Dot Foods Rules All!

with dot do you unload it all your self at resteraunts or how does it work?

 

Unload at distribution docks only.

 

I applied to DOT while in school, had the interview, was rejected. I was told when I called to follow up that I was being considered for a part time position they may create, and also could reapply in 6 months. I have not heard back from them on the part time position. I am now with an OTR company for almost 2 months. Any DOT drivers know if they do consider drivers they reject initially? I have no violations, no arrest record, clean drug test, only issue would be jobs, former salesman and have had a few in the last 5 years. Thanks for any input.

 

I drive out of Liverpool, and train some of the newbies coming in. Did you go to NTTS? I'm not too sure how many more full time drivers they're looking to add right now since it usually slows down right after the holidays. Lemme know if you have any other questions.

 

Hi duckdiver! I really enjoy reading your posts concerning DOT Foods and I was wondering if you could elaborate on what takes place in each of the three interviews; maybe give some insight into the types of questions that are asked during each interview. Are the interviews spread out over 3 or 4 weeks? Do you get your choice of type of driver you are applying for i.e. Team Driver, Transfer Driver, or Delivery Specialist? Do you train with the same trainer for the entire 8 weeks or do you take turns with other trainers? I'm really interested in DOT Foods and I've heard nothing but great things about them and if you could answer these questions for me, I sure would appreciate it. Thank you very much. (P.S. did you move closer than 350 miles to the California, DC?)

 

Hey Winston, each DC prob does things a little different. I actually lucked out big time, there is a drop yard about 30 mins from my house that I had no idea even exsisted so I didn't even move, there's only 4 drivers out of there...extremely lucky kinda right place and right time type of thing and they needed another driver from where I lived.

Anyways how they did it with me...my first interview was down were I live, they sent one of their head trainers to interview me, it was more like him telling me about how they pay, what the job is about etc... a few days later I did a ride a long with one of the local guys (no pay) to see if the job was the right fit. The next week I headed up to modesto, did two interviews and my dot physical/wellness exam (lift weights, check heart rate)...following week they called and offered me a position and did orientation the next week.

During the interview they ask you the typical "tell me about a time you had to deal with a rude customer or stressful situation" just be yourself, we do a lot of customer service so be polite/ use sir ma'am, I wore a suit and brought exercise clothes for my dot physical. My situation might be a little different since I came from so far and they wanted to jam everything so i wouldn't have to drive up there multiple times.

As far as training, they actually send you out with several different trainers which I think is really good, I learned different things from different guys. If you're a rookie you will spend a min of 2 months but you will be home weekly (youll be home weekly once you're solo, I'm kinda on an dedicated run where i'm home fri and sat morning but a guy who got hired the same time as me gets home multiple times a week sometimes). Also they pay for all your meals in training.

I read you're 60...not sure how accurate it is but DOT will do things like make sure the older guys have less physical routes etc...they really do care about the driver as a person and you will make money here...we just had a pretty nice christmas party (no charge) DOT paid for my hotel room at the doubletree, steak dinner and open bar, they raffled away ipads, dslr cameras, cruises, 60 inch samsungs, I mean in this economy that speaks volumes,

As far as what positions, each DC might be different, I'm a delivery specialist, at my DC we have part time guys, teams, and delivery specialists....

Like I said, yes you'll make great money here with great benefits but just as important, everyone (at my dc anyways, and I'm sure it's company wide) actually makes you feel respected and important...anyways good luck and if theres anything else i can answer let me know!

they are also opening up a new dc in the nashville are soon. if you didn't apply yet, fill out the app online then i would call the mo dc directly and ask for the asst manager, explain you filled out an app and you wanted to check up on your status...that's what i did.

 

Hey duckdiver, thanks for all the valuable information and taking the time to respond; I really do appreciate it. Safe travels my friend!

 

Its A good. Job all in how u make it

 

Hey jhavens, two follow-up questions to your post on 11-3-2012...(1) why is the "hiring process long and painful"? and (2) why are they "losing drivers at a high percentage" and why "alot of drivers looking for a better job!!even ones that have been there for a long period of time"? Just curious. Trying to get all the facts to make an informative decision.

 

J-Ro, thanks for reply, went to Sage, met Dot recruiting at NTTS, decided Sage offered better driver training. I am going to reapply, I figure maybe they thought a 'soft' salesman couldnt handle the job. I enjoy driving but would rather be home more and get a little more of a workout, my ### gets sore sitting all day. Do you know if they will hire anyone who reapplies. As I mentioned I have squeaky clean DMV, no criminal, no drugs. Thanks