Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
Nov 11th 2013, 9:05 am
#1
Not so new ;-)
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nr Peterborough
Posts: 182
Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
For various reasons, me and the missus have been discussing the benefits of me travelling to canada alone for the first couple of months. We are lucky, in that, she and our son, are able to stay in the UK with her parents. So, obviously, no costs.
We are thinking it best that I go and get settled in my job, suss out the area, save some money etc.... first. Do employers allow you to 'live' in your truck for a couple of months?
Has anyone else done this? How did you find it. Can anyone think of pros and cons we may not have thought of.
All in all, it seems a sensible option. What if I hate the job and the country after a few weeks? This is unlikely, but would be easier to deal with/ rectify without a wife and 3 year old in tow.
We are thinking it best that I go and get settled in my job, suss out the area, save some money etc.... first. Do employers allow you to 'live' in your truck for a couple of months?
Has anyone else done this? How did you find it. Can anyone think of pros and cons we may not have thought of.
All in all, it seems a sensible option. What if I hate the job and the country after a few weeks? This is unlikely, but would be easier to deal with/ rectify without a wife and 3 year old in tow.
Nov 11th 2013, 1:36 pm
#2
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: High River AB
Posts: 571
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
That's the best way to do it, come out alone, get a feel for the job & maybe where you'd like to live.
I lived in the truck for over 3 years only having occasional nights in motels.
No problem with a lot of companies but check first.
If you hate it, just go back home, Canada's not for everyone, it's better you realise before you bring the family out here.
I lived in the truck for over 3 years only having occasional nights in motels.
No problem with a lot of companies but check first.
If you hate it, just go back home, Canada's not for everyone, it's better you realise before you bring the family out here.
Nov 11th 2013, 2:09 pm
#3
Not so new ;-)
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nr Peterborough
Posts: 182
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
That's the best way to do it, come out alone, get a feel for the job & maybe where you'd like to live.
I lived in the truck for over 3 years only having occasional nights in motels.
No problem with a lot of companies but check first.
If you hate it, just go back home, Canada's not for everyone, it's better you realise before you bring the family out here.
I lived in the truck for over 3 years only having occasional nights in motels.
No problem with a lot of companies but check first.
If you hate it, just go back home, Canada's not for everyone, it's better you realise before you bring the family out here.
Do you know if doing things this way has any adverse effect on visas, work permits etc......for the missus and son?
Nov 11th 2013, 2:45 pm
#4
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: High River AB
Posts: 571
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
You'll need some money to tie you over until you get paid and maybe pay for your training & tests, accommodation, medical, piss & drug test, licence exchange, hire car, work gear, etc etc.
Depending on what company you go with, how much you have to spend up-front.
Some companies pay for some of it then take it out of your wages, maybe if you go with a smaller company, you can negotiate.
Providing you are getting good miles you can save a good amount of that money.
It doesn't cost a fortune to live on the road, I use to have 1 meal a day and other things for snacks, (I couldn't be doing with all the cooking-in-cab).
Free coffee/showers with fueling.
Depending on what company you go with, how much you have to spend up-front.
Some companies pay for some of it then take it out of your wages, maybe if you go with a smaller company, you can negotiate.
Providing you are getting good miles you can save a good amount of that money.
It doesn't cost a fortune to live on the road, I use to have 1 meal a day and other things for snacks, (I couldn't be doing with all the cooking-in-cab).
Free coffee/showers with fueling.
Last edited by neilg14; Nov 11th 2013 at 2:50 pm.
Nov 11th 2013, 3:20 pm
#5
Not so new ;-)
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nr Peterborough
Posts: 182
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
You'll need some money to tie you over until you get paid and maybe pay for your training & tests, accommodation, medical, piss & drug test, licence exchange, hire car, work gear, etc etc.
Depending on what company you go with, how much you have to spend up-front.
Some companies pay for some of it then take it out of your wages, maybe if you go with a smaller company, you can negotiate.
Providing you are getting good miles you can save a good amount of that money.
It doesn't cost a fortune to live on the road, I use to have 1 meal a day and other things for snacks, (I couldn't be doing with all the cooking-in-cab).
Free coffee/showers with fueling.
Depending on what company you go with, how much you have to spend up-front.
