Where Did You Start Driver?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by a1a, Jan 28, 2022.

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  2. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    My 2nd job when I started trucking was hauling boats. Didn't stay but a year because I was driving for an owner-operator vs. being a company driver. The boat company only had 2 company drivers and no opening in the near future, so I bailed. Wasn't sticking around with no benefits.
     
    Speedy356 Thanks this.
  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    It's difficult to give as estimate as to how much you'll make.
    I never pay any attention to CPM because the accessorial pays are more important.
     
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  4. Malt Ball Cult

    Malt Ball Cult Light Load Member

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    I'll vouch for Pride.

    I drove for them for a year, recently. Six months OTR, then 6 months dedicated regional.

    I left Pride only because I moved from NW Montana to West Virginia, but am seriously considering going back, it's a really decent outfit to drive for.

    Good, well maintained equipment. Fair pay and accessory pay. I was very happy with how I was treated there. I had one sort of big issue with a manager who is no longer there, but got through it just fine. Every other manager I dealt with at Pride was top notch.

    As for the OP question, I started at Swift, went through their CDL school in Lewiston, Idaho. Was happy with how that went.

    I stayed with Swift for just under a year as an OTR driver. In retrospect, most of the complaints I had with Swift, honestly, were more about me not yet understanding this industry, nor the demands of the job, than about any real problems with the company. Yes, Swift is a huge bureaucratic machine, and that has it's pros, as well as con's.
     
    a1a and Chinatown Thank this.
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Swift has some accounts in Florida.
     
  6. a1a

    a1a Bobtail Member

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    Thanks Malt Ball Cult. I know Chinatown mentioned them too, and I have seen some different posts about them so I will definitely look into them.

    Have a good night everyone. Enjoy the weekend & safe travels.
     
    Malt Ball Cult and Chinatown Thank this.
  7. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    Millis Transfer in 1993. If I only knew then what I know now. I look back at the crap that bottom feeder pulled on me and I just shake my head.
    Now I'd go with any car hauling company that would take and train me. Probably URS, Centurion, or Proficient.
     
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  8. pete781693

    pete781693 Road Train Member

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    Many years ago after high school I worked for a food service company loading bob trucks and trailers at night. When trailers needed to be spotted at the dock I moved them in and out. On weekends I would ride with bob truck drivers or cover their local routes for them. After I turned 21, my first time ever out in a semi by myself was for an expedited delivery. I was the only one available with a chauffeur’s license so my boss told me to make the delivery (Tampa to Orlando) and if I made the trip safely then I still had a job. I made it and stayed there for a few more years before moving on to other things.
     
  9. Warrior Pump

    Warrior Pump Light Load Member

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    I started hauling auto parts. It was nice having a dedicated route. I spent 4 nights a week on the road.
     
  10. Pepper24

    Pepper24 Road Train Member

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