New to truck driving?

Question

Hello Everyone! I will be going to trucking school in a few weeks at the nearby community college. The instructor told me over the phone that he has a ton of applications for us to sign. I understand I can't have a local job right off the bat with 0 experience. How do I tell the companies I'm signing for where I want to drive? Is it possible I could driver from (Detroit-Illinois) Or is that a wish that wouldn't ever happen anytime soon? I just want to be home on weekends (since my sister is really sick), and I would like to be somewhat close to Michigan if I can. What should I do/check into

Thank you,

Nick

21 Michigan

Answer 1

Start researching companies that can give you the finishing training you will need, along with the benefits, like weekly hometime you desire.  Get some of the free truck stop magazines, check the phone book, & your local paper for different company names.  Go online & check their websites for career opportunities, equipment, etc.  

Your school can only help you get your CDL.  They won't be able to teach you the ins & outs of the industry, like handling customers, scaling loads, DOT, challenging docks, etc.  You will be limited to most larger companies, like JB Hunt, Schneider, US Xpress, etc. for the 1st 6mo or so.  Don't expect to be home every weekend unless it is company policy & even then, your weekend home may be during the week itself.  Be prepared to spend at least 3-4wks out at a time until you get your training finished.  Then, as you get experience & keep your driving record clean, opportunities will open up.

During your schooling, talk to recruiters & drivers (emphasis on the s).  The old saying of one man's trash is another man's treasure applies to trucking.  Get multiple opinions on every company that you are interested in.  Listen to their opinions & ask questions.  No question is too dumb, if someone is willing to help you out.    

You may be limited on where you can tell the company where you want to run, depending on the company, their policies, & where they operate.  Some companies are forced dispatch, so they don't give you many options on where you will be running.  They will send you wherever the freight is & needs to go.  Many companies have dedicated runs or accounts, but it could take 3-6mo before being considered for it (You have to prove yourself to your carrier 1st).    

With having a sick sister, you are in a hard place.  Have your family involved with your decision on which companies to apply to.   If she has a life threatening illness that could take her at anytime, you should wait on schooling, training, etc. til after her condition changes, but if it is a chronic condition with occasional flare ups, like diabetes or MS, ask her what her opinion is.

There are so many companies out there.  Do develop a BS meter, so you can figure out if something doesn't feel right when talking to drivers & recruiters.  Narrow your choices down to companies that operate near home (making pickups, deliveries, or better yet, having a terminal in the area), so home time isn't much of a problem.  You have to do your research & may have to bite the bullet for a while.  In the end, you will have a career that you will love or hate, depending on your experience.  Good luck!!

Answer 2

with the many companies needing drivers you should be very picky about who you decide to work for.......tell them what you want and if they won't give it to you go to another company.......some offer dedicated routes......concentrate on the companies that offer that

Answer 3

Nick-

Talk with your instructor and tell him what you are looking for, he will be able to point you in the right direction. Also, in the mean time start checking out your local companies, i.e. grain, coal trucking companies etc. Most of these guys are home almost every night. I know in my area our local trucking companies that haul coal take on new drivers and there home every night, but they work long hours. You can also check with your local plants in your area, most plants have their own trucks and drive local. I hope this helps!

Answer 4

online trucking

Answer 5

Be upfront with your new employer....tell them like it is....if you don't fit their schedule or they don't fit yours go elsewhere.

Michigan is in the dumpster now....lots of people are out of work and just trying to get a job to keep the bank from foreclosing in their house....I wouldn't be to picky.