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So the time has come

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by SlaveOf18Wheels, Dec 29, 2011.

  1. Dec 29, 2011 #1
    SlaveOf18Wheels

    SlaveOf18Wheels Light Load Member

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    Dec 25, 2011
    Phoenix, Arizona
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    As some of you may know, I've been laid off from my local driving job for well over a month now. I thought I'd find a refuge with local temp agency that staffs drivers to various companies around here.

    But, bills are coming, savings are drying up and there is only work 2-3 days a week at crappy pay.     I tried looking for local work on regular basis but freight is slow these days.

    So naturally I started thinking about going OTR. Since I never been OTR don't really know where to start. I live in Phoenix, AZ and I'm actually pretty new to this area having moved here just a few months ago.

    I realize that I might have to attend a training with some of these companies as they require "OTR" experience. Never mind my T/T experience of 6 years I guess.

    What would be the first steps I'd take, just contact the carrier I am interested in and talk to them about or are there other steps I should take into consideration ?

    I read these boards daily and I see a lot of unhappy folk with their carriers.
    I know each experience is different and I believe it's how you make it to be for yourself.

    Other then Knight, what are some of the other carriers that are based in Phoenix if any, or what carriers hire from PHX area ?

    And how does the whole process work if I was to join a carrier that operates lets say out of Midwest, I understand that training might be involved and they pay for transportation, lodging etc. How does home time work if their hub is in Ohio and I live in Phx, would they route me southwest and have me park around here somewhere for my days off or.. ?

    Again, any advice from seasoned OTR drivers is welcomed and appreciated.
    I have not made any decisions yet, I just realized that I needed to do something.

    So, shoot away with your knowledge.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    SlaveOf18Wheels, Dec 29, 2011
    SlaveOf18Wheels, Dec 29, 2011
    #1
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  3. Dec 29, 2011 #2
    TennMan

    TennMan Road Train Member

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    Most Major carriers will hire from the Phoenix area, I believe Swift is big in that area as well as MVT. I am with Schneider and believe they hire from there also. I would just go to the different companies web sites and see who has what. Then I'd start calling until you find what you are looking for.
     
    TennMan, Dec 29, 2011
    TennMan, Dec 29, 2011
    #2
    Nashville Driver and SlaveOf18Wheels Thank this.
  4. Dec 30, 2011 #3
    Truck609

    Truck609 Light Load Member

    238
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    Dec 17, 2011
    Arizona
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    A lot of carriers will hire from that area, or any area really. If you're an otr driver it doesn't really matter where you live. The flatbed company Im leased to hires from all 48 states. You tell them how many days you want to be out and they work on getting you a load to or through your home town for your home time. That's one of the benefits of running 48 states. Of course you'll get more home time if you live near one of their customers or terminals, but it doesn't pay to sit at home! Everyone has different home time needs, so do your research and call around. Just remember to take everything the recruiter tells you with a grain of salt. A good rule of thumb in my opinion is to cut what they say in half........like your miles, pay, home time, etc. Then if they are even slightly honest, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
     
    Truck609, Dec 30, 2011
    Truck609, Dec 30, 2011
    #3
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  5. Dec 30, 2011 #4
    wulfman75

    wulfman75 Road Train Member

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    i think swift's hq and main terminal is there.

    watkins/shepard has a terminal there
     
    wulfman75, Dec 30, 2011
    wulfman75, Dec 30, 2011
    #4
    SlaveOf18Wheels Thanks this.
  7. Dec 30, 2011 #5
    Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    Knight also runs from there. FWIW...
     
    Lonesome, Dec 30, 2011
    Lonesome, Dec 30, 2011
    #5
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  8. Dec 30, 2011 #6
    vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    The only thing about living in one of the western states is some carriers won't hire you for solo. Most carriers will have a map on their site showing their hiring areas.

    Also, don't kid yourself. Local driving in no way prepares you for OTR.
     
    vinsanity, Dec 30, 2011
    vinsanity, Dec 30, 2011
    #6
  9. Dec 30, 2011 #7
    SlaveOf18Wheels

    SlaveOf18Wheels Light Load Member

    59
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    Dec 25, 2011
    Phoenix, Arizona
    0
    Thank's to everyone for their feedback.

    I agree with that to certain extent. I don't feel that it's necessary for me to be out with a trainer for a month. Refresher course, scales, paperwork and computer equipment in trucks, that's where I feel I would need a bit training. Little things just to get me familiar with company procedures. As far as driving, I do that on daily basis.
     
    SlaveOf18Wheels, Dec 30, 2011
    SlaveOf18Wheels, Dec 30, 2011
    #7
  10. Dec 30, 2011 #8
    jlkklj777

    jlkklj777 20 Year Truckload Veteran

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    Duncannon, Pa
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    It has more to do with being "away" from home for days and even weeks at a time. OTR drivers learn to "adapt" to sleeping in a truck, showering in a truck stop, eating on the go for days on end, and being rushed every day trying to get the maximum number of miles turned within that 14 hour work day.

    Other problems OTR drivers deal with; different customers every day and long delays at docks especially if you pull a reefer. Grocery warehouses are notorious for delaying drivers.

    Then we have idleing restrictions in practically every state to abide by and limited parking.
     
    jlkklj777, Dec 30, 2011
    jlkklj777, Dec 30, 2011
    #8
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  11. Dec 31, 2011 #9
    Truck609

    Truck609 Light Load Member

    238
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    Dec 17, 2011
    Arizona
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    And that's just the tip of the iceburg! OTR is more of a lifestyle than a lot of folks think. Nothing says OTR driver like spending your 34 hour restart in a truckstop doing laundry on a Sunday morning! Not that there's anything wrong with that.....I do it often.:biggrin_25523:
     
    Truck609, Dec 31, 2011
    Truck609, Dec 31, 2011
    #9
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