Looking for a new job.....

Willis · 08-26-2008, 03:58 PM

I have had the same job for the last 8 years in retail and now it is time for me to move on I would like something in the delivery driver field....or? need to make 30-35k a year to keep the family alive. anyone out there with any ideas of where to start would be great. I really have no idea what to do.

P.s. I live in SE pdx

adobe wall · 08-26-2008, 04:02 PM

Seems like FedEx on Swan Island is hiring pretty regularly.

hth, aw

Hooked up · 08-26-2008, 04:04 PM

I don`t know where you are at but Fred Meyers on HWY. 212 in Clackamas has a sign out that says they are hiring. Good luck.

pearl · 08-26-2008, 04:18 PM

Mt Hood Beverage and Columbia distributing are always looking for drivers that have a CDL and can pass a U.A.
They will be merging next month to form CoHo Distributing and will have locations in PDX. Eugene, Bend, Medford, Seattle, Yakima and Tri Cities.
Job is delivering beer, wine and soda to retail accounts.
The pay matches your expectations.

You can apply at either facility now or on line at CoHo Distributing dot com.

Willis · 08-26-2008, 04:20 PM

I dont have a CDL but could get it...what all goes into getting one?

Fish Killer · 08-26-2008, 04:47 PM

Try UPS too. Three people in my wifes family deliver for them and they all make close to 70K/year. They say fex-ex is a lot less.

Mad Mikey · 08-26-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willis

I dont have a CDL but could get it...what all goes into getting one?

Go to DMV, get the book, pass the basic knowledge(on the computer) test to get your permit. Tractor-trailer rigs you'll need a class "A", straight trucks(side bays), class "B". We only run bay trucks and end-spills where I work so we only need the "B". You'll have to take another test on the computer about the air-brakes and(Pearl?) the class "A" I think there is a different air/hydraulic test(?). The driving part in and of itself is not hard, they won't try to make you do anything too radical. The part you really need to get down is the initial walk-around, making sure stuff works, ID'ing parts and explaining what you are looking for as far as damaged parts etc.

You'll also need to know how to test your air-brakes and the exact pressures where your low press. alarm will come on etc. That's all in the book, a must memorize. If you don't pass the walk-around, you don't drive and then have to pay another $70 to try again.

I got pretty worked up over mine this Spring, since I'm not terribly mechanical. I literally memorized the darn book. I probably went a little overboard but nailed everything except one little part on the brakes.

I gave the lady a blank stare and said, "I have no idea what that is or how it got there. The guys probably put it on there last night to throw me off..."...

It's not too bad, if I can do it, anyone can.

Beer business is a good one, pay should be right around what you are asking and best of all, it's recession proof.

Good luck!

Just_learning · 08-26-2008, 05:45 PM

Try ARAMARK. The drivers get a pretty healthy base + commission, you get exercise and get to be outdoors alot.

Fast Water · 08-26-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Mikey

Go to DMV, get the book, pass the basic knowledge(on the computer) test to get your permit. Tractor-trailer rigs you'll need a class "A", straight trucks(side bays), class "B". We only run bay trucks and end-spills where I work so we only need the "B". You'll have to take another test on the computer about the air-brakes and(Pearl?) the class "A" I think there is a different air/hydraulic test(?). The driving part in and of itself is not hard, they won't try to make you do anything too radical. The part you really need to get down is the initial walk-around, making sure stuff works, ID'ing parts and explaining what you are looking for as far as damaged parts etc.

You'll also need to know how to test your air-brakes and the exact pressures where your low press. alarm will come on etc. That's all in the book, a must memorize. If you don't pass the walk-around, you don't drive and then have to pay another $70 to try again.

I got pretty worked up over mine this Spring, since I'm not terribly mechanical. I literally memorized the darn book. I probably went a little overboard but nailed everything except one little part on the brakes.

I gave the lady a blank stare and said, "I have no idea what that is or how it got there. The guys probably put it on there last night to throw me off..."...

It's not too bad, if I can do it, anyone can.

Beer business is a good one, pay should be right around what you are asking and best of all, it's recession proof.

Good luck!

You will need to get a DOT physical first.

