OTR truck driving info.

[HBarlow]

After a layoff in the construction buissness I hired on with Schneider. It was a good experiance. I was paid (but not well) for my training wich was done in house at the Dallas OC. They also took me to take my CDL test and let me use their truck and trailer. After that I was put with a trainer and pay was increased. Him and I shared the cab taking turns driving (me doing most of it) for about 2 weeks when I was sent out on my own where the real money started coming. The training was good and at a good pace. I had plenty of behind the wheel time both on highways, city streets, and places I didnt think a big rig could fit. I felt very comfortable in the saddle when they turned me loose.

The company it'self I think is GREAT for a first time driver, they are helpfull and are use to dealing with 'new' drivers. My only main gripe about them (besides the big orange trucks being govorned at 62 mph) was that since I was a company driver I couldnt choose my truck or customize it. On the other hand all fuel and maintenance costs were on them... . not me.

Unfortunatly after 6 months on the road Uncle Sam called and needed my help overseas. When I got back from my second tour I decided not to drive anymore. Not because of any other reason than I wanted a chance to settle down. I still miss driving and often think of getting my own rig and getting into the O/O gig.

My time on the road was a great one, I got to see parts of the country I never would have seen otherwise and I learned a lot too. Like that the folks up north aint as bad as I thought they were... ... and the ones in California are much worse than I thought they were. LOL, no offence to anybody from Ca.

13MWZ,



That's an excellent post. Lots of good information from someone who has done it for anyone considering jumping into commercial truck driving. I posted an informal "resume" on an internet trucking website a few months ago mentioning that I was an experienced RV transporter with a CDL Class A, experienced with Hours of Service rules, logbooks, scales, permits, etc. but no air brake endorsement and no experience whatsoever driving a big rig but was interested in considering it. Schneider sent me an e-mail right away and invited me to apply. I thought about it for a day or two but decided I wasn't willing to make a one or two year commitment in return for training because I didn't know how long I would be willing to stay. A few weeks later I decided I was tired of the road and quit RV transporting anyway but I might return in the spring. I still think of learning to drive a big rig occasionally. I think it would be an adventure. Probably just a foolish idea based on a little boy's fascination with big trucks that I've never gotten completely out of my system.



BTW, thank you for your service to our country. I mean that very sincerely.



Harvey

 

[RHestand]

Hey guys, Thanks for all the great replies and personal experiences.

Well I made the big plunge yesterday, I signed up with a school in Salinas, Ca. that was recomended by Werner Ent.

They seemed to know what they were talking about, and I get a CDL with all the endorsements, (haz-mat, doubles/tripples, etc. ) in 3-5 wks. depending on my learning curve.

Class room work I, do there and at home,and backing, parking,etc. , in there yard. On the road training, will be in and around Salinas, with their equip. with mostly one on one instructor/student ratio.

After I pass the DOT physical and the written exam. , they guarantee they will train me untill I pass the driving test.

This school's tuition is $3500 and includes all costs and fees associated with getting my CDL.

I started studying for the written this morning, and I don't think it will be too bad. (Some pretty dumb questions though. )

I was thinking about going with Schnieder since they have a big yard about 8 miles from my house in Wi. But now I don't know, with the 62 mph limit, that kind of puts a different light on any two lane passing situations. I don't have good feelings about that. ( Thanks 13MWZ)

I'll sign off now and post as things move forward.

Thanks again, Ray

 

[DonTX]

Good news, I am sure you will have a ball, and you picked a good way to go I think. Werner and Schneider are both good rides, and when you sign on THEN the real education begins. I would not trade my OTR days for anything!

 

[bnbrown]

My buddy that worked with Werner said they also used the speed governors, dont remember what they were set to though... He said it didnt bother him too much, would just set the cruise at the gov. limit and watch some other trucks pass... then pass them going up the next hill, at the end of the day wound up at the same parking area. Personally I just couldnt walk out to a big orange truck everyday
Good luck with those Salinas on/off ramps lol. My wife is from Monterey and our friends work in Salinas.

 

[MZupkow]

I'm an over the road truck driver, after reading a few posts, the phrase "babes in the woods" comes to mind... lol

Here's a couple of websites (one is a forum) that makes for some good reading:

Read what some real world truck drivers have to say:

Truckingboards Truck Driver Forums


This website is good when you are looking for a job:

Truck Driving Jobs, Trucker jobs, Owner Operators, truckdrivingjobs, cdl jobs

I tried to find the diary of a Swift driver, where he documents his "experience", but I couldn't find it in my bookmarks.

I will say that most of the large companies govern their trucks between 60-70 mph. US Xpress is 67mph, until you achieve enough fuel economy, then it jumps up to 70mph. Two lane passing (@ 70-80k) is scary at best, suicidal at worse.

