Do you want to earn $1,000 before ever driving a single mile for Davis Express?
OK. If you’re like me, your skeptical side just kicked in, and you’re probably wondering “What’s this all about? How can a professional truck driver earn $1,000 without driving a truck?”
Well, I’m glad you asked…
Because we understand how valuable your time is, Davis Express has increased the amount of driver orientation pay by more than 300%.
We are now offering new and returning* drivers $1,000 in exchange for 3 days of your time spent in our driver orientation program*.
That’s right! $1,000 for a 3-day orientation, before you ever step foot in one of our trucks.
What’s more, we will even provide you with a FREE one-way bus ticket to orientation, as well as a daily lunch allowance and free lodging.
We will also cover the expense of renewing your DOT Physical and the acquisition of your TWIC (if needed).
Orientation is held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week at our terminal in Starke FL.
On the Friday following orientation, you will be dispatched on your first load, and accrue miles toward your first paycheck through Sunday night at midnight.
Thus, an experienced driver coming in at 42 CPM and driving 1,000 miles on their first weekend out, could reasonably expect to make $1,400+ during their first week with Davis Express, thanks to the increase in orientation pay.
So, what it all boils down to is that there has never been a better time to come to work for Davis Express.
If you’re looking for a family-oriented company that understands and respects it’s employees, give us a call today to speak with a recruiter, or apply online.
* In order to be eligible for orientation pay, drivers must complete their first dispatch. Returning drivers will be eligible for orientation pay one year from their date of last termination.
February 27th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
hi, do you still earn the $600 during orientation, if you hire on as part time, 7on and 7off thanks
February 28th, 2012 at 8:29 am
Hello Leonard,
Yes. The orientation pay schedule applies to both full-time and part-time drivers. As long as you complete your first dispatch, you will receive the full $600 for the 3-day orientation. The only difference is, as a part-time driver on the 7-on/7-off schedule, depending on scheduling, you may not necessarily receive your first dispatch on the Friday following the orientation session. As you must be matched up with another driver on the same schedule, sometimes you’ll have to wait for them to come back in from their rotation, before starting your first one.
I hope this answers your questions. However, if not, feel free to contact us to speak with a recruiter. We would be more than happy to discuss all of the options that are available to you.
Thanks again, and have a great day.
March 18th, 2012 at 10:43 am
do we halft to leave trucks in yard in stark when we are home i live in fernandina beach fl it is a good ways from here to there.thx
March 19th, 2012 at 6:27 am
Milton,
As Fernandina Beach is only approximately 79 miles from our terminal in Starke, FL, you would be required to park your truck/trailer here on your scheduled time off.
If you have any additional questions about this, feel free tocontact our Recruiting department at any time.
Thanks, and have a great day.
April 3rd, 2012 at 8:52 pm
are you hiring drivers out of north carolina,i live about 40 miles east of charlotte and would i be able to switch to part time at a later date
April 5th, 2012 at 6:03 am
There is a good possibility that we could hire you for a full-time position from that area (depending on your exact location). However, should you decide to switch over to a part-time position, you would have to park at either our Starke FL or Dacula GA terminals on your scheduled time off. If you would like to find out more about opportunities and options in your area, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly recruiters. Thanks, and we’ll be looking forward to hearing from you soon.
April 5th, 2012 at 8:48 am
I have driven for Davis for 2 years now; A great place to work. I just went threw a divorce, and they worked with me and got me home every time i needed to be. I have a great dispatcher (Misti). If you’re looking for a great job, dont wait any longer. Come on down and make some big money. Victor Broad (Truck 2120)
April 6th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
I see your trucks all over the place and am considering a part time position with Davis. It might be perfect for me. Two questions about part time. 1. Do the 7 days run sunday to sunday or thursday to wednesday or does it just depend? 2. Since all the running is done in the southeast (which I really like) do the Davis trucks go the speed limit on the highway or are they set lower? I’m not looking to speed, but in this electronic age of trucking every second counts. thanks
April 7th, 2012 at 9:23 am
This sounds like a good company.The $1000 orientation money is a definite bonus.My question is I have been off the road for over two years,does davis offer a refresher course or is one needed to join the company?
April 10th, 2012 at 6:57 am
As a general rule, we try to get the part-time drivers back in around mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday). Doing this helps to make their Friday paycheck more consistent from week to week.
Concerning truck speed, our tractors are currently governed at 65 MPH, which seems to serve us well, running the southeast.
If a part-time position sounds like something that might work for you, definitely give us a call to discuss the options, or apply online. We’ll be looking forward to hearing from you soon.
