Embarking on a career in the trucking industry can be a significant decision, and choosing the right company and training program is crucial for success. For individuals with limited or no prior experience in trucking, companies like Systems Transport offer comprehensive training programs to pave the way for a rewarding career. This article delves into the Systems Transport driver training program, offering a detailed overview of what you can expect, from orientation to becoming a solo driver.
Orientation: Your First Week with Systems Transport
The orientation week at Systems Transport is designed to introduce you to the company culture, policies, and the basics of their operations. Systems Transport understands the importance of bringing drivers together, offering to fly you to the orientation location or reimburse your travel expenses if you are within driving distance.
Typically lasting from Monday to Thursday, with potential extension into Friday depending on individual circumstances, the orientation is a paid week, providing approximately $100 to cover initial expenses. Systems Transport ensures your comfort by providing free breakfast at the hotel and lunch at the terminal. A convenient shuttle service runs between the designated hotel (Fairbridge Inn) and the terminal twice daily from Monday to Friday. Dinner is the only meal not covered, allowing you to explore local options.
Accommodation is arranged in clean, comfortable single-person hotel rooms equipped with essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Some rooms even include a fridge and microwave for added convenience.
Punctuality is paramount during orientation. Sessions commence daily at 7:00 AM sharp. Tardiness or absence from the shuttle can lead to early placement on the “####list,” and similarly, falling asleep during mandatory, albeit sometimes tedious, orientation videos can result in the same consequence. This emphasis on punctuality and attentiveness underscores the professional standards expected at Systems Transport.
Orientation also includes essential health and safety checks. You will undergo an in-house urine drug test and a physical examination at a medical facility. This physical assessment includes checks on your heart rate, blood pressure, and hearing, as well as physical tasks involving lifting and carrying weights. A notable part of the physical test is the requirement to lift a loosely rolled 100lb, 26ft long red tarp (6ft drop) onto a chest-level shelf, twice consecutively. This tests your strength and ability to handle common trucking tasks.
Comprehensive Truck Driver Training: 8-Week Program
Following orientation, the core of your journey with Systems Transport begins: the 8-week driver training program. For those new to trucking and flatbedding, like the author of the original review, this program is essential. The Training Manager, described as a dedicated professional, oversees the program and is focused on providing the best possible training experience. It is encouraged to communicate any concerns regarding your trainer or the training curriculum directly to the Training Manager, highlighting the company’s commitment to a supportive learning environment.
During the 8-week training, you will receive a weekly pay of $500. Performance expectations are structured to gradually increase as you gain experience and confidence. These expectations, while flexible based on individual progress and trainer assessment, follow a general guideline:
- Week 1: 200 miles per day
- Week 2: 250 miles per day
- Week 3: 300 miles per day
- Week 4: 350 miles per day
- Week 5: 400 miles per day
- Week 6: 450 miles per day
- Week 7-8: 500 miles per day
For the initial three weeks, trainers are expected to be actively involved and, technically, should log themselves as on duty even when you are driving. However, the original reviewer notes this was not always the case in their experience. Furthermore, during these first three weeks, driving between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM is discouraged.
If you encounter difficulties with your assigned trainer, Systems Transport allows for trainer changes. The original reviewer went through three trainers during their training, indicating that finding the right teaching style is supported.
Throughout your training, meticulous paperwork management is essential. It’s crucial to thoroughly read every document provided. The culmination of the training program involves several key tests to assess your readiness for solo driving:
- Load Securement Test: Ensuring you understand how to safely secure different types of loads.
- Driving Test: Evaluating your practical driving skills and adherence to safety regulations.
- General Knowledge and Trip Planning Test: Assessing your understanding of trucking regulations and your ability to plan routes effectively, potentially using resources like CDL practice tests.
Transitioning to Solo Driver and Beyond
Upon successful completion of the training program and passing all required tests, the transition to a solo driver at Systems Transport is straightforward. You will participate in an 8-hour recertification course and watch videos familiarizing you with features of newer trucks, such as:
- Auxiliary Power Units (APUs): Providing climate control and power without idling the main engine.
- Mobileye: A forward-facing camera system enhancing safety.
- Regen System (DPF): Diesel Particulate Filter system for emissions control.
Following recertification, you will be introduced to your new dispatcher and assigned to the “green fleet” for an initial three-month period. Good performance during this period can lead to an upgrade from the green fleet and assignment to a permanent dispatcher.
Achieving permanent dispatcher status, typically after another recertification course, comes with a pay raise of 2 cents per mile (cpm), recognizing your improved standing and experience within Systems Transport.
Compensation for OTR Drivers
The pay structure at Systems Transport for Over-The-Road (OTR) drivers is competitive and includes various components:
- Mileage Pay: Starting at 32.5 cpm, increasing to 34.5 cpm after upgrading to a permanent dispatcher.
- Tarp Pay: $30 for each tarp and untarp operation (not per tarp, but per instance of tarping/untarping).
- Drop Pay: $10 for each of the first two drops, with rates increasing for subsequent drops.
- Canada Run Bonus: $100 per Canada run (optional routes).
- Hourly Pay: $12 per hour for applicable situations (e.g., detention time).
- Layover Pay: $20 per day for layovers without a load.
Equipment and Fleet Overview
Systems Transport maintains a modern and well-equipped fleet to ensure driver comfort and operational efficiency. Their equipment includes:
- Truck Models: Primarily Kenworth T660s and Peterbilts (slope noses), all with less than 500,000 miles.
- Engines: Equipped with Cummins or Paccar engines.
- Transmissions: Straight 10 Eaton manual transmissions.
- Closed Headache Racks: For load protection and security.
- Provided Equipment: Systems Transport provides all necessary standard equipment, although some drivers, like the original reviewer, may choose to carry personal straps for specialized jobs.
- Inverter Power: 1500-watt power inverters are pre-installed in all trucks.
- APUs: All OTR trucks are equipped with diesel Auxiliary Power Units.
- E-Logs: Qualcomm E-Logs are mandatory for Hours of Service compliance.
- Air Scales: Both trucks and trailers are equipped with air scales for weight monitoring.
- Trailer Types: A diverse trailer fleet including 53′ step decks, 48′ flatbeds/step decks, and 48′ mechanical stretch RGNs (Removable Gooseneck).
- Adjustable Axles: Step decks and flatbeds feature open/close axles, allowing for 10′ spread axle configuration or tandem axle configuration.
- Speed Governors: Trucks are governed at 63 mph on the pedal and 65 mph on cruise control.
Home Time and Work-Life Balance
Systems Transport understands the importance of home time for drivers. Their home time policy is structured to provide a balance between work and personal life:
- Home Time Ratio: 1 day of home time for every week spent on the road.
- Minimum Time Out: Minimum of 3 weeks out on the OTR fleet.
- Maximum Saved Days: Drivers can accrue a maximum of 5 home time days.
The original reviewer highlights the company’s reliability in getting drivers home on time and notes personal positive experiences of going home twice during training without issues.
Conclusion: Is Systems Transport Right for You?
For individuals seeking to enter the trucking industry, particularly in flatbed trucking, Systems Transport presents a compelling option, especially for those starting their careers. The comprehensive 8-week training program, structured pay, modern equipment, and commitment to home time balance make Systems Transport a strong contender for new drivers. The positive experiences shared in the original review, combined with the detailed program structure, suggest that Systems Transport offers a supportive and growth-oriented environment for building a successful trucking career.
