Question:
Orientation for four days. The following week is training in the yard, I assume on correct loading and tarping procedures. As I have been over the road almost a year, I will only have to go out with one of their trainers for a week or two, then another week in the yard. On the Thursday of that last week, I'll get my truck and pick up my first load Friday morning, for delivery Monday.
Between each week's training, I will be at home and also after picking up the first load. This company guarantees their drivers get home every weekend. In writing. With a $100 bonus if you don't. Every driver I've talked to the last few months, says he always gets home Friday evening (some times morning), after loading for a Monday morning delivery. I would plan on leaving early enough Sunday night to get my 10 hours in at the consignee, unless my next pickup is ten hours or more after delivery.
I'm leaving my present company for the benefits. Rapid has none, no insurance, vacation, retirement, nothing. McElroy has all of these. Even though I'll be taking a pay cut to go there, my wife and I feel it's the best move for us and our family.Wayne


Answer:
Congrats on starting with McElroy.
As a Newbie still with schooling to go I have talked to McElroy at length and am strongly considering them - especially since they take Newbies. I, too, like the fact that they guarantee drivers home for the weekends, although I'm not quite sure where I'll park the truck
I hope you keep adding your adventures to this thread as I, for one, will be very interested in your progress and your opinions of the company and what it's like driving for them.
Thanks in advance for sharing with us! Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and it annoys the pig.

Answer:
This company isnt too bad. Trucking compaines are trucking companies. You just have to find the one to suit you. I run into alot of McElroy drivers. Everyone I talk to seem to be happy with them. I do know they are changing their fleet from Mack to Internationals. They pay well and on time. Good luck with your choice. Hope it works out well for you.

Answer:
Before quitting Rapid, I asked about training period and pay. I was told with my year over the road in straight trucks, my experience in the Corps in Motor T and my past exerience flatbedding, I'd be one or two weeks at most, with a trainer, learning the different loads and how to secure them and they'd start me at 34 CPM.
The second day of orientation, I was told that was changed to a full four weeks OTR with a trainer and only 31 CPM, just like a student out of school. They based this on confirmation of past employment. What I'd told them prior to quitting my job, was exactly what they confirmed and yet they changed my training and pay.
Needless to say, I'm a little perturbed by this. Not much I can do though, as I've aleady quit my job. So, Monday I go out with a trainer, that probably has less experience than me.
More to come next week.Wayne