Newbie intro and couple questions

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by irishlad, Jun 16, 2013.

  1. irishlad

    irishlad Light Load Member

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    I got approved and have my grant for WIA starting the Roadmaster Course in Orlando in one week , Ive got 2 pre hires one from Stevens and the other from Werner ( of course) Im excited to start this lifestyle and beginning a new path in my career ..I come from a executive life of sales and management all corporate and am anxious to have some freedom hopefully more job security and maybe see and learn something along the way. Single no kids at home and no relationship so no ties to home so figuring I'll jump right in to OTR long haul dont need to be home any certain time and have low low home bills so Im looking to make a bunch as fast as possible

    not being a driver yet my employer dream sheet is

    400-500 week training
    short time with a trainer
    automatic
    e logs (im a nerd)
    hires from central florida
    dry or reefer no flat bed

    I know I know I am clearly a rookie but seriously good pay and short training are probably my biggest wants

    if you know of a company like Id appreciate a heads up Ive read so many companies reviews Im blind ...errghhh

    who pays the best for school grads?
    who has the shortest training?
     
  2. kw_w900

    kw_w900 Bobtail Member

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    on your list of things did you mean an automatic transmission? if so you do realize that most companies use stick right? and you also know that if you haven't driven a stick shift in a while that an insurance co might make you take a refresher course before they take a gamble on you? usexpress had automatics but I think they were phasing them out or atleast some of them i'm not sure though. you can call em and see. be safe:biggrin_25520:
     
  3. CCJR76

    CCJR76 Light Load Member

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    Nice, I did the WIA myself up in Jacksonville, went to National Truck Training..Im in the same boat with you..single, and no kids feels good to be out here and roam this great country of ours..The only companies I know of that hire out of central FL with autos is Comcar and Transam i think..not sure on training timing think transam is a lil long 6-8 weeks or so..or Windy Hill out of Eustis not autos, but they def hire out of central fl..
     
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  4. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Not one company pays good.You in the corporate world and now a trucker.You're going from white collar to blue collar.Better get the idea of making a bunch of money out of your head,in trucking that just won't happen.But you don't have alot of bills and single so that's a plus.Why do you wanna hurry up an finish training,trucking will still be there.Just phocus on getting the exp and less on your dream of getting rich.
     
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  5. Catfish23

    Catfish23 Light Load Member

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    Maverick has temp controlled. They are all autos but not sure if hiring in Florida.
     
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  6. kw_w900

    kw_w900 Bobtail Member

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    I forgot to bring that up about making a bunch of $$$ if he wants to become a millionaire then he needs to find another line of work. let me guess all the companies told you that there drivers are getting 3000 miles a week right? don't count on it not saying that you won't get that many but recruiters are used car salesmen it's there job to sell you on there company and if they don't then they get fired. you'll be surprised what a driver does and don't get paid for it do you think you''ll be paid for fueling up or sitting in the shop theres a lot of things that you won't be paid for to be honest. get your exp first and that magical year under your belt then you'll be able to move on. school will teach you how to drive a truck yes but once your out there alone or with a trainer you'll to busy learning the laws and regs traffic bevaviour freight lanes if the trucks front heavy or back heavy.
     
  7. kirk

    kirk Medium Load Member

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    Check out Trans Am Trucking in Olathe, Kansas. They have all of what you mentioned.
     
  8. sharecropper

    sharecropper Light Load Member

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    "I know I know I am clearly a rookie but seriously good pay and short training are probably my biggest wants"


    Rookie, "right", seriously good pay. "NOPE" Tell me it's good pay when you've worked 90 hours and you find out you could have made more at McDonalds. Short training here again, "NOPE" Every driver on here will tell you they are still learning and it never stops. When you get your first pay check take a look at the hours these cut rate companies make you work free then write back and tell us which off shore bank you are using.
     
  9. CCJR76

    CCJR76 Light Load Member

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    ..I am new to trucking(graduated school in april) and good homework/research paid off for me. I landed a regional job with a company out of Jacksonville FL Rinaudo Heavy Haul and have no complaints about it, 1st solo check last week was $1000 took home 750 n change after taxes and some equipment I ordered for my truck(height pole, extra chains, and a twic badge) now I just finished week #2 and already have two oversize loads under my belt. training was 4 weeks long, now don't get me wrong Im no expert and never will be in this line of work but I take my time chaining down and make sure my load is secure by doing a cpl laps around the truck touching every chain or strap before I head down the road, and do my 150 mile or 3 hr load check especially on rubber tire machines..with that being said there is money and potential out there just up to the individual and how hard they are willing to work for it...my new motto is "Work Hard...Play Hard"...
     
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  10. sharp.dressed.man

    sharp.dressed.man Heavy Load Member

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    McDonald's here pays 7.25x90 hours that's 652.50. If you are making less than that driving you either had to take a bad gig because of a ###### record or you're doing something very wrong.