USA Trucking - Partly sunny or partly cloudy?

The lightweights...... Yes. A newbie can start off at .41 cpm after 4 months. That is tempting. And it seems the lightweights are overrunning the truck inventory at Prime. This may be something to spread through the industry.

Here is a link to some interior photos of a lightweight http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/album.php?albumid=2288

 

Yeah. I have reservations about that at times. I guess the time to make a committed decision would offer your truth about it. Believe it or not, in my thinking, the removal of the passenger seat was my greatest concern. Most say that is where they install their fridge and such - a necessity. Unfortunately, I was told by the recruiter that is about all they have for newbies to drive.

My position right now is to make money and put away as much as possible in IRA's. I know the first year or two is lean but this is something I want to do and potential exists beyond that time line. As it is, my education will serve me best in cities much larger than where I live now..... My experience and skills are only sought in 2,000,000 plus population centers. Considering the overall American condition and the cost of living where my house is located, I want to keep that property and retire where that cost structure exists. So, my reasoning may appear skewed to some for willing to work in some conditions. Teaching school or building brake systems for PACCAR are not me - being mobile in other capacities is- area manager, driver, corrugated paper superintendent, etc. Being a driver I can satisfy being mobile without pulling up stakes. I am willing to give USA 18 months to see if it is the company I want to stay with. After that, I plan on staying somewhere another 7 1/2 to 9 1/2 years before parking my ### at the house. That is the plan. Stay tuned. LOL

 

Got word last night PACCAR/Perterbuilt is laying-off/reducing-builds and will promote rolling layoffs where I am...... nearly 20% of total workforce each time. Kenworth usually follows the same as Pete. I am unsure if the 20% reduction where I am includes a KW adjustment. C'mon USA!

 

Obama was dealt a tough hand but I think things should be better by now. I did not vote, so that is all I'll say.

My application goes to Safety Review. I could be called anytime after 10 AM Eastern for the next couple of business days. Anyone know a trainer in the North Central Kentucky area?

A fella I work with who is from Croatia once drove for Schnieder....... He told me he heard Swift is looking for more than 100 drivers immediately and their public stock went bonkers. Musta got a big contract or two.

 

If I remember correctly, Prime has a .01 per mile fuel bonus; a .01 safety bonus; something about reaching a certain mileage plateau and one other bonus...... all paid quarterly. So, theoretically, a newbie could start at 45 cpm and be governed at 60 mph in a lightweight. I would imagine the fuel and mileage bonuses are difficult to accomplish.

My recruiter says my application looks good. We have a Wednesday appointment. His message did not actually say I was in at USA. If not, I guess I'm waiting to join Prime January 2014.

Be safe,

ez