April 10th, 2012 at 7:06 am
David,
You’re right. The $1,000 orientation pay is a super plus. Concerning driving experience, we do not require a refresher course. However, we do require a minimum of 2 years of varifiable tractor/trailer experience within the past 7 years, 1 of which needs to be OTR.
If you meet this minimal requirement and would like to fill out an online application, we’d be more than happy to see what we can work out. Or, if you’d like to speak with one of our friendly recruiters first, just give us a call at any time.
We’ll be looking forward to hearing from you soon.
April 29th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
I have had my class ‘A’ license for 7 years and have been with my current employer for 3 years. I would like to know if i qualify to work with you guys. I have a (413) number but i live in Tampa FL.
April 30th, 2012 at 6:13 am
Hello Alberto, and thank you for your post.
Our minimum driving experience requirement is that we can verify at least 2 years of tractor/trailer experience within the past 7 years, 1 of which must be over the road.
We will have one of our recruiters follow-up with you to get some additional information and to discuss all of the options with you.
Thank you, and have a great day.
May 1st, 2012 at 6:55 pm
I’m still skeptical about the $1000 Before Driving a Single Mile (sorry!).
My question is, will you hire someone without reefer experience, and will you show them, in orientation, how to program the reefer units?
I live in Dade City, FL. Is that considered along the I75 corridor?
If i fill out an application and get approved, will Recruiting work with scheduling my orientation start date, after I work out my 2-week notice where I am currently employed?
Thanks.
May 3rd, 2012 at 7:48 am
Hello Robert, and thank you for your questions. I will attempt to briefly address each of them.
Your skepticism surrounding the $1000 orientation pay is understandable. However, let me assure you that there are no hidden clauses or fine print. It is what it is. All you have to do is complete your first dispatch, and it’s yours.
We do not require any prior reefer experience as a qualification to be hired with Davis Express, although it’s always nice if a driver is familiar with the process. Nevertheless, we do train you on all of the technology (including reefer operation) during your orientation session. And, we’re always here to answer any questions that you may have after you get out on the road.
Concerning your residence, yes, Dade City is considered along the I75 corridor. However, drivers living in that area would be required to park their rig at our Lakeland facility on their scheduled time off, which is just under 30 miles from Dade City.
Regarding your question about orientation start dates, we admire your loyalty to your current employer and can certainly appreciate you wanting to provide them with a notice, so that will be no problem at all. Once you are approved for orientation, we will be more than happy to work around your schedule in order to set a start date that works for you.
I hope that I have answered all of your questions, however, feel free to contact one of our recruiters should you have any additional concerns. You can also complete an application online, and we will be glad to see what we can work out for you.
Thank you again, and have a great day.
May 4th, 2012 at 10:26 am
Do you guys still do the road test and drug test before an invite to orientation? I ask, not because I would fail them, but because I don’t know how I would manage to get that much time off from my current OTR employer. Also, how long does the process generally take before starting orientation?
May 4th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
I live in Northwest Alabama and was wondering how hard it would be to get home every 7 days?
May 4th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Do y’all run paper logs or electronic logs? I have been driving for 20 months, but drove between 2002 and 2005. What pay could I start out at?
May 4th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Chris,
Though the pre-employment drug screen is done during orientation, we generally do not schedule road tests in conjunction with orientation. However, we would be glad to schedule the road test for a time that you would be passing by our Starke terminal, if you were not able to get off of work.
Concerning orientation, once you pass the road test and we have enough work history verified, we will work with you on setting up an actual start date that fits into your schedule.
I hope that this answers your questions. However, if you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call to speak with one of our recruiters.
Thanks
May 4th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Hello Roger.
We are currently running 100% electronic logs.
In order to qualify for a driving position with Davis Express, we must be able to verify a minimum of 24 months of tractor/trailer experience within the past 7 years (since May 2005). Once you meet this requirement, starting pay would be 39 CPM.
May 7th, 2012 at 11:33 am
For those living in the Northwest AL area, there should not be any problem getting you home. However, do keep in mind that, if you do satisfy all of the hiring requirements and are offered a position, you will be required to either park your rig at your residence, or alternatively, to park at a *secure location on your scheduled time off.
If you have any additional questions, we encourage you to contact one of our recruiters, and they will be more than happy to discuss the available options with you.
May 14th, 2012 at 7:02 am
I am looking to go back on the road and would like to stay in the southeast. I live in Cocoa Beach and have 17 years over-the-road. Are you hiring from this area, and do I need to have a vehicle at one of your yards? Thanks.
