want help from the pros

3000 drivers and 800 have bad problems ? That isn't close to the 90% or higher turnover training companies have . You obviously don't have a clue . We've seen plenty of posters ignore warnings about England and go there with their positive attitude . I've yet to see one even make it to a DM . They don't make it past a trainer .

 

I tried to start an MC straight out of school... Before going through any legal process and before putting any serious capitol in, I talked with attorneys that are knowledgeable of the trucking industry. They advised me to get a job and drive for someone for a few years to see if it was going to work out.

Not to be deterred, I used my connections at many companies such as: Liebert Corporation: Abbott Foods: Abbott Labs: Battelle: Worthington Industries/Worthington Steel: and MANY others to plant the seed that I was looking for freight to haul. One company I talked to was founded by my wife's grand-father; her family, my wife and I own a sizable portion of the companies stock today. I was surprised to learn that even with my unique connection, family members sitting on the board of directors, and as CEO of another company, I could not haul their freight. The insurance carriers, charters, or legal arrangements all prohibited it. The main legal reason was because I had not been in business for five or more years. Umff... That took some wind out of my sails to say the least.

I Went looking for a job straight out of school............... Completed 200+ applications and the only responses I received came from ALL the companies everyone said not to drive for... Hmmm... what to do. Can't drive for myself; can't get into UPS, RPS, Fedex, or any company that has a union; so it appears. Swift hired me when no one else would and trained me well. Their program is to train every driver to a high level; that does not mean it happens. Trainers humping for miles, abusing students, or not following the rules is not the companies fault if no one tells the training coordinator. Student drivers sometimes have an unrealistic expectation about what life on the road is like; it happens - thank hollywood and shady recruiters that are trying to make a buck off this thing called trucking. It could just be that recruiters speak to students in industry speak and the students think they understand, but in actuality do not.

You do have to start somewhere. I suggest you read every post you can; here and at Ripoff report. Google search the trucking companies name and insert "Ripoff" after the name; it will give you some good reading.

Now, before you read: understand that p!$$ed off previous drivers, drivers declined for hire, recruiters from other companies, four wheelers that were run off the road ALL MAKE POSTS CLAIMING TO BE A WRONGED PRIOR DRIVER.

ALSO, recruiters working for the company in question WILL BE ON THERE claiming to be a HAPPY DRIVER and calling out the person making the claim. Take what you read with a grain of salt. Some is real, some is not.

Hopefully it will give you ideas as to the questions you need to ask, the things you need to watch for, and what you can expect as a driver.

Another thing, just because I or anyone else had a good experience with a company does not mean you will. In addition, just because someone did not do well with a company does not mean you won't. As you know, we are all different.

I have also heard a lot of bad about England; though, I have never driven with them.

 

I have talked with workforce about help with the local school (SWATC) and found that I may qualify for some assistance. The waiting time is at least two weeks out to even talk to the person who looks over with you whether they can help or not. I would rather go through a local school than the company training route.

 

Wishing all a Happy Holiday Season!!!!

 

RickG....The numbers I threw out were only for hypothetical comment/question. I understand there is a high turnover in this industry for one reason or another. I also understand for a company to be as big as some of these are, they must be doing something well and right in order to keep costomers and trucks on the road. With the turnover and from word of mouth concerning any particular company, it's hard to imagine there would be enough workforce to keep a company supplied that has a completly terrible reputation. (I AGREE...I have read many post here and talked with drivers I have met concerncerning England to be leary). As for the ending question I made, I would like opinions and experiences on how to set up a good relationship with dispatch and other members you work with as to be able to set up a relationship so everyone gets what they need and want from their career.

 

It could be well worth the wait. A community college or tech school in your area is the best I agree; but not always practical for everyone as some people need a paycheck while they train.

 

Danteoeve, the GI Bill ( if you chose it) or VA (if elligible) will pay for most if not all of it. I used the former to pay for a private CDL school.

 

Are you serious ? They keep customers with cheap rates . That's what they do well . They run cheap . You can't have low rates and high or even decent wages .
They have a plentiful TEMPORARY workforce . What part of 100% turnover don't you understand ?
Sorry , dispatchers aren't looking for a relationship . Don't expect individual recognition .

 

Hey yeah, if you are a post 9/11 vet, GI Bill contributor or not, you qualify for certain amounts. If you are Vet, talk to the school and let them know.

My nephew is on a full ride through the Navy. Post 9/11 GI Bill; $1000+ a month living expense money, all of tuition, and amounts for books, etc. He has about a year left in his RN program. If you qualify for Post 9/11 Gi Bill, use it to get a bachelors degree in something medical. Medical field is under manned already and will only get worse as baby boomers retire.

My wife is an RN working on her masters. Momma can "get a new pair of shoes" whenever she likes.

 

RickG...your right there...we use to call them the Big 5..Swift....Schneider...Werner...USXpress and JB...they haul for a cheap Rate and that is how they keep their customers...Its a vicious cycle and the pay has not increased that much for company drivers in the past 10 yrs...If you can dont get hooked into any trucking company school as you will be at their mercy..find a truck driving school in your area an attend it..