Which rookie company has the nicest equipment?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DFR, Aug 1, 2008.

  1. DFR

    DFR Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    All,

    I have been browsing the forums for a while now, trying to gather all I can to make the most informed decision with regard to entering the trucking business. Everybody values things differently, and for me, I would be willing to sacrifice a few bucks in pay to insure that I am not driving some unsafe, filthy piece of garbage.

    Also, for those that can stomach the aggravation, is there more money to be made by being willing to run NYC?

    Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
     
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  3. MGASSEL

    MGASSEL Road Train Member

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    You will not be geting the nicest equipment when you are first starting out.
    You will get a safe piece of equipment it may or may not be clean depends on how lazy the company.
    Alot of places do not pay extra for NYC.
     
  4. DFR

    DFR Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    In the event I can't get the interior spotless on my pwn, are truck detailing companies very common? If so, any ideas on what they charge?

    I realize that there are more fundamental things to be concerned with, but we all have our hang-ups. If I'm gonna be living in it I want it to feel as much like home as possible.

    Most companies I have checked out pay an extra $75 to $100 for NYC (or at least they say that, anyway).
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2008
  5. MGASSEL

    MGASSEL Road Train Member

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    Wow I worked for a company and went into jersey and nyc and got nothing extra.
    I belive alot of guys charge about 75-100 for the detailing but it may be higher just depeds on were you go.
     
  6. Hub City

    Hub City Bobtail Member

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    May 25, 2007
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    "Horrid NYC" is pretty much a myth.
    Yes, it IS tighter and smaller than other places but many, many cites are tight and small. And long-wheelbased truck ARE much harder to navigate in and out but real drivers can do it!
    If you can read truck route signs, plan a trip, call a receiver for directions and remember the height of your rig, you'll do fine!
    Oh, you'll also need to know how to DRIVE YOUR TRUCK!
    And Some companies pay more to go there, some don't.
     
  7. DFR

    DFR Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    After poking around a little more, it looks like TMC is the answer. Shiny black trucks with lots of chrome and leather interiors. Company is militant about keeping them clean.

    Sounds like you can make some dough with them if you are up for the flatbed challenge.
     
  8. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    That's all nice but I believe you should be looking for more than just a shinny truck. A company may be militant about cleaning and slack in safety. I known of one company that makes their drivers polish the rims and clean the truck while waiting to load or unload and has a lousy safety record but nice looking trucks. Safety is first and along with that comes you. You can always clean the cab yourself but you'll never make good sitting around waiting for repairs. Evaluate a company for many factors. Safety, pay, benefits, home time, trust, grievance satisfaction, and many more. You don't want to be unhappy driving around in a nice clean truck. You have to be flexible about equipment but never about safety. Just my 2¢.
     
    markgel43 and rookietrucker Thank this.
  9. MGASSEL

    MGASSEL Road Train Member

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    do you really think that you will get one in great shape I think not.
    You will get one that has alot of miles may have damage in and outside the truck etc.
    My first truck the flares on the rear of the sleeper was smashed up had minor air leaks, inside had broken cabinets parts,etc.

    The only people that get the nice shinny trucks with all of the good looking chrome is drivers that has experince, not the trucking school grads unless you get lucky and that is all they have sitting there when you solo out that is if they do not make you go to another terminal and get a junker.
     
  10. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I have to agree with gashauler. Something I was told when I first started driving. A shiny truck with lots of chrome doesn't make money. Sure it looks nice but if your cleaning it more then your driving. Your not making money. Your first two years should be focused on learning the ropes of becoming a Professional Driver. Safety is your number one priority period :biggrin_2558:
     
  11. DFR

    DFR Bobtail Member

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    Aug 1, 2008
    Grand Rapids, MI
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    Points well taken. I would definitely rather deal with some extra dust and dirt than trying to keep some outwardly appealing/mechanically effed up pos going straight by having to hold the steering wheel in 5:00 position.
     
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