May 15th, 2012 at 6:27 am
Hello Stephanie and thank you for your interest in joining the Davis Express team.
One of our basic hiring requirements is that we can verify at least 2 years of tractor/trailer experience within the past 7 years, one year of which needs to be OTR.
We can hire from the Cocoa Beach area, however, you would be required to park the truck and trailer at our facility in Lakeland, while on your scheduled time off. This is approximately 100 miles from your residence.
You are able to park your personal vehicle on the yard while you are out on the road, as it is a secure facility.
If you would like to apply online, we would be more than happy to review your application. Or, if you have additional questions or concerns and would like to speak with one of our recruiters, please give us a call at any time.
Finally, if you would like for someone to give you a call back to discuss your options, just provide us with a phone number, and we’d be happy to accommodate.
Thanks again, and have a wonderful day.
May 15th, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I used to drive for Davis a year ago. What is your rehire policy? Thanks.
May 16th, 2012 at 6:21 am
You would need to wait 1 full year from the date of your most recent Davis Express termination before you would be eligible to re-apply.
June 4th, 2012 at 6:43 am
I have been driving for Davis Express for over seven years now. It is a good company to work for. They try there best to get me home when it’s time. It really is a good place to work. The trucks and trailers are taken care of. I have never been broken down on the side of the road since I have been with the company. They take very good care of the equipment and keep us drivers moving.
June 13th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
I live in Celina,TN. and was wandering if this is in your hiring area? It is about 100 miles northeast of Nashville,TN.
June 14th, 2012 at 6:50 am
Tony,
Yes, we can hire from that area. Celina is actually only 88 miles away from our yard in Lavergne, TN. You would need to have transportation between your residence and the terminal, as you would be required to park your rig in Lavergne on your scheduled time off.
If you are interested, you can apply online or contact one of our friendly recruiters with any questions that you may have.
Thanks again, and we will be looking forward to hearing from you soon.
June 15th, 2012 at 10:01 am
OK. Here’s a heads-up. Every company has the good with the bad , for sure. We all know that I have been with Davis Express going on three years. I will tell you that there are times when it gets hard, but then I get my check and say, “It’s OK. I can handle it.” Great pay, no-touch freight, nice equipment (all trailers kept up), etc. The best part is that you can walk in, sit down and talk to some one. So, don’t waste anymore time. Come to work for a place who “has your back”. Hard trips? Sure, once in a while, but all places do.So come make some “BIG CASH”!
Vic Broad (Trk 2243)
June 25th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Vic, can you be more specific on how much that “take-home” check is. Also, how many miles can a newcomer expect?
July 2nd, 2012 at 5:16 pm
I am going on 3 years with Davis Express. I average 2000 to 2800 miles per week (once in a while, more). I make more money on store deliveries. I am very happy being in the trucking game for 30 years now. I have seen a lot of drivers come and go , but I am staying for many years to come. I work hard (we all do at Davis). The drivers are the “BEST” at “getting it done”, the money is very good, and the people are fair. I cant tell you if you will like it or not, but I can say, if you’re looking for your last long-term job, there’s no place better. I, for one, know I will get home to my family every 7 days, and that’s real nice. And I know that when I get in my truck, it’s real nice too. So I hope this helps you, Jason. Bless you in what ever you decide to do. I can’t promise you the world, but I can tell you that I love it and am very glad that I came here. Take care, Vic (tk 2243).
July 25th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
I was called today by Davis to come to Stark for a driving test and interview and i am just wondering how long the orientation process is and how long it takes to get on the road and work and earn the first paycheck as times are tough.
July 27th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Steve,
Orientation lasts for 3 days and pays $1000 for full-time drivers ($500 for part-time drivers).
On Thursday or Friday (after orientation), you are sent out on your first dispatch and continue to acrew miles toward your first pay check through Sunday night.
You will receive your first pay check the following Friday via direct deposit. It will include the $1000 orientation pay, plus payment for any miles that you ran during your first week.
I hope this answers your questions. Let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Thank you.
December 16th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
my husband , kyle , wants to know about working for you, he’s been driving 17 years and with may trucking going on 6 years now, we live in the panhandle,near Pensacola, do you have a yard close to there? and would he be able to work for you being so far?
December 19th, 2012 at 9:59 am
Hello Tarah.
Definitely have your husband fill out an application online, and we will be glad to see how we can help him.
No problems hiring from Pensacola. In fact, we happen to have a drop yard in Milton, which is only approximately 22 miles from where you live. This is where he would be required to park his truck during his scheduled home time.
