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Dot Foods Information

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Yellow Jacket, Jul 14, 2015.

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  1. Jul 14, 2015 #1
    Yellow Jacket

    Yellow Jacket Bobtail Member

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    Jul 14, 2015
    Milton,IN
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    I'm just wanting to get some more general information about the company. As someone looking to get into the driving industry, this seems like a pretty great place to start.

    Applied for the student driver position in the Cambridge City,IN DC. As far as I know, this is the only DC that is currently offering this position, due to the lack of cdl holders in the area. This program would allow me to attend school and get my cdl paid for and also Dot would be paying me $500 a week the whole time.

    I was invited for an interview, it was 3 hours long and I was nervous the whole time. I think it went well though, and everyone there seemed really friendly.

    Was contacted on 7/7 and told they were moving forward with reference and background checks.

    Contacted today and I will be attending a seminar for the driving school tomorrow, and will set up a schedule for the required WorkOne student courses.

    I know it's a long shot but I was wondering if anyone here has been through this program. If not any Dot driver input would be much appreciated. Thanks!
     
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 14, 2015
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 14, 2015
    #1
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  3. Jul 15, 2015 #2
    White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

    3,161
    3,807
    Feb 11, 2008
    Iowa
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    It has always been my understanding that DOT Foods is more of a "Distribution" operation, with return back-hauls.
    Meaning, your outbound freight is multi stop customer loads that are hand unloaded via two wheel cart into customer facilities by you (the driver)....and the only "dock to dock" work is your return load back to your designated terminal/warehouse.
    I could be wrong....but you might wanna check into this to determine if this is an acceptable type of operation, before you jump in head first.

    Unloading product is hard work....and some customers have some really tight parking lots and/or other accesses into the facility.
     
    White Dog, Jul 15, 2015
    White Dog, Jul 15, 2015
    #2
  4. Jul 15, 2015 #3
    Yellow Jacket

    Yellow Jacket Bobtail Member

    18
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    Jul 14, 2015
    Milton,IN
    0
    Thanks for the reply White Dog. Yes as a Customer Delivery Specialist, I'm aware that I would be doing the unloading which I don't mind. I think the physical work would be better than just constantly driving and it seems that they pay you quite well for it. I've been a yard dog for a while now at my current job. I know its not going to be the same driving an actual truck, but I have put some trailers in some pretty tight spots. I guess i will have to wait and find out.

    Thanks again for the reply
     
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 15, 2015
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 15, 2015
    #3
  5. Jul 15, 2015 #4
    White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

    3,161
    3,807
    Feb 11, 2008
    Iowa
    0
    Sounds like you've done your homework.
    I too have heard the drivers make really good coin...and the company is large enough to (I'm sure) offer decent benefits.
    If you're willing to put in the work, I'd say go for it...I've heard nothing but good things about this company.
     
    White Dog, Jul 15, 2015
    White Dog, Jul 15, 2015
    #4
  7. Jul 15, 2015 #5
    G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    Dec 10, 2014
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    I know of a driver that does work for them and never has a bad thing to say, as he's been there for quite some time now.
     
    G.Anthony, Jul 15, 2015
    G.Anthony, Jul 15, 2015
    #5
  8. Jul 15, 2015 #6
    Yellow Jacket

    Yellow Jacket Bobtail Member

    18
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    Jul 14, 2015
    Milton,IN
    0
    Everything I've heard about this company is positive, I will continue to move forward with hiring process. I was hoping to get a general timeline for the hiring process. I have read that they have a lengthy hiring process, but my scenario is a little different. Thanks for all the info, keep it coming
     
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 15, 2015
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 15, 2015
    #6
  9. Jul 15, 2015 #7
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

    14,963
    29,153
    Oct 3, 2011
    Longview, TX
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    My understanding that ALL of your listed previous employers must be available to verify employment, as well as references to verify any unemployment. One gap, or one reference that is now closed or bought out, or otherwise "unverifiable", and you may be rejected. So just keep that in mind.

    I suspect they have a pretty comprehensive pre-hire physical agility testing process too given you will be finger-printing many hundreds of tons of product.
     
    STexan, Jul 15, 2015
    STexan, Jul 15, 2015
    #7
  10. Jul 16, 2015 #8
    GregH65

    GregH65 Light Load Member

    192
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    Sep 16, 2011
    Modesto, California
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    I drive for DOT in California. We are a dock to dock food distributor and do not deliver too restaurants or off of ramps. We hire customer delivery drivers, transfer drivers, and team drivers.
    DOT hauls all our own freight and is not a third party truck company, though occasionally there may be a custom haul to fill a gap.
    Delivery drivers do breakdown freight on docks according to customer specs or tie-highs and each customer is different.
    If you want more info just let me know
     
    GregH65, Jul 16, 2015
    GregH65, Jul 16, 2015
    #8
  11. Jul 17, 2015 #9
    Yellow Jacket

    Yellow Jacket Bobtail Member

    18
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    Jul 14, 2015
    Milton,IN
    0
    Thanks for the reply @GregH65 . It appears they give you an option to govern your truck at 60 with an incentive or keep it at 68. How many drivers choose to do the 60 option? Also everyone here at the Indiana DC has been great to me so far. They have constantly went out of their way to work around my current work schedule. Hopefully I'll be joining the team soon!
     
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 17, 2015
    Yellow Jacket, Jul 17, 2015
    #9
  12. Jul 17, 2015 #10
    GregH65

    GregH65 Light Load Member

    192
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    Sep 16, 2011
    Modesto, California
    0
    The incentive is .03 per mile monthly bonus for staying at or below 60 mph 93% of your drive time. If you choose to be governed then you always get the bonus.
    I left my truck at 68, I like the extra room for passing and being able to run up if I need to. I track my mileage and monitor my speed so I always get the bonus anyway, but since I drive mostly in California its pretty easy.
    DOT dispatching plans your trips and due out times at an average of 50mph. It doesn't account for problems like traffic etc. If you don't mind getting passed most of the time then just leave your speed at 68 and keep it down yourself for the bonus.
     
    GregH65, Jul 17, 2015
    GregH65, Jul 17, 2015
    #10
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