A few questions

[mothergoose]

I'm an OTR Team driver currently working for a good company. I have less than 2 years of experience and have been fortunate to be teamed with an experienced driver (19 years) during that time. I have a CDL A with doubles, triples and hazmat endorsements. I have no accidents or tickets.

Does anyone use solos? Do you end up on the West Coast without a load to pick up? I think it would be best for a driver to become a company driver and learn the business first, then possibly run for an O/O or buy your own truck do you agree? How long do you stay out usually, we are out from 3 to 6 weeks at a turn with 4 to 6 days off.

Is this business better on the east coast than it is on the west coast? (I live in the Pacific Northwest) I would like to be an O/O myself but with the cost of fuel etc I'm not sure this is a good time to try, it seems too risky.

In any case, guess I've asked enough questions for a while.

Thanks Mother

 

[Crazynuff]

Just about all companies use solos . The problem is since it's expediting they won't dispatch you for a trip you can't complete in a day . There are no company drivers but there are fleet owners that as a rule pay you by percentage . Check the driver wanted ads in the free classifieds at this site . Fleet owners prefer teams but since you have team experience they may be able to put you on with an experienced driver . While you are not ready to become an o/o tractors are always needed and pay well . Keep this in mind and ask about income for tractor o/o 's . Just a note to you and other potential newbies that may decide not to go the expediting route . There are driveaway companies that contract to motorhome manufacturers and companies that manufacture fleets for USPS , FedEx , UPS etc. that pay drivers .90 a mile or more to deliver the vehicles . You pay the fuel costs and should have a small towable vehicle to get to the next load but it's pretty good money . Horizon Transport has drivers that just drive motorhomes around the country for PGA tournaments .

 

[mothergoose]

Thanks for the information Crazynuff I appreciate it. The notion of teaming with someone I don't know is a little more than I can deal with I think. Teaming is demanding and both drivers need to have a mature attitude able to put the job at hand first, something that can be a real challenge with the wrong partner. I have a friend who is thinking about getting a CDL but I don't think they will be able to get Hazmat endorsed due to a felony (weed) many years ago. I do like the idea of being with another driver who has experience as I know I have a lot to learn, I won't say it would never happen.

The information you gave about the other areas available to drivers was great, thanks. These are things I need to hear as a newbie. I'll check out the rest of the site as I have time.

I found this site almost a year ago but haven't had time to spend on the net until this week. I'm home on medical leave with a foot injury. It's a great site and I'll do some lurking.:+

Stay Safe
Mother

Does anyone have any information on the East Coast/West Coast thing?
I only ask because I did have a chance to talk to a Fedex Expedite Team months ago and they said they were having trouble getting something out of Oregon, didn't like coming up here.