I encourage him to give one of our recruiters a call to discuss all of the options available.
Thanks again, and we will be looking forward to hearing from one of you very soon.
February 4th, 2013 at 1:55 pm
I am considering driving for Davis but live in Nancy Ky and wondering if I would be hired living where I do?I am thinking about moving near Starke FL but need a great job first.
February 5th, 2013 at 6:30 am
Hello Tom, and thank you for your interest in Davis Express.
Unfortunately, Nancy KY is approximately 160 miles from our nearest terminal/drop yard located in Lavergne, TN and places you approximately 35 miles outside of our hiring area. Essentially, our drivers living within 125 miles of a Davis Express terminal are required to park at that terminal during their scheduled home time. Others falling outside of that range but still within our hiring area must park either at home or at a pre-approved secure location, but Nancy, KY does not meet any of those specifications.
However, if you are interested in relocating to the Starke, FL or Dacula, GA areas, parking would not be a problem at all.
If you would like to complete an online application, we would be more than happy to review your qualifications and see what we can work out. Also, if you would prefer to speak directly with a recruiter, they are just a phone call away and waiting to answer any questions that you may have.
Thank you again for your post, and we hope to hear from you soon.
February 10th, 2013 at 12:13 am
I haven’t been in contact with Davis since around May 2012 when I was considering them, but still in “limbo” with previous company after my lease trk was stolen. I since have been in college in Ft. Myers Fl., but something keeps nagging at me and I keep noticing myself looking @ Davis’ website & forums. I have found it hard to read many bad posts about them which is a very good thing. I think it’s time to make a trip to Starke for that interview & if all goes well with that, pack up the motorcycle and relocate to Starke where I can for the first time in a VERY long time have a real trucking job, with a really decent company.
April 1st, 2013 at 8:55 am
I have a couple of questions:
1. Does Davis Express hire out of Columbus, Ga 31907?
2. Would I be able to drive the truck home?
3. Does Davis use Transflo?
4. What’s the policy about being off for the holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, etc.?
April 1st, 2013 at 9:16 am
Hello Kevin, and thank you for your blog posts and your interest in Davis Express.
To answer your questions:
Yes, we do hire drivers from Columbus, GA. As our closest terminal is in Dacula, GA (approx.. 143 miles from Columbus), you would be able to park your truck/trailer at your home or at an approved secure facility during your time off.
All of our drivers do utilize the Transflow service for submitting paperwork. In addition to being able to Transflow from various truck stops out on the road, for your convenience, we also offer scanning capabilities at both our Starke, FL and Dacula, GA terminals.
Concerning holiday scheduling, we do not offer paid holidays, as these are generally our busiest times. However, it is sometimes possible to get by the house or spend certain holidays at home depending on your particular home time schedule as well as the number of drivers that specifically request to work holidays.
For more information about specific policies and opportunities, I would encourage you to contact our Recruiting department at 800-874-4270 (option 2). You are also welcome to complete an application online, and we will be glad to review it.
Thank you again, and we will be looking forward to hearing from you soon.
April 1st, 2013 at 9:40 am
In the past 3 years no accidents but I did get a seat belt and a red light ticket, will that disqualify me from being hired?
April 1st, 2013 at 9:47 am
Kevin,
Our policy is “no more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years”, so you should be OK in that regard.
April 2nd, 2013 at 9:57 pm
How many drivers does Davis Express have? Do you have steady freight, and are you currently hiring?
April 2nd, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Also what are the percentage of drop and hook and live load/unload?
April 3rd, 2013 at 11:54 am
Kevin,
Pick-Up:
Deliveries:
I hope this answers your questions adequately. Feel free to contact our recruiting department for additional information.
April 7th, 2013 at 2:46 pm
I heard one of your big accounts is Publix if you make delivers there who unloads there the Lumpers or the driver.
April 7th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Do you have any in state driving jobs? located in Florida.
April 10th, 2013 at 9:02 am
John,
Our freight is 100% no-touch and we do pay for lumper services.
Let us know if you have any additional questions.
April 10th, 2013 at 9:08 am
Hi Patty,
At the present time, we only have southeast regional positions available.
These are OTR positions, but do get the driver home at least every 7 days for a minimum of 48 hours.
Feel free to contact one of our recruiters if you have any additional questions.
Thanks.
April 21st, 2013 at 8:29 pm
Are you currently hiring at this time? How many drivers do Davis have? Is there plenty of freight for everyone to keep moving?