Question:
I posted my resume on www.craigslist.org, saying I am looking for an entry-level driver's position. (Bear in mind that although I have my CDL, I don't have any current on-the-road experience.)
Well, a Freight Delivery Provider in Oakland (near San Francisco) phoned me this morning.
Here's the deal.
The position is being an Independent Contractor who drives a company truck.
This involves transporting freight containers (from foreign ships) within 50-60 miles radius of the Oakland port.
He supplies the truck, and pays for fuel and maintenance.
He is willing to have another driver train me until I feel comfortable going solo.
The pay is 35-40% of each load, and drivers average $500 to $750 per week, depending on how many hours they work. (Some drivers make a lot more.)
Perhaps the one major drawback is I probably won't make it back home to San Diego for a long time, but what the hey...
Also, I'm not sure if this experience qualifies as "Over-The-Road," which is what a lot of companies want if I choose to move on in a year or so.
Whadya think?
Should I go for it?
-- comedian RAY ROMANO, star of "Everybody Loves Raymond," in Newsweek.

Answer:
You may have to buy your own workers comp ins. and medical. Check it out first Marines stay and fight, Bush makes sure of that.
Fox News, just a bowel movment away
Blind faith in a bad leader, is not patriotism

Answer:
SanDiego, that would be a hard one for anybody to answer. Because it depends on you. The job sounds ok up front. But I know some container haulers that don't make near that much. If they do make that much there is alot of hours everyday that have to be put in. Most shipyards specially in Fl. and along the east coast are not fast at getting you loaded. In reality a 60 mile run could take 6 hours to complete mainly because of waiting time. I doubt it's much different on the west coast. By the end of the day you may have done 3 60 mile runs and spent 18 hours doing them. Time to load and unload might be a question you'll want to ask about before signing on with them.
The really hard part is home time. That's something only you know if you can handle or not. Me personally there is no way I would think about it. I like being home much more than i like being in a truck. Also, you didn't say, if you have family then forget about it. Unless of course you have no desire to be around them.
As mentioned above the other draw back is insurance or any benefits for that matter. Most percentage jobs have none. Most do not even have workmans comp benes because you are labeled as a sub-contractor. Basically as self employed, so you have to have your own insurance if you want it. If you need benes you need to ask about them before making a move.
To make the decision period easier on you. You should have a list of questions already made up that covers everything you want and need in a driving job before you ever make the first call. Having a list will help reduce forgotten questions. Although most recruiters are salesmen and lie just a bit a list will give you a good idea if you want to work at any given company or not.
Good luck with your search.

Answer:
..........NO!

Answer:
I know all about this one!!! Having done container work for almost 9ys. My only drawback is Im not familiar with the area your talking about.Im here in Portland OR. . Anyway first find out if you pay for anything,as in insurance for the truck,load, ect.. Dont pay for anything!!! Hes not going to offer insurence,he'll just say to get it on your own with all the money you'll make!! LOL.! Make sure the tractor is safe to drive and is maintained well.Hes offering you training,thats normal,you cant go into container work without it...Make sure you dont have to pay to have any repairs done on the chassis or containers if theres a problem. Always check your chassis for good lites and brakes ect...cause if you get get pulled in by dot as you know its on you.Also make sure you scale cause containers are usually always heavy. Oh and their top heavy too.Id say go for it cause yes you can make alot of money in containers I should know!! The absolute hardest part period of containers is that the 'Long Shoreman' run the ports.And believe me when I say that in you life you will never have seen a more lazy,overpaid,stupid,lowlife,scumbag,piece of crap like a long shoreman!!
If you can handle them you are assured a place in Heaven!! Feel free to email me if ya have anymore questions about the great world of containers..P.S. the money can and most likely is what hes sayin just ask him to see a pay stub ot the other driver.And the ports arnt open weekends. And the hometime is great..and no unloading/loading.. if you do have to unload get paid for it........Mike

Answer:
For anyone interested in these positions, I did a little checking and telephoned their union this past week.
They told me there are 7,000+ applicants on the waiting list, and anyone interested in also getting on the list should contact them in about six months, as they currently are not taking any new applications.
Here's the number if you don't mind being number 7,001:
415 776-8100
Remember: Patience is a Virtue...
-- comedian RAY ROMANO, star of "Everybody Loves Raymond," in Newsweek.