Having benefitted so much from this board in preparation for my journey to a driving career, I felt compelled to post a bit about my experiences in hopes that someone may benefit from it. I apologize in advance; it’s long, but hopefully worth the read.

When I started CDL training, I thought I had a pretty good idea of where I wanted to go. I had the “short list” of mid-sized OTR outfits, and was ready to go. I submittied apps and getting replies and pre-hire letters, but somewhere around the 3rd week one of the instructors pulled me aside and told me he might know of a good opportunity for me if I was interested. Turned out to be a dry bulk day cab job where he knew one of the terminal managers.

I had looked at the company previously and written them off, as their requirement was two years experience, or one year with a recent school. I had also looked at a few other local opportunities which turned out to be low-pay slave labor in raggedy equipment. I expected local work to be a breeding ground for good ol’ boy networks, ***** kissing and posturing for position. Thanks but no thanks; I had enough of that in my previous career, which at least paid well. Suffice it to say I was skeptical about anything local, but I agreed to drop an app, never expecting it to go anywhere.

There was very little discussion here or anywhere else about the company, and nothing very favorable. But curiosity getting the better of me, I did a little research on the offer. I found out:

- Dedicated route hauling dry bulk cement (“So what……” :roll: )
- Assigned tractor AND trailer (“Okay, I’m listening……” )
- Tractor and trailer go home with the driver every night (“You’ve got my attention……” )
- Minimum pay guarantee (“Now we’re talkin; There‘s gotta’ be a catch here somewhere………:hellno: )
- Time-sensitive freight, early mornings and long days (“THAT’S THE CATCH? SIGN ME UP!!” )

In the end, they approved me and I accepted. Training went well, and I was off on my own. Right away I noticed the dispatchers had me running all over the place. No rhyme or reason to it; just running me ragged. Nothing like I was expecting. But run I did, everything they gave me and asked for more. Normally this is a M-F deal, but there’s usually something going on Saturdays and I asked for those too. I always made a point to thank them after a particularly good day or week (still do), and never once complained or vented to them or anyone else (still don‘t). After about six months, things started stabilizing. They started offering me choices instead of assignments. I started getting the load combinations that I liked. Life was good!

I had vowed when I started that good or bad, hell or high water, I would complete the first year where I started, then evaluate my position. Now approaching the end of my second year, I’m still quite content. Looking back, I don’t think I would do anything different.

I say all this to make a few points:

- On schools: The 320 hour Vo-tech courses are really no different from a 160 hour course in terms of content. Each pretty much teaches the test, and the end result is a CDL. For the student (besides being 1/3 the cost), the difference is additional time devoted to the practical factors (actual driving, backing, etc.). The added confidence from additional practice in a “sterile” environment is invaluable. From a potential employer’s standpoint, I wonder if it’s viewed as a greater level of commitment, as opposed to taking the quick and easy way. If your criminal/driving history is clean and you have a solid employment history, it can only enhance your overall picture. If there are blemishes, could it possibly offset the shortcomings? Especially now with things becoming more competitive. Just a thought……

And while I’m on schools, it is from the first day of school that a committed aspiring driver will put on the “professionalism” game face, a point that many of my peers in school didn’t seem to grasp. Looking sharp, being on time, and at least appearing you’re taking the program seriously will go many miles toward setting you apart from the crowd. If a potential employer wants to know what a nice guy you are, he’ll call your personal references. If he wants to know what a good twidget maker or burger flipper or whatever your previous job was, he’ll call your employment references. But if he wants to know your specific potential as a truck driver, he’s likely to call your driving school instructor. They’re better connected in this industry that many folks think.

- On companies: I really don’t think any company can be generalized as “good” or “bad”. If a driver has an overwhelmingly good or bad experience with a particular company, it’s because his/her position within the company was or was not a good fit. My company is neither good or bad. It just so happens that my particular position within the company at my particular terminal on my particular dedicated account is a near perfect fit. Had I hired into another terminal on the gas haulers’ side of the house, I might not view it as favorably. Having moonlighted in the other dry bulk accounts, I know I wouldn’t be happy there full time. And it wasn’t all that great to start with. It took time to learn the system, establish myself with the dispatchers, and find my happy place. All this from a daycab job in company that I had initially written off as a non-starter……

Of all the drivers who have left a company saying it’s a bad company, I wonder if possibly another option within the company would have been a better fit. Changing fleets within the company could be nearly as good as changing companies, only without the risk of a bad DAC report. Additionally, experience in multiple venues within the company could (theoretically) enhance your value. There is a good fit out there for everyone with realistic expectations and a positive attitude (possibly where you least expect it), it’s just a matter of finding it and giving it time to fully develop.

And on attitude, as I said, I vowed not to give up until after one year. What I flatly refuse to do is make a short-fused career decision based entirely on impulse and emotion. By "cooling off", I have found that every issue has been either a misinterpretation on my part, or simply not that big a deal. A positive attitude, a little restraint, and a touch of motivation can make even a mediocre situation much more palatable.

 

Where's the cliff notes?:lol2:

 

If my career will only start half as good as your story, I will be very happy. It sounds like you are just a smart person who is patient and works hard. When that is the case, the industry has no choice but to reward you. Thanks for taking so much time and sharing the knowledge.

Sidewinder

 

Sorry. Cropped it down some, but still kinda' long. Been away from the board for two years; had a little catching up to do:lol:

Smart; not hardly. Patient; only on rare occasions. Work hard; depends on who you ask. As for your career (or anyone else's) beginning and continuing successfully, it's equal parts attitude, restraint, motivation and pure dumb luck (okay, maybe a little heavy on the luck :lol.

 

You asked for them: