Wil-Trans / JPT

Not sure where to put this, but I'm curious.

I want to get into trucking, I've done a good amount of research, and I settled on JPT. I applied to them and everything seemed to be going well. I asked if I could explain anything, send my school transcripts (I just finished my bachelor's degree not too long ago), etc. Recruiter told me everything looked good. I have nothing on my MVR in the last 5 years. No run-ins with the law.

Last Friday, I did the first interview. Said everything was good, and would pass it on to the manager. Ok, still feeling good about this situation. Monday, called again just to make sure I was still onboard, and I was absolutely still onboard... reiterated that the manager would be calling me later in the week.

Today came... and they decide to go with other applicants. OK? I didn't ask why, because there was simply no reason to ask. They didn't want me, that's all that mattered. But, I'm from upstate NY. So that got me thinking that my geography didn't lineup with JPT lanes. Could this be the reason? I was asked if I was sure that I didn't want to do Wil-Trans instead earlier in the process.

If that is the case, is it worth my time to even bother applying to Wil-Trans? No other companies really interest me for CDL training, and I'm not really in position to pay for CDL school. Though, I am open suggestions. I was originally going to do Prime, but I bailed on them because I didn't want to be stuck OTR in a lightweight truck. I wonder if that maybe played a role since JPT pulls for Prime? But basically, I'm just wondering if it's worth my time to bother with Wil-Trans.

Thanks.

 

Drive.

 

I would disagree with the degree being almost a hindrance, at worst I believe it shows that I have the drive to achieve my goals. I don't see how that could be taken as a negative. It didn't seem to be an issue once I explained my reasons for wanting to enter the industry.

I do think you have given some solid advice, though. I didn't tell them that I don't know how long I anticipated driving, other than I want to do it. They didn't really ask me that from my recollection. But I will give an answer similar to your advice in the future. I would love to start out as a driver and see where it takes me in a company.

They pay .05 more CPM, so I would have started at .46 CPM, but after looking at the size and lack of storage of the lightweight, I just couldn't do it. If I was going on the road for 3+ weeks at a time, I would like to have some bit of comfort. From my knowledge, all but flatbed gets lightweight as company drivers. I asked my recruiter, and he said I would be forced into LW. After debating for a few days, I decided I couldn't do it.

 

I have read that in other places as well, but I feel it's too much of an uncertainty. I have no interest in leasing at this time, if ever. I don't want to be holed up in a hotel room for weeks on end just draining whatever funds I would have gained from training. That is simply too much of a risk for me.