Need some experienced drivers input

Yeah, if you are pulling a 53' trailer, especially across state lines. How can that not qualify as experience?

Even better aspect of the "local" gig, if you punch in and out each day (and work less than 12 hours, I believe the number is...) you don't need to run a log book!

Mikeeee

 

only if you stay within a 100 mile radius of your homebase you dont have to run a log

 

Yes the big companies that have over 100% turnover, and want to charge you for training(and if you don't complete the required amount of service time they charge you), don't consider local or even regional jobs as experience, or non current experience, even if you have decades of it. And none of those companies should even be considered by a decent driver unless truly desperate!

 

Job satisfaction must be factored in also. I hated local runs; stayed tired all the time, more traffic to deal with. For me, OTR 48 states was best. For some, home every night is best. You can't enjoy hometime with the family if you're not satisfied with the job.

 

And here I always thought the big companies didn't consider local(specially LTL)experience was cuzz the local guys could back to well--and they would hurt the big carriers reputation!!
LMAO:-]

 

From what I was told by the insurance carrier, local or over the road is not what they look at. Driving and a clean record is important, it is what these megga flea bags make up for experience is where some are caught in a catch 22, so the carrier makes up the rules and many are self insured so the bean counting desk jockeys are the ones to blame.

 

I too thank you for your service!...welcome home.

That 100 mile radius log-book thing is 100 air-miles not road-miles. Doesn't matter how many road miles it takes ya to get 100 air-miles away from your home terminal as long as yer never outside of the air-mile radius.
Some companys may require you to run a log-book just incase you do get outside that radius.

Another benefit to the hourly gig is that when yer sitting at a dock, broke down on the road, waitin' for a train, etc,,,yer on the clock.
When these things happen and your on a percentage deal it's usually on you. Sometimes a company will pay you for sitting somewhere but it's usually a pittance and only after a couple hours.

 

Yes, that is what I meant on the "local experience". I just did 3 years in a local job driving military rigs, Freightliners, Hemmts (all versions + trailers), Humvee's, Flatbeds, hauling cans, all terrian forklifts, etc. Then was told by my new company that it "doesn't count as experience".

I watched two local drivers be told the same thing. They wanted "OTR" experience...

I agree, pretty crappy.

OP: it's your call. If the local job looks stable, that's where I'd go.

 

Remember you are unique, just like everyone else! hehehehe

I love the local runs. No surprises like shipper/receiver hours, hunting for the nearest scale, weight limited roads, low clearance warnings en route, worried that I won't get loaded in time to get to a TS before it is filled up, etc...

Mikeeee