When my team driver went to school, there were instructors that told her "Truck drivers are just paid tourists"... DON'T believe them... if the wheels aren't turning, NOBODY makes money.

One other thing: "thinking" you know the laws for every state isn't good enough, but the state & federal DOT is VERY happy to point out your mistakes... & they can be VERY expensive!

 

[Andersonville]

15years OTR driving here. I drove for Challenger Motor Freight, Crete/Shaffer and a US mail contractor. I started truck driving to see the country. I have enjoyed it mostly. If you enjoy being alone go for it. Look up prospective employers on the internet. There is good and bad about EVERY trucking company. You can find a niche that works for you. Werner and others have a rep for keeping you away from home. Do you want to get home every day,every week,every month? These are options you have to consider. What about your family? Schnieder has about the best drivers training that I have heard of. Swift?nah

DONOT fall for the trap of training and then paying it back! A company out of SLC is good for that line of bullcrap. Spend a couple of years with a big company and learn about trucking. Any company that gives you a "fast truck" isn't gonna pay very much. You can make more money running team but I cant sleep if the truck is moving. That's up to you. If you are a druggie or look like one expect to get random drug tested a lot. Your CDL is your professional license and is to be protected at all costs. Companies will urge you to run illegal if you do it they expect it every time. You don't get paid enough to unload trucks. They will pay the lumper $200 and you only $85 and AFTER you unload 42,000 lbs of cakemix and restack it to suit the grocer they will expect you to drive all night to make your next appointment. Can you drive 10 hrs a day with no side effects? The truck doesn't make money sitting still. Some companies have quotas. 13000 miles per month,etc. You get no respect and mostly no courtesy and the truckstops arent there to help you they are there to gouge you out of every penney for mostly poor food,dirty restrooms and showers and incompetent rude staff. BUT

you can find a niche you enjoy for the most part and you will make decent money for the most part and if you keep your head you will do okay. Trucking is a LIFE that most people aren't comfortable doing. Just my . 02 and good luck. Look everything up and the recruiters will tell you anything to sign you just like the military. TheTruthAboutTrucking :: Index Sweatshops On Wheels

 

[cojhl2]

Background: Grew up on a farm in WA. Drove (before days of CDL etc) trucks during highschool and college. Most were truck/trailer 76K combinations.



After college had a 34yr computer career.



After 34 years had for family reasons come back to farm. Ahha, What I could do is drive OTR and be home often enough to take care of farm. . Turned out that did not work!!!!



Went to driving school, if I had not I could not have passed the PTI. (At least at the school where I went. ) They had a very formal way to do it and although I knew the mechanics I did not without their training know how to pass the test. Graduated with good grade and went to work for SWIFT.



Although I only drove for 12 weeks (I was up and down the eastern US and my home and Farm are West) I thought they were an excellent company for a beginner.



Almost all drop and hook.



I now drive during the summer months local in WA. I drive a 379 double combination hopper or flatbed depending on customer requirement. Almost always gross 105. 5K or better. Never away from home more than one night at a time.



If it were not for wanting to be home more often I would probably still be OTR. But, I can say one really does get tired of having to pull out on the road for another 300 mi or so before stopping.



Really got to see country I would never have had a change to see any other way. Know what, cept for the NE cities the East is not bad at all!!!



BTW SWIFT amortized my school expense and paid so long as I was on payroll.



There are a lot of jokes going around about SWIFT drivers but I have to say I was always treated very nicely by drivers of other companies. Because I was SWIFT they knew I was a newbie and always were very gratious and helpful.



I am 70 years old and I guess I will never lose the love for big trucks especially Paccar long nose trucks, the sound of a rattling CI engine, and the sound of twin pipes.



In summary, if you are single and have no serious home responsbilities I think it is well worth taking a shot at it!!!

 

[bmoeller]

As mentioned, trucking is best for single guys. Especially OTR. I do know of several husband/wife teams, but not many.

I've been a bullhauler (co. driver) for almost 9 yrs. 2+yrs OTR. Haul mostly cattle, but get stuck with hogs once in a while. It is one of the toughest trucking jobs, if not the toughest. Load and unload ALL of the livestock, and more often than not, all alone. Not always that bad, but when they are wild and bent on taking you down, it is a whole new ball game. No matter how careful you try to be, it can still be very dangerous. Why I'm not in a pine box, or gotten more than a few cracked bones I'll never know. Have had some VERY close calls over the years. Anyone who says cattle don't look that fast, hasn't had a 1800# bull chase you down a load out chute.

