only otr for the sc area

Saintman E, I think if you have have a family, especially w/young kids, you would be MUCH better off looking for local types of work. Check out construction companies, garbage trucks, city/county work, concrete mixers, roll-offs, local recyclers, food service, fuel haulers, etc.

It is just (to me) inconceivable for a father to leave his kids during the important years. Times ARE hard, but... there are just some things you shouldn't sacrifice.

All the above is only my opinion, and your mileage may vary.

 

In my experience yes that is true. I have been driving Class B straight trucks for 20 years. 2 years ago I got my CDL Class A and worked for TMC for only 6 months. I left because of personal reasons and I was only making barely $400 a week take home and being away all week and a few times they couldn't get me home, wasn't worth it to me. Plus had problems with parking the truck over the weekend.

Anyhow, most local places want 2 yrs experience tractor trailer experience. Since I only have 6 months nobody will hire me even though I have squeaky clean driving record and been driving class B's for years. I am even finding out Tri-axle dump truck companies want 2 yrs experience on those type of trucks. I just got jerked around by a company for 5 weeks saying I was going to get a 2nd interview and be hired only to tell me they need experienced Tri Axle guys only (after they said I was ok). Cement mixer companies also look for experience. Also remember its a employers market out there, lots of people out of work and lots of new CDL drivers coming out of the schools so they have their pick of the litter.

Since I left TMC I haven't been able to find full time work in the driving field. I currently work part time for my towns highway dept driving trash trucks and single axle dumps along with some front end loader/backhoe work. I also collect partial unemployment so its bearable. At least I am keeping my driving record steady. I have thought about the idea of maybe returning to TMC or another OTR company and sticking it out for a few years to get the needed experience. But not sure if I would need to start from scratch or not. I left on good terms with TMC and in my 6 months there did a good job. I might just change careers completely too to something else I might enjoy but pays much better and home every night.

Good luck to you in whatever you chose, but I would agree with kids I'd want to be home. Jobs will come and go but your family is everything and while yes money is needed its not everything. Your kids having you around is priceless.

 

Call Craig Plumley Greer,SC.

 

all 48 states and Canada if you have your passport.

you know TMC is an irregular route OTR company, right? expect to spend at least 5 nights a week in your truck. they bounce you all over the country, and late in the week they start heading you towards home. you can try to stay close to home, but for me that meant short runs and no money.

 

I ran for TMC out of Summerville, SC. Since it was on the other side of I-95 they kept me out two to three weeks at a time. Didn't really mind it to much. They ran me all 48 and Canada. I even took NYC runs. It wasn't as bad as everybody made it out to be, plus an extra hundred bucks. The only dedicated in the area that I knew of was Corning roofing shingles out of Savannah. Don't know if they still have that account or not.