Questionhello mr stephens and my question i just graduated in oct 19 2007 at diesal driving acad here in shreveport louisiana im married with two kids i know they want you to be on the road for at least a year but i really dont want to leave my family what do i do
AnswerHi Antoine,
Start applying with companies that specialize in LTL freight like Averitt, Yellow, FedEx, SAIA, R & L Carriers, etc. Apply as a local driver, not OTR or Line Haul. When you stop in and fill out an application, dress nice. Not a suit, but not a tshirt either. After you fill out the application, ask to talk to the terminal manager. Meeting him will help him put a face to your name and application. Don't tell him your life story, keep it brief. Explain how your new to driving, but are eager to work for him, learn and be a part of the team. Do some research on each company before you stop by. Find out how long they've been in business, where is there main terminal, what type of freight they haul, etc. You can usually find this on their websites and this will help impress the terminal manager. Remember, your competing against a lot of drivers with experience. For you to stand out, you need to be on top of your game. Everything that I just told you will help.
Finally, look at the small local companies. There are construction companies in Shreveport that only have one truck and they might not advertise an opening in the local paper. Stop on in. I use to drive around and if a company had a tractor trailer parked outside, I would stop in and ask if they had an opening for a driver. Phone calls are a waste of time, so go out and do some legwork!
Good luck!
Bob Stephens