Even given the risk and the crappy hours, I still love doing it, and seeing the country. Boss bought me a new wagon and a near new tractor within the past year, and sittin' in hog heaven.

 

[HBarlow]

Several good posts by OTR drivers. I enjoy reading your stories.



I wasn't a real driver, just an RV transporter "wannabe" but I understand the call of the road. The freedom to wander around the country everyday seeing the beauty of this great land is addictive and much more enjoyable than going to the same building, same office everyday doing the same old repetitive task and you can earn a living doing it.



Harvey

 

[RHestand]

Update:

Thanks for all the replies and great info.

I graduated last week with my class A lic. and all the endorsements (TSA haz-mat, dbls. /trpls; tankers, etc. )

Everything was pretty straight forward,(written, backing/docking, air brakes,etc. ) except the DMV on the road driving test. They will fail you for IMO, a very small mistake. ( I stalled the eng. after stopping at an intersection, and she failed me. ) I'm glad they give you three chances to pass.

Any way, with all that behind me now, I'm pre-qualified with Schneider and Werner. I think I'm going to go with Werner, at least for 6 mos. or so, then I'll make some decisions as to which way I will go from there.

I'm already enjoying searching the net, looking at dif. tractors, eng/trans. combos. Even if I never buy my own rig,I love looking and reading about them, and besides that, if I need to, maybe I'll be able to talk trucks with other drivers a little better.

I'm planning to start in March, or as soon as I fin. helping a friend repair his house.

The last big storm here, blew a tree over on it, no one was hurt except the house, what a mess.

Anyway thanks again for everything, and I will be checking in and posting on TDR while I'm on the road.

Ray

 

[HBarlow]

Ray,



Congratulations and thanks for the report. I feel your excitement about the future.



If I was younger I'd do the same thing and try it for awhile just for the adventure.



Harvey

 

[RVTRKN]

Been there, done that, ain't going back, as far as driving for large company's. I got my CDL for $1300. 00 and drove for Swift for about 3 weeks, which require you to team drive for your first 6 weeks.



When I decided to try it out, I started a new account with a thousand dollars for spending money and had them direct deposit my pay as not to effect the family money. The money was also there for the "just in case" emergency travel home from any where in the US if I didn't like it. The mentor (driver) I was teamed up with was too dedicated to his job and we never had a break when we delivered our load, unless there was no load, which never happened. At first I was angry with him, but I finally came to the conclusion that, that will be my life if I continue driving and he was only doing his job (and a good job he was doing) and was not for me.



I still might try a O/O situation but it will not be with a big company and no "black boxes" will be on my truck. They know every thing you do, what gear your in, even control you through the log book with a bar code that has secret info on it. The most frustrating was the speed governor was set at (for Swift) 65MPH but the cruise control would only set as far as 62MPH, if your on a deadline you must travel at 65MPH. It doesn't seem that bad until you find out that if you go over 65MPH you will be consoled, and the third violation could result in your firing. That black box knows all and tells all. I don,t mean to rain on your parade, but just want too give you some insight as to what your getting into.



BTW, I drove 300 miles home in a rent a car because the driver wouldn't get a load back home when I requested it.

 

[bnbrown]

I would have to say I have yet to hear a good thing about Swift... and I dont have a lot good to say about their drivers either... we get a lot of truck traffic on our 2 lane highway here... and if the door says swift, swiftly get farther away.

 

[RVTRKN]

As I saw it with Swift, they hire anybody and is the reason for the reputation. If you were to go on a test drive with their recruits when they get tested for ability you would understand why they have such a bad reputation. I got a kick out of my mentor when I backed up blind for the first time with him, all he said was "you have driven OTR before". The reason it was easy for me, was common sense and pulling a 5ver for a few years as well as my boat. The first terminal I was in besides my home terminal I saw a driver back up a 53' into another and rip the other wide open, only because he didn't get out and access the situation before he backed in. But to be fair they do have quality drivers, part of the equation is the numbers of drivers they have, I believe its over five thousand. The odds are you will see the worst drivers alot.



As a side note I did enjoy the challenge and was glad I was learning in the winter when the real driving skills show up. The best thing to remember about Swift is at the first snows stay away from a Swift truck. Chances are the driver is new and learned during the summer when he had his mentor and he received no winter training. The other problem is the speed governor they have to drive with, even an experienced driver will look like a rookie sometimes because they are slow on the wide, wide, wide, wide, open road.



Steve...

 

[cojhl2]

Regarding SWIFT

But to be fair they do have quality drivers, part of the equation is the numbers of drivers they have, I believe its over five thousand.

When I went through the SWIFT prep class they said there were 35,000 tractors pulling for SWIFT. That was in the spring of 2003.