I'm in CDL school, we have recruiters from Gordon, Werner & Sytem/TWT. I was never into what System had to say, which left Werner as my 1st choice. After the ?"used car salesman" came to talk shop, I wasn't sure I liked what I heard. Then I started looking for more stuff about Gordon. That is when I found this site. Now after reading the stuff from this site I'm thinking Gordon 100%. Is there any reason I should think this out a little longer if these three are my only options until I get some time under my belt?

I, like yourself, have just been through the same process and I came to one conclusion, Gordon is the company to go with. After reading the posts here and talking to some Gordon drivers, they (Gordon) appear to be the best out of the choices out there. I think you hit the nail on the head with Werner. Lots of promises but the facts are hard to overlook and the info on this board contradicts what the recruiter told us during the presentation.

I will be going to orientation with Gordon after the new year and frankly I am looking forward to it and can't wait. If you get a chance, talk to a Gordon driver or two and they will let you know what is going on. Best of luck to you in making your decision and hopefully we will see you in Modesto at orientation.

__________________
Live strong, ride hard, and leave everything on the road.

I am with GTI and I have nothing bad to say about them. They have treated me well and if you have a problem with something you can "reason" with these people. They are in a cost-cutting mode right now, but it is a very "conservative minded" company that is very strong fiscally and will survive this harsh economic environment. We have lots of long-term drivers and office personell. I don't like the trucks we use which are Freightliner Columbias but hopefully we will start getting Cascadias soon. If you are new and have a chance to get on with GTI I would do it. They are very hard to get hired with I've been told. I am a re-hire and I don't consider myself a "brown-noser" if you know what I mean. I expect a lot from a company for what I give them in return; afterall, we are both in this to make money for our families right? I have worked for a number of companies since 1997 and GTI is the best...but they are a company.

"If you are new and have a chance to get on with GTI I would do it."

Ronnie,

I am pre-hired and "on the list" but no orientation date at this time. The word on the street is it is taking some time to get connected with a trainer. One guy from my school has been waiting for a month. My question is, what do you know about this or anything about the number of new drivers they are bringing on. I am a little concerned that it might be a wait till something happens and I really can't wait to long but this is the company I want to work for. Any information you can provide would be helpful. Last question, what board do you drive for? How are the miles? Keeping you busy? Thanks.

__________________
Live strong, ride hard, and leave everything on the road.

I have just finished up with my trainer. He did say he will be picking up another student after the first of the year.

CC, How did it go? When are you going to test out? What board are going to drive for?

__________________
Live strong, ride hard, and leave everything on the road.

I will be running out of the midwest, Greenbay terminal. I will be going to indy on the 30th to finish orientation and pickup my truck. I can not wait to get out on my own. The trainer I had was great. We ate out of the truck. He had a fridge and cookers. I got to see the mountains out west for the first time in my life, WOW. The fun part was driving the three sisters in Wyoming and the big hill in Utah in a snow storm. We went to Eugene Oregon after there big storm. I found out they don't know what salt is. I had the pleasure of chaining up and driving rt 26 through the mountains. That was a great experience. The three weeks we were out we were driving in snow. I think I got my winter driving in. Well happy holidays and be safe. I forgot to address one thing. You test out with your trainer, this does include chaining up and winter driving.

CC,
It sounds like you had a good first run. So tell me, is there anything that you didn't bring with you that you wished you would have taken with you ?

I have to say after some of the story's you read on here about trainer's you go into it with some apprehension. I was lucking and got a good trainer. As far as things to bring, do not forget fueling gloves and warm ones for chaining up. Also bring a heavy jacket. We spent a lot of time out west in the mountains going back and forth through Wyoming. That wind is bitter. The last night we were there woke up to -12 degree's. You will use the trainers map to trip plan. good luck

CC
Can you tell us what the training pay is and how long you have been out training.