Trial by fire?

13 years driving this junk, many DOT inspections and never so much as a ticket or point on inspection.

I did say "will pass inspection" (for the 3rd time now), didnt I?

 

im just saying iv seen quite a few trucks in the oil fields from company's like the op posted that wont pass a dot inspection from 15 feet away. and from the o/p's description i would just about put money on there being at least one oos violation on 50% of there trucks.

that is why on my first post in this thread i said to be sure to look over the trucks before even considering going to work for them.


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edit to add to post

the oil feild is hard on trucks even with a good driver and newer trucks. then you have a company that will take anyone and throw them behind the wheel with no training, running old trucks.
i mean i work for a good company and have a good truck and if i were to get a full dot right now iv got 1 non oos violation right now that will be taken care of next time the truck goes to the shop.

 

When you look at it realistically, why should a company buy new trucks just to beat them to death in an oil field operation? To me, that does not make any sense. Just keep the ones you have running and legal. Cheaper to beat up an old used truck than a brand new one, I would think.

 

I am still surprised at how much stock even veteran drivers put into the age of a truck.

The truck is either in good working condition, or it isn't. Age has no bearing.

I have an 86 I still take on 1000 mile trips every now and then.

 

no need for a bran new truck in the oil feild as a matter of fact you hardly ever see a bran new truck in the oil patch. but a newer truck is not going to need as meany constant repairs. I'm also forming a opinion of the company based off the fact, that A. the company runs old trucks. B hires new drivers with 0 experience C. company does not train driver just hands them the keys and tells them to go get a load. Iv seen these company's that operate like that and most of there trucks wouldn't pass a dot from 15 feet away.

 

It's your license brother. Choose the least risky route until you are comfortable with your driving abilities that is what I would suggest, but I'm a prudent man.

 

If you are concerned about your abilities then you need to ask yourself if youre willing to eat some humble pie to learn or too scared to try.....which one is it? The very first job I had was hauling 137 500 pounds of liquid in a B train configuration. No training offered besides following the truck in front of me. I was VERY concerned about my ability to drive that type of load and trailer combination but I bit the bullet and got right in there and came out much better for the experience. My second job was running down to California from Canada. No trainer , no help , just heres the keys get going! Middle of winter, 1st time over Donner pass chaining up etc etc....all on my own , no help. Now most would say thats irresponsible of a company to do that. Looking back at it now I would agree, but what do you do? You need a job , you do what ya gotta do!
If youre concerned about the companys equipment or if they will pay etc then only you can figure that out by asking them as many questions as you can and if they seem honest in their answers or not. Make sure you take heed of Ezrider's advice as he is obviously experienced in that field and I am sure knows what hes talking about. In the end you gotta make your own decision based on your own conclusions.
All the best , I hope it works out for you whatever you choose.