Discerning the trucking life
#31
08-13-2007, 08:09 PM
Colts Fan:
I also visited SAGE here locally, they said they work with alot of companies. When I asked directly WHICH companies, he replied with the same names many of the pro's and experienced people here say to avoid. They are probably getting a "finders" fee from some of these companies. But SAGE has a good reputation, at least here locally. I might contact some local companies first, tell them you are enrolling in SAGE and what opportunities they have to offer. Maybe you can find something as a "pre-hire" before you spend the money and enroll. Good luck! 
#32
08-13-2007, 08:20 PM
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 776
I have an appointment st SAGE tomorrow morning. I will find out everything I need to know then. The say they work with Old Dominion and a couple of other local carriers (Monarch Beverage, Pitney Bowes).
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#33
08-13-2007, 08:29 PM
Originally Posted by Ian Williams
OTR can be rough on family life. Cold Fosty Mug has throughly flogged the dead horse of LTL vs. OTR.
Beware of some of the promises of OTR recruiters. Some companies will say anything to get "meat in the seat". For some perspective on what you should be asking see: http://www.ooida.com/Swimming_sharks...o_drivers.html I found myself in a similar boat as you about 2 years ago. My last gig before becoming an overpaid forklift jockey who uses his CDL on occasion was working for a solar energy equipment wholesaler in Southern OR. I also came to the realization that I enjoyed driving long stretches or I5 between Sacramento CA and Grants Pass OR. After getting laid off twice from the solar energy field in one year I figured it was time to find something else with more stability. When I moved to Reno after college Con-Way was hiring for dock-to-driver. I hired on in Dec 05, got my CDL in April 06 and have had a dock bid since July of 06. If you can hack it LTL could be just the ticket for you. Depending on your seniority, company and job assignment you can be 5-95% dock worker/lumper. Decent $, 100% hometime and good bennies. Do a search of my previous posts for the downside of LTL. Your 1st 6-18 months when you have no seniority will suck. My 1st year I earned ~$35k, this year with the odd voluntary Sat. run I'll earn $46-48k working an average of 42hrs/week on my dock/city P&D combo bid. If I wanted next year I could earn $~65k as a line driver. I've never had to sleep anywhere but my own bed in my time with Con-Way. Take some of the talk on truckingboards with a grain of salt. Its a collective water cooler where people go to B*^&h in company specific areas. Feel free to PM me if you have any ?s.
#34
08-15-2007, 05:18 AM
If you have enough exp. hire on as a driver, yes you could only drive I think (I'm not an LTL driver, have just researched it). The dock to driver program is just a way to get started.
Coltsfan, I also suggest that you talk to Old Dominion...or any of the LTL carriers for that matter. I wouldn't just take the school's word for it that they train for them. The hiring manager or terminal manager, whichever is the case, can and probably will tell you your best route to become a driver for them. It would definitely be good to mention the Sage school to them and see if that would help you get into a truck quicker. One thing to consider, if you do the dock to driver program, I don't think it will cost you a dime and you'll be earning a paycheck immediately although you'll be doing it on the dock. I really don't think the dockwork is too bad. All things being equal, you might wanna wait till say mid september to start though :wink: you would probably be driving before the hot weather starts next year. Just my observations. Also, I think Vito is hitting the nail square on the head for you. LTL gets you in a truck, fairly decent home time plus it's actually probably the best driving job out there...as far as pay and benefits go. For a family man I see it almost as a no-brainer....providing you can get in. Arky
#35
08-15-2007, 10:21 AM
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 776
Arky,
I went in and talked to the SAGE's program director. He says that they do direct placement for them and their recruiter is also the fleet manager. He also mentioned that most of the recruiters that go in there will say anything to get meat in the seat, but the OD guy would work with you on a daily basis and would have no reason to feed you BS.
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