so im in a delimma

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by csw1818, Feb 23, 2014.

  1. csw1818

    csw1818 Medium Load Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2014
    Messages:
    377
    Thanks Received:
    139
    Location:
    pinehurst, nc
    0
    Howdy my delimma is i really want to be a local delivery driver theres pepsi coke and cheerwine. and estes but i think thats regional, and i want to get my CDL would it be better for me to go to a company training school and get my CDL and drive OTR for a couple of years then attempt to get on at estes? Also what would you think be the best company to work for that offers schooling?
     
  2. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2008
    Messages:
    22,474
    Thanks Received:
    20,137
    Location:
    Sioux City,ia
    0
    I can't answer about what are the best companies because all starter companies are pretty much alike in one way or another.But as far as OTR,I would take otr to get the exp then go local.Most local companies prefer at least a yr otr exp anyway.Regional wouldn't be bad either.You might make better money then otr.Choose that route if they have training.
     
  3. madman118

    madman118 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2012
    Messages:
    244
    Thanks Received:
    148
    Location:
    Sacramento, CA
    0
    Local companies are the gig people want, so they get to pick off the top of the tree. You'll most likely need to do come time OTR, but everybody's circumstances are different. Also there's more to LTL than just Estes, I suggest researching every company you can.
    I dunno much about training companies, but there is a good list on here and plenty of forums to go through for those companies. Whats available to you varies depending on your location.
     
  4. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    15,317
    Thanks Received:
    209
    Location:
    Green Bay Wi
    0
    local isn't what everyone wants
    they just think they do
    sleeping in your own bed after working 12-14 hour day and the commute!!!!!!!!
    yup that is quality living
     
  5. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2011
    Messages:
    2,183
    Thanks Received:
    3,023
    Location:
    I dunno.
    0
    Put where you live in your profile...this is key to getting good info.
     
  6. Shaggy

    Shaggy Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2006
    Messages:
    3,116
    Thanks Received:
    2,595
    Location:
    FIGMO
    0
    I know ABF has one ( a few ). I wouldn't trust a mega carrier with the absurd contracts to make crap pay. All else fails, Independent Accredited driving school. Recuiters invited to school will push OTR and you just laugh.

    IF Estes has a school, I'd try it. Estes is a respectable company.


    Have you tried working for Pepsi,Coke ? If my memory is accurate, working the warehouse then asking for a transport job, they will pay for a CDL. My information is about 8 years old.
     
  7. BrenYoda883

    BrenYoda883 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2013
    Messages:
    1,248
    Thanks Received:
    1,422
    0
    I know I dont want local... driving in the city all day everyday... no thanks.. I like the road between the cities..

    But, to be honest.. it takes being out in the truck doing the work to know what you like and want to do..

    I am on a dedicated account and home every weekend.. I like that.. I head out early Monday morning, and run hard for 5 days.. sometimes 5 1/2.. then I am home.. I spend time with family and friends, do my laundry, pack my cooler and go out for another week..

    I can take my hometime where I want.. so I go visit family and friends all over.. last week I took my hometime in Ohio, this week I am I in Omaha.. I think next I will visit my brother in Minneapolis...

    So, for me, I really do not want a local gig..
     
    Cranky Yankee Thanks this.
  8. Shaggy

    Shaggy Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2006
    Messages:
    3,116
    Thanks Received:
    2,595
    Location:
    FIGMO
    0
    You are NOT the OP. Who cares what you think?! Enjoy your dedicated account and can take home time :biggrin_2559:
     
    HalpinUout Thanks this.
  9. HalpinUout

    HalpinUout Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2011
    Messages:
    7,074
    Thanks Received:
    18,165
    0

    And what Quality of living is being OTR in a truck by yourself for a week or weeks at a time? I'm currently OTR and cant wait for your response...
     
    Shaggy Thanks this.
  10. truckerdave1970

    truckerdave1970 On Probation

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2008
    Messages:
    2,987
    Thanks Received:
    3,289
    Location:
    Rochester, NY
    0
    Let me tell you a secret about trucking:

    It doesn't what side of the fence you are on: OTR vs. regional vs. city
    flatbed vs. van vs. reefer
    O/o vs. company driver

    The grass will always LOOK GREENER!!!


    THE TRUTH IS THAT IS ALL THE SAME,

    FECAL MATTER BROWN!!!
     
    FloTheWaitress and HalpinUout Thank this.