Mad Mikey · 08-26-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Mikey

Go to DMV, get the book, pass the basic knowledge(on the computer) test to get your permit. Tractor-trailer rigs you'll need a class "A", straight trucks(side bays), class "B". We only run bay trucks and end-spills where I work so we only need the "B". You'll have to take another test on the computer about the air-brakes and(Pearl?) the class "A" I think there is a different air/hydraulic test(?). The driving part in and of itself is not hard, they won't try to make you do anything too radical. The part you really need to get down is the initial walk-around, making sure stuff works, ID'ing parts and explaining what you are looking for as far as damaged parts etc.

You'll also need to know how to test your air-brakes and the exact pressures where your low press. alarm will come on etc. That's all in the book, a must memorize. If you don't pass the walk-around, you don't drive and then have to pay another $70 to try again.

I got pretty worked up over mine this Spring, since I'm not terribly mechanical. I literally memorized the darn book. I probably went a little overboard but nailed everything except one little part on the brakes.

I gave the lady a blank stare and said, "I have no idea what that is or how it got there. The guys probably put it on there last night to throw me off..."...

It's not too bad, if I can do it, anyone can.

Beer business is a good one, pay should be right around what you are asking and best of all, it's recession proof.

Good luck!

Quote:

You will need to get a DOT physical first.

Yep, forgot about that. Thanks. I got a physical at a local MD and received a card that said I can stay alive long enough to drive and finish my shift.

Also had to do the UA.

SalmonJeff · 08-26-2008, 07:22 PM

check in at Franz.( 10th and couch) the pay is more then expected and awesome union benefits that are 100% paid by the company! they will have a sheet listing any open positions as soon as you go up the stairs and into the office. Always worth checking out.

pearl · 08-26-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

You'll have to take another test on the computer about the air-brakes and(Pearl?) the class "A" I think there is a different air/hydraulic test(?).

I'm in sales. we'll tell you what ever you want to hear.
I do still have my class "A" CDL from the horse drawn keg delivery days. We took the test with a stone and a chisel.

MrOlearhy · 08-26-2008, 08:30 PM

Good luck on whatever company you choose.

Just a small side note. Make sure the company will be around. I just made a job change and yesterday when I went in to open the shop up the owner came in right behind me called me into the office and said, "we are closing the doors this morning". Great start to a new week.

Eagleclaw · 08-26-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrOlearhy

Good luck on whatever company you choose.

Just a small side note. Make sure the company will be around. I just made a job change and yesterday when I went in to open the shop up the owner came in right behind me called me into the office and said, "we are closing the doors this morning". Great start to a new week.

man that sucks... sorry to hear that

SImudBogger · 08-26-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_learning

Try ARAMARK. The drivers get a pretty healthy base + commission, you get exercise and get to be outdoors alot.

I'll second that. my buddy is a repair tech for them and he makes good money. They have all kinds of jobs available.

bkedman · 08-27-2008, 02:31 PM

Tri-met might be worth looking at. They will train you and help you get your CDL.

maniacmikey · 08-27-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SalmonJeff

check in at Franz.( 10th and couch) the pay is more then expected and awesome union benefits that are 100% paid by the company! they will have a sheet listing any open positions as soon as you go up the stairs and into the office. Always worth checking out.

I can second the bread driving thing. I have been delivering bread for 20 years for a smaller bakery and it is a pretty good job. I make in the mid to upper 40's and get a profitsharing bonus each year that gets me a little over 50k. My health insurance for my family is completely paid for by the company. The only downside is split days off.

Duckwheat · 08-27-2008, 04:47 PM

Why don't you go back to school and go into nursing. Good money, never worry about your next job. People will be after you.

Men do great at it. Investment in yourself is never a waste of $ or time.

If you need some help figuring it out PM me.

DW

jmg · 08-27-2008, 09:57 PM

My father n law started driving for Franz in Eugene a few months ago and he really enjoys it. He's kind of a drive freak though so it fits him very well. So there's another vote for Franz!

KeHols · 08-28-2008, 12:19 AM

The Washington County Sheriff's Office Is hiring both patrol and Jail. You can deliver people to Jail. Customer service is always a plus in this job. Pay is good.