Random LTL Rants (all are welcomed)

Well, I been laying low for the past while. I kinda wanted to share where I am at for those that care to read this.

Currently at orientation for Holland. Holed up in a company sponsored hotel (i will let you picture the quality of my accommodation).

My first week was last week starting Tuesday. Barn was closed for the holiday. I was supposed to do ride along until I got back from orientation... Buuuut, freight requirements come first and on Friday they threw me in a truck and sent me on my way. Wih no employee ID or full training; a handheld computer with elogs/workflow was a no go... So I went about my way with paper logs and the experience I had with Reddaway to fall back on.

My first load was 45k of hazmat. The ink has barely dried since I just got the endorsement back the week prior, but with no formal company training, I fell back on what I remembered. All the paperwork looked legal and all the numbers lined up with the placards they gave me. I pretended it was another day at Reddaway and just did what I used to do. I ended my week at 9 PM on a Friday.

Supposedly I am gonna ride with a trainer when I get back for another week or two. I honestly think they will drop me off in the deep end again and let me be on my own. I gotta tell ya guys... It's something else when you get thrown into am entirely new area. You really feel like a rookie again when you are constantly lost and looking for places.

 

Let's just say that I am going over my immunity records. It's actually as bad as Reddaway.

 

Some of these companies reinvest a good chunk of their money back into operations (wages, benefits, ect) before their equipment.

To me personally, I rather make more an hour than see new model trucks every year. I am driven by money and will sacrifice comfort any day to put up with it. Granted, I will complain about the junkers on here to the rest of you guys.

And you did not come off as rude, it's a legit question. My last job had me in a 2016 Freightliner with power windows/locks that ran 71 mph pulling a 2018 trailer. My old boss thought driver comfort and having something shiny was the way to go. Not me... Holland offered to virtually double my annual pay and I will gladly sit in one of their s###buckets where I can't hear myself talk.