What I've gotten from browsing here...

Somebody needs to review the forum rules . I already reported 2 posts with violations . Somebody could end up banned if they don't straighten their act out .

 

I suppose if you do get on with a company you won't be sharing your experience..

 

One thing about forums in general....
If you ask for thoughts and opinions, you will dang sure get them.
You may not like the answers, so be prepared, but you did ask.
I have seen this alot, a poster asking questions only to debate the answers given.
In this instance I for one would lend more weight to an experienced trucker than a school or company recruiter, but that's just me.

By the way, isn't PA the low freight capital of the US? Seems like I read that somewhere..... anyway.

Hey, I for one appreciate the info on here, and if I want to participate, I do so in a respectful and harmonious manner. There are many opposing opinions and viewpoints, but when it comes to getting the answers... I think someone said something about "gaining more with honey than with vinegar".

There ya go, I have used all the big words I know, so I will sign off!

Just Sayin'

 

Hey Rick! Someone just called me "Sweety" on another thread trying to be insulting and condescending. It made me think about the post where I called you "Hun". I do hope you know I use that in affection not in insult. But if you thought I was being sarcastic.......please accept my sincere apology.

 

I'm not all that computer savy, so please put up with my going back and forth on occasion. Teen son hasn't showed me how to break apart quotes, to answer certain lines (like you did with mine, hey come out here to California and show me how to do it).

Anyway, SW PA, is not a real hot spot for freight, just look at your unemployment numbers, but it is central for companies that run through your area, helps in getting home time, at least passing thru type.

Unless you have some friends or relatives already in trucking, you will be looking at the larger "training" companies to get started with. As you have seen and heard, those are just getting started gearing up (slowly) for the increase in freight. One suggestion I might offer, the one area that continues even in recession, is groceries. With this in mind, you might limit your company research to the "refer" companies. Using these, you can find threads here on this forum about most all. Keep in mind these will include both good and bad reports, quite often any driver who has been terminated, will logically, have a sore spot on his dierriere, and pass this onto yours hoping you will accept his analysis as gospel. But turn the page and you will find another driver who has no problems with the company.

You stated you are a pessimist, better try to get on the other fence, optimism will be a better way to approach the new career. These "training" companies can, and will be brutal to the rookie driver, just to test his/her mustard, and to find out how far you are willing to go to keep your job. (running illegal is some way)

So keep your chin up, and thicken the skin (hide for you cowboy types) and get ready for some taxing times. I hope your instructor or recruiter has been telling you guys the truth on the wages, the honest wages, because they seem to push 40k+ as a first year driver. Very few will bust through 35-37k, just because the starting mileage pay is pathetic, and they will put on the ugly loads, because you will run them, as you are in fear of your job.

Posititve threads, in the Truckers and the Trucking Industry section of threads, topics, whatever, you can find newbee posts and questions. ( I just looked and there you are in that section....very good)

Now for sh..its and giggles....don't get mad...but in your response to my post you made:

1) spelling error....1
2) grammatical error....1
3) improper tense usage....2
4) punctuation error....2

Your test for today...open book OK...find these errors, and write on the board....ME BAD, 200 times

Be safe, shiny side up, wheels on the ground.