ATCO
July 5th, 2005, 14:22
Well guys, I dunno if you've been following my indesiveness on how to enter the trucking industry... I just know I want to drive, and to eventually have my own trucks and company - a small fleet. I've always been most interested in regional OTR work, but knew I'd love to have a sleeper available to me. anyways, I think I'm going to take the advice I've had offered to me and get some experience driving, and not just jump into driving AND O/O with my own authority at the same time...
Here is where you come in...
I'd say I'm likelly the most knowledgable in the LTL trucking segment. The family business I work for deals with several and I have a good relationship with the majority of them. Matter of fact, most of the P & D drivers know I want to start my own trucking company...
I am really thinking about persuing trying to get a job with one of these LTL's as a line haul driver out of a Bakersfield terminal. Terminal to Terminal with drop and hook seems like a rather good way to start a learning process... There is no way I think I could do P & D work, as I'm sure I'd be far too frustrated by the third drop.
The carriers I am considering, mind you, they may not have anything available:
1. Central Transport - visited at the terminal and was told they'd like to keep their "company" sterling tandem running night and day. It is currently running nights only to Sacto and back. They figure they can run it to LA (have no problems driving in LA) during the day... Our company by far has it's best relationship with CT.
2. Old Dominion Freight Lines
3. Central Freight Lines
4. Saia
5. Matheson
6. ABF
7. Con-Way
8. Fed-Ex Freight
(notice I did not include Yellow/Roadway or Overnite/Motor Cargo)
Of course I could become an o/o and go after a contract? but alas the problems of doing this might be much to deal with whilst learning...
What are some general thoughts about these plans? Am I wrong to think I might be home everynight? Are there some good questions to be asking the carriers? Whats some general thoughts on the carriers mentioned?
Thanks,
Here is where you come in...
I'd say I'm likelly the most knowledgable in the LTL trucking segment. The family business I work for deals with several and I have a good relationship with the majority of them. Matter of fact, most of the P & D drivers know I want to start my own trucking company...
I am really thinking about persuing trying to get a job with one of these LTL's as a line haul driver out of a Bakersfield terminal. Terminal to Terminal with drop and hook seems like a rather good way to start a learning process... There is no way I think I could do P & D work, as I'm sure I'd be far too frustrated by the third drop.
The carriers I am considering, mind you, they may not have anything available:
1. Central Transport - visited at the terminal and was told they'd like to keep their "company" sterling tandem running night and day. It is currently running nights only to Sacto and back. They figure they can run it to LA (have no problems driving in LA) during the day... Our company by far has it's best relationship with CT.
2. Old Dominion Freight Lines
3. Central Freight Lines
4. Saia
5. Matheson
6. ABF
7. Con-Way
8. Fed-Ex Freight
(notice I did not include Yellow/Roadway or Overnite/Motor Cargo)
Of course I could become an o/o and go after a contract? but alas the problems of doing this might be much to deal with whilst learning...
What are some general thoughts about these plans? Am I wrong to think I might be home everynight? Are there some good questions to be asking the carriers? Whats some general thoughts on the carriers mentioned?
Thanks,