New Class A holder got a question for everyone.

Good. But you are at the stage of the process where you don't know what you don't know yet. All school did is get you a license. You are not prepared to do anything but drive around the school with an empty trailer. You haven't planned a real trip with a real appointment, axled-out a real load on a a real trailer, or paid to weigh the truck, etc. etc. etc. The longest training period is MAYBE 8 weeks unless you show some serious deficiencies in training. You need to focus on the best job you can get and not ignore that goal and look for the easiest/shortest path to a solo truck. I have often compared the process to focusing on the easiest wedding ceremony and little attention given to which spouse you marry. One of those is a thousand times more important than the other thing. 80-90% of newbies begin and leave the industry within 12 months. That happens by focusing on the short-term items and not the long-term goal.

Once you are solo you are going to expected to DO the things without help that you don't yet know need to be done. It is hard to share a truck with another person, but it's necessary and not getting that training just means you greatly increase your chances of the most likely actions that get new drivers fired and almost unemployable anywhere else in trucking.

You will be shocked at how little info you get to do your job if you have ever had any other job before. Trucking could be the most responsible position you will have and also the job with the least practical instruction to do those things as expected.

 

There's no way people are working for 0.38cpm...

 

Agreed.

 

Wow, that is quite far. 2 hours isn't too bad, I will be out 3 weeks anyhow lol

So if I get paired with a certain trainer, I can ask for someone different before we go otr?

If I was to get a good/cool trainer, yes that would be awesome!

I definitely don't expect it to be easy and all. I know I have to gain experience and go with the flow. I just am hoping to know that I am making the right choice. Being that I am basically in a midlife crisis, gave up my comfy federal job and all. I just hope to one day get back into something I like and can once again make a decent living.

Thank you for your messages. So you think I should take the offer from Knight?

 

Unfortunately, I don't have the space to park a truck here. I think Melton will let you bring your truck home, but then I would be stuck paying to park it somewhere. There is a drop yard for May like 30 minutes away from me.

 

That's what I thought! I know I have to start somewhere, but that is lowest I have heard of lol.

 

Of the carriers/offers you've listed -- I would respectfully submit that Knight offers the best mix of training & future opportunities...going forward.

Knight is big enough to also have the freight volumes to keep you moving & making money, after your time out on a trainer's truck.

And yes...if you get a jerk or incompetent trainer -- you can ask for another one.

In hindsight -- I wish I could have gone out with a carrier like Knight (or its sister company, Swift) --.& spent more time on a trainer's truck.

-- L

 

I have to agree with you. I definitely want to do a good job as I am once again starting over. I guess I need to re-think over my options. I know every mega company is going to have some kind of messed up starting situation. I just hope to take the right path as I gave up half of my life on the wrong career already.

I am sure there will be tons of things to learn, as well as many more as time goes on. I can completely relate to your statement. Being that I was a federal employee previously, I know how much stuff they don't teach you or even want you to know, that you have to find/learn for yourself. And yes, it does seem like the least practical instructions are given on this job, which is probably why there are so many that can't cut it or cause issues.

 

Being able to leave the truck at May’s yard trumps everything else, IMO. When you’re home, you won’t have to worry about it being secure and the shop can take care of whatever needs the equipment might have. If there should be a separation, it’s easy for you to clean out the truck and go home. Proximity to the yard is the only reason I stay where I’m at.

May Trucking used to be a decent place, 25yrs ago. They seem to take a beating, these days. I’ve no idea what happened.

 

Will May let you drop the trailer at the drop yard, then bobtail home?
Is the drop yard a secure drop yard?
May is looking good so far.