Applying to companies

I have applied to Roehl, Averitt Express, US Xpress, McElroy, and Schneider. Having all of your records, employment history organized can speed up this tedious task of entering the same information into numerous application forms.

Schneider called me back 24 hours after applying online. The only reason I would hire on with them was if they had an opening in their bulk division. They didn't, so I told them to call if an opening came up.

McElroy called me about four hours after faxing my application to them. The lady told me that I was pre-hired and to fax my DOT long form and ten year DMV printout to them. The director from school called to congratulate me on getting a prehire before I even start school!

I was impressed with what I learned about McElroy. 38 cents per mile to start. Seven weeks training program. Two at terminal for load securement, learning to back spread axle 45 and 48 foot flatbed trailers, four weeks with a trainer, then an evaluation week before being assigned your truck. Home every weekend, smaller company (600 trucks). Southeast, Midwest, and mid Atlantic freight lanes. They are at the top of my list along with Averitt Express which does mostly LTL freight.

I've been working out extra hard figuring that I've got five more weeks to get into top physical shape before doing it on the job.

I'm almost positive that I am going to go with a flatbed carrier. The down side is tarping and climbing on top of the load.

The upside is no touch freight, no lumpers, few delays at shippers and receivers, which with the new Hours of Service rules can really minimize your productivity and paycheck.

Over the last few years I've been buying trucking related gear such as the Burton 12V stove and coffee maker, inverter, Coleman RoadTrip 12V cooler, CB, sturdy boots and clothing, rain gear, laptop with Delorme Earthmate GPS. I tried out the Delorme system in my van last week. It is WAY COOL. Not truck route specific so any trip planning has to be checked against your motor carrier atlas for restricted routes, low clearances, etc. But it is vey nice. It shows a split window with the map above and your next turn in a window below. As your driving is will show the miles to your next turn decreasing and as you approach it will give you voice directions.

That's all for now. Monday starts my regular classes. I was glad to attend the one day last weeks so that I know the instructors and my classmates already.

Best of luck to all of you

Category Posted: General