NC from IT field to Trucking

eclipsetrucker · Jun 29, 2022

lual said: ↑

I think that....especially given your location....the suggestions Chinatown made in posts 8 & 10 above are tough to beat (Old Dominion). Find out what schools they hire from in your area--then go there. You may then get a world-class LTL job--right out of the gate.

The info given above in posts 18 & 19 is also pretty much spot on--figure out what you want first--then work backwards from there.

As you exit CDL school--get all those endorsements: tanker, hazmat, & doubles/triples. You will need all of them for most of the better paying gigs (like LTL).

The suggestions made about Covenant Transport are worth a look--they are real big into teams. But the pay & benefits will probably be much better over at Old D.

Avoid any/all intermodal-type job positions--until you have at least a year of experience (or more).

If you decide you'd like to try tanker duty sooner rather than later, then given your location you should know about Tidewater Transit:

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES | tidewater-transit

They consider newly minted CDL grads. Call them to find out what CDL schools they prefer.

If you decide that neither LTL nor tanker is for you, then you should know about US Express. US Express is REAL BIG into team driving, and is mostly dry van duty. I think they are based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Here's a link to a US Express job, via an Asheville zip code:

CDL-A Teams: TOP TEAM PAY IN THE NATION & $30,000 SIGN ON BONUS/SPLIT! | U.S. Xpress (usxjobs.com)

US Express will (currently, at least) require 3 months or more previous driving experience--for a team situation.

You might call them and ask what they offer for new CDL grads.

A while back, I spoke at length to a gentleman who drove team with his wife for US Express. He told me that they made so much money with them, and saved so much of it...that they were able to retire in less than 10 years. Think about it (and no, he was not a recruiter ).

If all else fails (repeat: if all else fails)--you could try out my old alma mater--Schneider. They have a terminal over in Charlotte, NC.

They will start you out team driving with zero experience:

Team Van Truckload truck driver | Top drivers earn up to $99,000 | Up to $20,000 sign-on bonus per team | Schneider (schneiderjobs.com)

For CDL schooling and payment options (including paid CDL training), you can check this out:

Paid CDL training | Schneider (schneiderjobs.com)

You could get started out with Schneider (dry van duty, almost all "drop & hook"--VER-RY LITTLE sitting and waiting), then move on to a better paying gig--like US Express.

Many people love to "pile on" and badmouth Schneider (and the other so-called "mega-carriers"), but hey, I got my start there....and (wow!!! ) I survived.

I speak from experience--being on-board with a mega-carrier during a recession is actually not a bad place to be--they will have plenty of freight to keep you moving.

Plus--their terminal network and dropyards offer end-of-shift parking options you won't get at a smaller carrier--this availability has saved my bacon on many a day, as a newer driver.

If I can do it....I think you probably could, too.

What's that old jingle...."whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"....?

--Lual
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the advice. That gives me a lot to think about which I greatly appreciate. I will keep you all posted which direction I go in.

homeskillet · Jun 30, 2022

lual said: ↑

Old Dominion is a very good choice. It's pretty hard to find a disgruntled OD driver, actually.

The REAL question there is--will you like/enjoy doing linehaul/P&D/LTL type work?

I think their website will tell you from what school(s) they like to hire, too--prove me wrong on that.

Why do I (and so many others) like tanker better?

The tanker world offers a lot of advantages to drivers that other forms of freight simply can't match.

Generally better pay than some other types of freight (especially on the hazmat side); much better treatment/respect at stops/from customers; better visibility when looking back/behind the trailer; much easier to drive in windy conditions; easier backing; fixed trailer tandems; no more sweeping out/cleaning trailers; generally better comraderie with other (tanker) drivers; NO LUMPERS; no more "bumping docks".....there, that should give you some idea of why.

The tanker world is also arguably the most competitive major segment of the industry....in the search for drivers.

--Lual
Click to expand...

Also, with tankers, ESPECIALLY food-grade tankers, you don't have to play the "go find an empty" game a lot of the door-slammers do.

Dispatch will tell you which trailer to take, and exactly where it is.

You can't go far wrong with ODFL if you're interested in LTL. At least that's what I heard.

LTL just "ain't my flavor". Good luck to ya, tho.

Sirscrapntruckalot · Jun 30, 2022

Lots of good advice given to you so far @eclipsetrucker .

I have one question though..

Do you have a moment to spare to discuss the life changing awesomeness of tacos? Not only will it help the physical emptiness you feel in your stomach, but it will also uplift your spirit. Tacos my friend, are the secret.

My piece of advice that doesn't include tacos? Listen to the folks replying to you. Not me though. Only listen to me when it comes to tacos and the glory that they are.

Good luck in the career switch.

Sirscrapntruckalot -

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