Looking for a recomendation on who to go with.
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Wilson, NC
Posts: 7
Looking for a recomendation on who to go with.
I was a driver / race team mechanic for 18 years pulling tag along trailers with rvs (no cdl) all over the country. After that I took over as service manager for a auto dealership and while the $$ is good, I miss being on the road. I went to 160 hr cdl school finishing top of class and now wondering what would be the best first step for my driving career.
About me.. 45 clean cut non-smoking fit professional with strong work ethic Single with a grown child so long hauls ok. Hazmat, doubles/triples / tanker endorsements. 28 years driving having never been in accident at fault or otherwise ( knock on wood) No arrests or traffic violations other than expired tags 15 yrs ago 18 years experience pulling /working on race cars ( no- cdl) I was thinking Team driving running east/west coast hauling produce may be a good way to start learning the intricacies of driving while teamed with an experienced driver. What do you guys suggest?
#2
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Somewhere between Rochester NY and Gaults' Gulch
Posts: 2,698
I take it you didn't apply to any companies while in school? Thats the best time cause most co. will give you a pre-hire letter so you atleast have an idea of whats what. Don't waste any time now that your out of school, that cdl has a short shelf life! Just put in an app. here on CAD in the job section and go from there.
__________________
Μολὼν λαβέ; "A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” George Washington
#3
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Wilson, NC
Posts: 7
Thats the problem, put in an app with whom?
Not being in the industry I received 45 emails from recruiters from so many different companies promising many things. Then when I come on here and research, I find that apparently there are a few unscrupulous recruiters. Posted here in effort to get feedback from experienced drivers rather than just pulling a name out of the hat to go with. I'm hoping my first company will be one to stay with.
#4
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Wilson, NC
Posts: 7
btw.. I'm making an assumption that the ones that send recruiters to school offering big sign on bonus do this because they have to.
I could be wrong, but I'm betting the best companies to work for wouldn't need to send people to a school looking drivers.
#5
Rookie
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Posts: 41
From what I hear, Crete is one of the better "starter" companies.
Swift, Werner, US Xpress, Schneider.....they'll all promise you the world to get your butt in one of their seats and then pull the rug out from under you. Personally, I did my time with Swift until I found a local gig and never looked back.
#6
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Wilson, NC
Posts: 7
From what I hear, Crete is one of the better "starter" companies.
Swift, Werner, US Xpress, Schneider.....they'll all promise you the world to get your butt in one of their seats and then pull the rug out from under you. Personally, I did my time with Swift until I found a local gig and never looked back. Thank you. Crete was one of those that had contacted me by email and I have just submitted an application.
#7
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,589
Well, it looks like you already have a few strikes against you!!
Last edited by Useless; 08-10-2014 at 06:36 AM.
#8
Board Regular
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 270
put all them names on a board, blind fold yourself and throw a dart. Most of the companies will offer similar pay (too little) and benefits and then they will all piss you off.
Last edited by mndriver; 08-09-2014 at 03:03 PM.
#9
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,589
"One potato, two potato, three potato, four......." Last edited by Useless; 08-10-2014 at 12:49 AM.
#10
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Wilson, NC
Posts: 7
The potato thing never really worked out for me, I've had much more success with Eeny, meeny, miny, moe |
|