Why 60,000 miles & or 3-4 months training?

Yeah, the whole info thing is true. In the information age you would think all they had to do was print out my online app.

When you arrive at the hotel they give you a folder with not only the app to fill out again, but your other training material and forms... the paperwork in this folder is the basis for your employee file from there on out.

As far as integrity review, Im pretty sure that is the interview. They run a pre-liminary background check for your pre-hire and THEN seem to have a very thourough one on hand during your interview... The guy will ask you if you have left any information out, or something you may have forgot... Its a professional background check, so dont think you can hide anything. My interview also involved some general #### chat, where I guess he evaluates your demeanor etc.

 

I think that's another reason they make you fill out the application again. First you fill it out online, then you fill it out at orientation. If they don't match up fairly close....red flag!

They seem to be huge on honesty. I've spoken with a few drivers and went through orientation with a couple guys who had some pretty nasty felonies on their background but were still hired. As long as you meet the minimum requirements, even a felony is ok. BUT, you have to be honest about it. If you own up to it and take responsibility, they will usually forgive you. If you try to hide it and you're caught in a lie, you'll be back on the Greyhound bus headed back home.

During orientation, they make it sound as if they will know every single thing about you from the time you were born until now. I'm not real sure if this is more of a scare tactic to get you to admit to things they probably wouldn't have ever found, or if they actually have access to a more detailed background. But all in all, it seems like if you're simply honest about your past, they will look passed it. We all make mistakes. They are simply looking for honesty.

 

Thanks again U2 and TruckerMike!

Sounds fair enough! Anything else I should be prepared for besides the application, integrity interview, physical and of course orientation classes?

I tried to contact my recruiter yesterday and today, to get a specific list of what I need to bring; however, she hasn't been there. Her voicemail box is full, so I can't even leave her a message. I did leave a message with another recruiter, but she never called back either. I know they are probably overwhelmed, so I'll wait patiently.

Do you have to pay for your Qualcomm? I was just browsing the website and noticed a section pertaining to Qualcomm charges. Just curious.

Additionally, who is your health care through? BC&BS, Aetna, United Concordia...etc?

 

Qualcomm is paid for if you're a company driver, but lease operators have to pay for their own Qualcomm usage. I believe they pay a flat fee for X amount of characters, then pay additional fees if they go over (sort of like text messaging only this is per character, not per message). Health care is through Blue Cross and is pretty expensive, so be ready for that. Some people opt out of the health insurance and find a 3rd party as it's cheaper. But I opted for Blue Cross as they are an excellent insurance company. I can't remember how much per week it is, but my enrollment for health care starts next week. I'll look to see how much they take out, but I remember in orientation I was a bit surprised at how much it costs compared to my last job.

Other than that, I'd say just be prepared for your first day because it's going to be a long one. The first day sucks. After that, it gets better. The maintenence class sort of sucks, but most of them are actually interesting. Be sure to check out the Millenium building. Nice place and the food is better over there. During my orientation, when classes ended, we'd all hop on the shuttle and grab dinner over there then catch a movie if we had time. Although if you have the opportunity to have the Salsbury Steak at the Campus Inn, I HIGHLY recommend it. Probably the best Salsbury Steak I've ever had....no joke.

As far as what to bring, do a search on that. There's a bunch of threads that cover it. But mainly, only bring what you have to. Aside from my cell phone and laptop, the only other things I brought were necessities... clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag, pillow, etc. There isn't much room on these trucks and you'll most likely be sleeping with most of your stuff on your bunk. And a little tip, pack in duffel bags, not suit cases. I went and got myself a large duffel bag and put everything in one big bag. The concept is good, but that thing is heavy! You might also want to bring a real small duffel bag or backpack to carry your clothes / toiletries in when going to take a shower. Just big enough to transport a change of clothes. And even though it's summer, bring a jacket. You'll be in a lot of cold storage places counting pallets as they load them. You'll be glad you have a jacket with you.