Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Starting Out

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by DanDeMan, Apr 30, 2017.

  1. Apr 30, 2017 #1
    DanDeMan

    DanDeMan Bobtail Member

    15
    12
    Mar 12, 2017
    0
    Hi, new to TR. Just been lurking & researching. I will be finishing up CDL school in June.
    Originally my plan was to rent a tractor & trailer & do some seasonal work. Have an opportunity to run Xmas trees from Oregon to California. 2-3 weeks.
    I'm doing remodeling & construction work now. Own my business. Staying busy & paying the bills, but at 56 my body is aching & I'm getting burned out.
    Getting back to my original purpose of being here. I now realize that there's more to it then renting a truck & going for it.
    How can I get some driving experience without going out on the road for a month or more. No way am I going share a truck for that long.
    I like the program that Watkins Sheppard offers, but I'm not sure of doing the whole 48 at this time. Any other companys offer similar training running the I5 corridor or the western US?
    Another possibility is that I have connections to sand, gravel & dirt haulers.
    Any advice or links to applicable threads would be appreciated.
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2017
    DanDeMan, Apr 30, 2017
    DanDeMan, Apr 30, 2017
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Apr 30, 2017 #2
    Lifechange05

    Lifechange05 Light Load Member

    59
    21
    Dec 5, 2016
    Northwest Florida
    0
    I understand your concerns about doing the 48 OTR thing. I personally am just 4 months into my career and the time away sucks. Thinking about it now as you are is great as there is a ton of money to be made in trucking. I have personally come to the conclusion that there has to be some balance because at the end of the day if you don't enjoy the trucking life style it wont matter how much money you make.
     
    Lifechange05, Apr 30, 2017
    Lifechange05, Apr 30, 2017
    #2
  4. Apr 30, 2017 #3
    nax

    nax Road Train Member

    1,999
    2,253
    Dec 14, 2016
    0
    I loathed OTR just like you did... The truck sharing/away from home from family etc

    I happened to have an O/O that was willing to have me "help" drive...usually at night every now and then, but now, Im getting my experience via a seasonal outfit.

    I guess these seasonal outfits have a hard time getting experienced drivers to commit. This place allows me to do my backing practice sessions, plus going home every day. Plus they pay per hour and plenty of overtime so far.

    I'm running @ night with most miles per given day is 500...The way I see it, I'm being paid close to 0.70cents/mile just to get some experience...lol and I'm saving all my paychecks for my downpayment. So far I have 3 checks totalling $6000 in my home drawer that will go towards my truck.
     
    nax, Apr 30, 2017
    nax, Apr 30, 2017
    #3
  5. Apr 30, 2017 #4
    DanDeMan

    DanDeMan Bobtail Member

    15
    12
    Mar 12, 2017
    0
    I do want to eventually try OTR, but I have to many other obligations to be on the road more then week or two at a time. I know I have to put the time in & get the experience.
    Maybe dirt hauling would work for me to get some experience.
    I may contact some of the harvest/seasonal companies here in California & see what they have to say.
     
    DanDeMan, Apr 30, 2017
    DanDeMan, Apr 30, 2017
    #4
  7. May 1, 2017 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    76,900
    179,486
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Several temp services hire cdl-A drivers. You can work when you want and do OTR or local.
    Many of us have done that at one time during our career. I did it for awhile and liked it ok. Usually, they would call me and offer me several loads with various companies and I could take my pick.
    What's also good about this is you're not job hopping because you work for the temp agency, not the trucking company they place you with. You may drive for a dozen different trucking companies, but on your resume you only have to list the temp agency.Your paychecks just show the temp agency.
     
    Chinatown, May 1, 2017
    Chinatown, May 1, 2017
    #5
  8. May 1, 2017 #6
    DanDeMan

    DanDeMan Bobtail Member

    15
    12
    Mar 12, 2017
    0
    Is there Temporary Employment Agencies that specialize in driving jobs? Or do you sign up at a place like Manpower?
     
    DanDeMan, May 1, 2017
    DanDeMan, May 1, 2017
    #6
  9. May 1, 2017 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    76,900
    179,486
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Some specialize for truck drivers and some others include truck drivers.Try Google for some in your town.
    Here's some also:
    Centerline Drivers
    Kelly Services
    TransForce Inc.
    Tight Turn Recruiting
    Manpower may have something like that, don't know for sure.
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2017
    Chinatown, May 1, 2017
    Chinatown, May 1, 2017
    #7
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.