Some companies pay for some of it then take it out of your wages, maybe if you go with a smaller company, you can negotiate.
Providing you are getting good miles you can save a good amount of that money.
It doesn't cost a fortune to live on the road, I use to have 1 meal a day and other things for snacks, (I couldn't be doing with all the cooking-in-cab).
Free coffee/showers with fueling.
Nov 11th 2013, 3:28 pm
#6
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: High River AB
Posts: 571
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
I am only a yard shunter now, home everyday, but I was with H&R for over 5 years, 3 1/2 years OTR & 2 years shunting, would be with them still if yard contract not changed hands.
Nov 11th 2013, 3:43 pm
#7
Not so new ;-)
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nr Peterborough
Posts: 182
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
Who am I to believe? Are they really THAT bad? I have been put off applying for them (and to be fair, on paper, they look like a great company) by some of the horror stories i've read!
Nov 11th 2013, 4:39 pm
#8
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: High River AB
Posts: 571
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
I had no problems there with them, but bearing in mind I came off the road over 3 years ago & the shunting was/is hourly paid.
We get drivers in our yard all the time saying they can't get the miles and are sitting unpaid for too long.
Then again some drivers have been there a long time so I don't know what to say.
Might be an idea to try and stay away from reefers altogether, I think they're the worst job for hanging around unpaid & it's not only H&R.
If I was moving out here now, I would seriously look at going to SK or MB & probably not AB because of all the PR hassle.
Looking at Kijijii jobs the mileage pay is about the same but far better value houses there.
Keep looking and asking questions.
We get drivers in our yard all the time saying they can't get the miles and are sitting unpaid for too long.
Then again some drivers have been there a long time so I don't know what to say.
Might be an idea to try and stay away from reefers altogether, I think they're the worst job for hanging around unpaid & it's not only H&R.
If I was moving out here now, I would seriously look at going to SK or MB & probably not AB because of all the PR hassle.
Looking at Kijijii jobs the mileage pay is about the same but far better value houses there.
Keep looking and asking questions.
Nov 11th 2013, 4:41 pm
#9
Not so new ;-)
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nr Peterborough
Posts: 182
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
I had no problems there with them, but bearing in mind I came off the road over 3 years ago & the shunting was/is hourly paid.
We get drivers in our yard all the time saying they can't get the miles and are sitting unpaid for too long.
Then again some drivers have been there a long time so I don't know what to say.
Might be an idea to try and stay away from reefers altogether, I think they're the worst job for hanging around unpaid & it's not only H&R.
If I was moving out here now, I would seriously look at going to SK or MB & probably not AB because of all the PR hassle.
Looking at Kijijii jobs the mileage pay is about the same but far better value houses there.
Keep looking and asking questions.
We get drivers in our yard all the time saying they can't get the miles and are sitting unpaid for too long.
Then again some drivers have been there a long time so I don't know what to say.
Might be an idea to try and stay away from reefers altogether, I think they're the worst job for hanging around unpaid & it's not only H&R.
If I was moving out here now, I would seriously look at going to SK or MB & probably not AB because of all the PR hassle.
Looking at Kijijii jobs the mileage pay is about the same but far better value houses there.
Keep looking and asking questions.
Dec 10th 2013, 7:17 am
#10
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2013
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 3
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
That's the way I did it too. I took the time to sit my test and get settled which was the way most guys I came in contact with did it also. We were put into a rooming house to start with, then were able to use the truck or keep the room on.
What province are you looking to go to? I can tell you about New Brunswick warts and all if your interested.
John
What province are you looking to go to? I can tell you about New Brunswick warts and all if your interested.
John
Dec 13th 2013, 9:44 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Posts: 80
Re: Going alone initially - anyone else done it?
I think its a good decision. One of my mates did it like that but he was here alone about one year before his wife and 3 kids arrived.Now they are all happy. he rented a 3 bedroom house for 1600 including bills. I tell you my experience. In Timeline we all live in trucks. If I do my 36 off anywhere out of Saskatoon..my boss pays for my hotel bill. I spend in average 400 to 500 USD/month for food and phone in states. I by my lunch every day in restaurant. You will spend less if you cook yourself. In Canada I spend about 200 CAD becouse I spend here less time. You should bring 5000 CAD with you for start.
