Questions Before I Begin my Career

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by xRoadHog, Jun 14, 2017.

  1. xRoadHog

    xRoadHog Bobtail Member

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    Jun 14, 2017
    North Carolina
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    My name is Nate, I'm 23 years old and I finally decided to look into truck driving, something I've wanted to do since I was a kid, but I have a lot of questions.

    1. I know Swift gets a bad reputation a lot, but are they really that bad? I want to be an OTR driver, putting in at least about 2500-3000 miles a week if I can, and I've seen the pay for new drivers with Swift driving that often is pretty good, around $1,000 or so a week, give or take.

    2. I'm also considering Schneider, are there any advantages to them that Swift doesn't have?

    3. I'm not in the best financial situation, I currently unload the trucks at my local Wal-Mart. Would either of those, or even a new suggestion, help me out in terms of paying for school to obtain my CDL?

    4. I plan on taking my fiance with me on the road. (I know, people warn about being cramped in a space like that with a wife or girlfriend 24/7, but we've thought about it and are confident we will be okay) Do either of those have some kind of policy for taking a passenger?

    5. I also have a dog named Diesel. Are there pet policies to look out for?

    Keep in mind, since my fiance will be joining me, home time isn't that important to me. It'll be nice to see my family, sure, but I'm not in a rush to get home, I want to drive as much as I possibly can for about 2 years or so. Also, my dog is important to me, but I have family who can watch her until I get to come home, so not allowing pets is not a deal breaker.

    If anyone has suggestions on who to look into or can answer these questions, I'd appreciate it!
     
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  3. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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  4. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    Chinatown Thanks this.
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Here's some trucking company cdl schools:
    Jim Palmer Trucking - rider/pet
    Contract Freighters - www.cfidrive.com - rider/pet
    Titan Transfer - new cdl school in TN. rider/pet
     
  6. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    In a van down by the River.
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    Schneider has a 6 month policy where you must wait 6 months before she can ride.

    My wife rode with me. It is not going to be easy. I thought we had the best marriage in the world. We almost went splitsville. There is no time away from each other. And trust me, you will want to keep an eye her every second. There are a lot of perverts out there. My wife us to get hit on all the time with me standing next to her. Please dont think Im saying your girl will cheat, but there are a lot of dangers on the road for women. Just keep that in mind. Good luck.
     
    austinmike and PhilKenSebben Thank this.
  7. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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  8. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Lol
     
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  9. Friday

    Friday Road Train Member

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    Schneider has a no pets policy. Not sure about swift.

    Consider other companies if that's important. I say that because personally I would work for schneider. I would not work for swift. Have a lot of friends that worked for them and heard the stories. Nope.
     
  10. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    1) As for companies, depending on your area there are far greater options.
    2) multiple companies will pay for your cdl school, but your state will likely pay as well. Look up WIA in your home state.
    3)Pup will stay home during training, not sure about Swift but Schneider had a strict no pets policy.
    4)Unless she wants to team, leave the fiancé at home and take a weekends home position.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  11. Mr Budeedee

    Mr Budeedee Light Load Member

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    May 11, 2017
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    If you don't want to marry her, take her in the truck with you. As for home time it isn't just so you can be with family and friends. It's to give you a break from the crap you have to deal with on the road. The most important thing is not to jump into something. You're 23 which means I have socks older than you. Take your time and do some research. Find the best deal for you and don't obligate yourself to anything until you do and you'll be fine. Best of luck....
     
    okiedokie, austinmike and homeskillet Thank this.
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