Old Dominion--A Newbie's Experience

No problem! I've been sick this week, so no work, and answering your questions will give me something to do.

Even though I haven't worked for Conway, there are a TON of ex-Conway drivers at OD. They all tell the same story: tired of working the dock all the time instead of driving, working 14 hour days everyday with only 2-3 of those hours being driving, etc. Like I said, I've never worked for them, so I don't have anything to really judge Conway by except their stories, but they certainly seem glad they're not working for Conway anymore.

Anyway. It seems like you'd be an ideal candidate for OD. I wouldn't worry too much about getting your full year in; I was hired right out of school. They're more interested in your safety record and your general work ethic. Having all your endorsements will help; they won't even look at you if you don't have doubles, hazmat, and tanker (yes, tanker, because we do a lot of bulk hazmat hauling). But you already have those so it shouldn't be a problem. And you'll have no problem making 1000/wk before taxes, especially if you do linehaul, and they need linehaul drivers.

I'll try to answer your questions here:

Whats the hourly pay and schedule like for p/d?
P/D makes 21.85 to start and they usually get at least 10 hrs a day. I don't really know too much about P/D, since I drive linehaul, but depending on the size/location of the terminal, P/D guys can start anytime from early morning and finish late evening, and some even work the weekend. I'm not sure what the pay raise schedule is for P/D drivers.

Linehaul is where you want to be if you work for this company. They started me at $.4778/mile, raised to $.498/mile after my training period was completed, and after I complete my first year, I'll get bumped to $.54/mile with yearly raises until I top out at $.59/mile. I'm on the extra board, but I have a daytime start with a Thursday through Monday work week. I like my schedule, even though it means I get home when the wife is sound asleep and I don't really get to see her unless I have a run that leave later in the day. Both positions get full benefits after 90 days, and you'll be fully vested in the 401k after a year.

can you get full time on p/d? If not can you do forklift for some extra hours?
Yes, but only if you're hired as a "combo" driver, and those are generally folks who started on the dock to begin with and went through OD's driver training. If you're hired as a P/D or linehaul driver, you will only drive. But I wouldn't worry about not getting enough hours with this company; they have more than enough work to keep you busy.

do they mostly hire in the spring? Or all year long?
All year long. Just be ready for a lengthy hiring process. Apply ASAP!

which terminals would you recommend in ohio.
Columbus. That place is HUGE! But I would apply to Toledo and Dayton as well. If you're looking to relocate, might I suggest Indianapolis? They're growing like crazy and are always hiring.

Good luck! Even though I'm a big fan of where I work, if Conway is what will work for you, do proceed with them. I promise I won't be offended

 

I would still try, regardless. Your history doesn't scream "unsafe driving," more like bad luck. ABF would be a good one to try, too, although the terminal in Indy told me that the company wants two years experience. But hey, the only way to definitely not get a job is to not apply, right?

Also, ask OD about tuition reimbursement. Did you do a company school or did you pay for it on your own? They *might* reimburse you if the school qualifies.

I totally understand about moving out of state too. It took my wife forever to get an IN title to her car! I just thought I'd suggest since Indy is always hiring.

 

Both. They do get a lot of applicants, and it took around 3 weeks or so for me to get through the interview process. I was lucky because I could go talk to the regional HR guy directly since he's based in Indy, so that "fast-tracked" things a little.

 

Wow! Bet you guys thought I forgot about this thread, haven't you?

Not really, but I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to sit down and give a proper update.

Still running hard with OD! Been averaging 24-2500 miles a week. They've been keeping us busy, especially with the holidays, although we've had a weather-related slowdown this week.

Some of the more interesting places I've been the past 2 weeks:

Detroiter Truck Stop for a meet

Paducah, KY terminal--probably in the least likely location for a trucking terminal I've ever seen! VERY narrow driveway, and off a residential neighborhood.

Stay warm out there! The midwest is getting pounded by winter weather.

 

Had a rough week last week. Bagged out twice due to weather and other various delays. Oh well, that's trucking, right?