Getting into gravel?
Posted by clarabraun@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 9 comments
I'm 30 and just got my license a couple days ago; I have my doubles endorsement, among others. I'm in Michigan and want to get into gravel trains because many companies run one of my favorite models of trucks. Don't hate - if swag meant nothing we would all drive Cascadias.
What path should I take to make myself an appealing candidate? Most listings for gravel train jobs ask for 2 years of experience, and I assume that's flexible, but seeing as I have none I doubt I have a shot. Where do I start? Dump trucks?
Pic for attention - probably my least favorite truck.
ParticularArrival111@reddit
Rage bait
InvestigatorBroad114@reddit
Look into companies. Some might be willing to train and give you a shot, might have to get 6 months exp before they’ll hire you as a class A driver. It’s all about insurance and making sure you don’t blow a $20,000 transmission because I’ve seen it happen, driver was trying to get 110,000 lbs up a hill and shoved it in 4th when he shoulda kept the gear he was in and pop…..
Everyone’s gotta start somewhere tho man you might be able to start out class B and they’ll let you move to class an after a year or something. Means you get to learn all the pits and the ins and outs of the job
clarabraun@reddit (OP)
Thank you. The insurance thing sucks hard, feels like I have a slim chance of doing anything but OTR or a sideloader beer truck. I'll shoot my shot with every gravel company I can and see what shakes out.
Frosty-Evidence6077@reddit
I love those Internationals
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit
Aren't these just an International LT with a different front end?
Frosty-Evidence6077@reddit
The Lonestar and LT usually differ in drive train and fuel efficiency. If I’m not mistaken, but use the Cummins X15, but the Lonestar has the Eaton Manual options while the LT usually uses the Endurant 13 speed auto. Of course both can come with it if you want, but it’s more common to find Eaton 13s or 18s in alonestars than not. LTs are kinda a bitch to find manuals, especially after 2010.
Key differences, they’re almost the same truck, LT is more fuel efficient, just barely, but it’s all style for the Lonestar.
RackingUpTheMiles@reddit
I have the International LT currently and praying I can get out of it. I've had various computer issues and electrical issues. I'm currently sitting at a terminal because the dash went crazy and kept going dark as I drove. They don't know what's happening with it. My company is actually no longer buying these and phasing out the ones we have. I'm hoping to get the new Volvo next because it's the only one we have with an EPU.
I've had a ton of electrical issues and problems with the A/C and heat.
PositionBubbly6087@reddit
Starting out with a LoneStar? That’s one hell of a way to kick off your career. Congrats on the license!
Pitiful-MobileGamer@reddit
Gravel used to be a good gig in Ontario, sadly in the last 15 to 20 years the undercutting by a lot of fly by night carriers has just destroyed the tonnage rate.