with TMC. That's based on what I've learned on this forum. Not going to get too many miles on a Northeast regional run. The "cents per mile" might be higher, but that's no good without the miles to go with it. If it were me, I'd stick with TMC. It's not a lifetime commitment; you can change jobs later if you want.

 

How bout ABF in Seekonk, MA....indeed showed they were hiring for something you would qualify for.

 

General Description of Duties:
This position involves attending an ABF approved Driver Training School.
Upon proper completion of the program, attendees will perform the functions of a Checker/Driver Combined Dock/P&D employee.

Qualifications:
Minimum 21 years of age.
Be able to obtain a Class A CDL with doubles/triples, tanker and hazardous materials endorsements.
Have a good stable work record.
Have a safe driving record (from MVR and previous employment).

Be able to pass DOT pre-employment drug screen and meet DOT medical requirements.

 

II've dealt with union outfits before. The pay/benefits are good if you can deal with the BS. Many times they post those hiring ads when they already know who they're going to hire; usually some union guys nephew or friend. They post the ads to keep from being sued for issues such as nepotism. Even if you get an interview, they drag it out for 2 months, doing background checks, etc. After putting up with them for weeks and you call, they say, "Oh, we found someone more qualified" or "We found someone that's a better fit in our business model." Yes, if you can put up with their mess and politics, it's a decent job pay/benefits wise.