What trucking companies allow drivers to bid or choose the tractor they use?

I got to choose the truck I am in now. It was ordered just for me, with my choice of make and color.
It is my million mile truck, which might tell you have long I have been at this company.

Until this, it was take what they give me and try to be happy about it.
Often times I was, and often I was not.

About 6 months ago I was involved in an accident, with LOTS of damage to my nice million mile truck.
They sent me for a replacement truck, with a few choices... all kind of bad, most really bad.
I chose the best one, which had issues. You take what they have available at the time.
I didn't think I would ever see my nice truck again. It was smashed up pretty bad.

Last month I was told my truck was fixed and waiting for me in Phoenix.
They spared no expense fixing this truck. It was detailed to the point of slippery surfaces. Just like a brand new truck.

I say all that to point out the obvious.
As a new driver you take what they give you, unless it is unsafe in some way. Just be glad you have a job and a decent truck.
Once you prove yourself, then you will be able to be picky.

 

I know a few but most of them are full. Most have requirements like you to have at least 5 years of experience with a clean record, good feedback from your former employees, and you have to be willing to work.

They are out there, but it matters what you bring to the table, we are in a period that the carrier controls the employment market.

 

usually works the other way around, they guy who keeps his old dog clean and shiny usually gets one of the first of the new trucks...

 

Think of it this way....

Most brand new Air Force cadets are not put in.the front seat of a shiny new F-15.

Instead -- over time, they work their way up the aircraft "food chain"....& make fighter jet status after they've proven their moxie.

-- L

 

Being the new guy you’re in most cases getting the older truck. Might not be a bad ride just depends on the carrier and how they keep up their trucks. I personally have never worked anywhere they bid on trucks I’ve bid on runs the company usually has policies on when new trucks are bought and depending on mileage of the truck you’re in will be when you get a new truck

 

When I first started driving I was issued one of the oldest trucks in the fleet with 800,000 miles on the odometer. I never missed a delivery appointment, never got a ticket, and never had a safety incident. I sanded the polished the fuel tanks, rattled canned the steel wheels and frame and joked with the shop to take off their boots when they have to move it. When the new batch International cabovers came in I was issued one and was issued a new truck every year after that!!

 

Probably the most accurate response. Years ago, we drove some real crap, stuff nobody else would drive, but if you wanted a job, take it or leave it. Many wouldn't pass inspection. We got quite an education driving those beaters. Today, while the truck may not be the truck of your dreams, generally, companies don't run too much junk anymore, and while you may be able to pick your own truck out of several sitting, be advised, they will all be about the same. Pick one that doesn't smell,,,and who knows, you may not want a newer truck. I know many drivers that wouldn't give up the old truck even when a new one was offered.

 

Every place I've worked the new driver usually got the older equipment. Time and circumstance would move you into something better.
One thing about those old beaters...they really made you appreciate a better ride when you finally got one.

 

And if they have a bunch of empty ones, why did all those drivers leave?

 

maybe new ones came in and old ones still have some life left?