OTR question about getting to a terminal to start for a mega.
Posted by devrish11@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 10 comments
I live in Connecticut and interested in obtaining a CDL. If I want to gain OTR experience with a mega, would I have to drive to a terminal in neighboring states?
Is CT a bad state to be in for OTR opportunities?
I think the only trucking terminal we have in CT is western express which I’ve heard not great things about.
buddhathebard@reddit
Could probably get in with Swift on a dedicated Walmart account out of Johnstown NY that dc delivers to CT and they always need drivers.
As for training swift paid me gas money and put me up in a hotel in Richmond VA to get my CDL. If you don’t have a car they’d probably buy you a bus ticket or something
jmzstl@reddit
For training, the company will cover transportation to the nearest training facility.
For parking when you take home time, they might have smaller terminals or even drop lots nearby that aren’t public knowledge. If not, you can park in a truck stop or make arrangements with the property manager or a strip mall, or any number of other possibilities to park close to home.
LongjumpingCat6642@reddit
TMC, you drive the truck home(or wherever you want to park) on the weekends
TruckerBiscuit@reddit
Prime trains people from your area in Pittston PA, between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. It's not CT but it's relatively close.
StormTheJeep@reddit
Most of the mega carriers that have a CDL school program would assist you in getting to them and even put you up in a room. In my research even experienced driver attending shortened orientation had their expenses to the terminal comped.
Caveat emptor, some such as Roehl will take good care of you paying for you to come out and feed you etc. But you would have to find a way home (or pay for yout ticket home via pay deduction)
Critical_Opening_526@reddit
I'm an experienced driver who was sent to a 3 day orientation. I'm not sure why.
But they comped my gas, plus a hotel and lunch. Dinner is on me. Tonight I'm having tacos from a taco truck.
Mindes13@reddit
Most megas will get you to their nearest training terminal either by bus or plane
RambleOnRoads@reddit
Don't plan to start with a mega carrier, that should be your last option if other companies don't hire you. Instead, look for small/mid size companies (50-80 trucks) and get on with them - many of them hire direct from school graduates because they can train you the way they want an don't have to break any bad habits you may have picked up from other carriers.
Novel_Fun2793@reddit
most of the big carriers will get you to their terminal or training facility somehow, either greyhound ticket or they'll have you meet a driver who can bring you there 💀 ct isn't terrible for otr but yeah your terminal options are pretty limited compared to like pennsylvania or ohio
Wasabi-Kungpow@reddit
CT cant be as bad as South FL.