Well, I 'm graduating in about two weeks and it's between Interstate and GTI. Does anyone have first hand knowledge about Interstate? Please advise. Thanks.

I would go to GTI it seem like they really preach safety.

Look in the Bad Trucking Company section... My other half posted up about not recieving a paycheck for 4 weeks straight while working for Interstate.

Althou I dont work for the company, I can post about what I have heard from talking to many interstate drivers, and talking with there recuiters at MATS and on the phone.

The drivers seem to love the company to death, and I can see why. Their trucks are optioned well, with power windows, locks, trollie valve, inverters, and some have APU's or battery packs, and a few other options. The complaints have been mainly about speed limits, they used to have 72 MPH trucks, then turned them down to 65. After a few drivers left, and after others complained, they turned it up to 68 MPH. This company is a ATA member, so That tells me why they were turned down, and why I should stay away. Some may agree, others may not on that one.

They did just start a training program, but since I know nothing about it, I cant comment.

Their MATS recruiters were LIARS! They offered me 50 CPM to come work for them. I called there recuiters at the home office, and they wanted to know who I talked to. Why? Cause their top pay for a solo in a dry van is 37 CPM. Big diference from 50. But at least the phone recuiters were honest. They do have a reefer division that pays more as well. I think its a 5 CPM bonus.

In closing, I would have to say that there drivers are extremely loyal. They give the drivers good miles, good equipment, good pet program, decent insurance, good rider program. Althou their pay is a little low for the industry..

__________________
Brian - Carpe Diem!
I dont have to love my president, or any god, to love my country!

Interstae runs their company like a corperation.You will have smoke blown up your ### the first week,especially during orientation,in the form of "niceness".Then, their real personality emerges.Main cop liars in the "Pinical"(yes,its called that) like Rod Brady are uneducated morons that like to belittle people into thinking they are God like.Promises from him and other Interstate top excutives never come true.
We hauled Do-It-Best (dedicated lanes) for 2 years.The "cheif" over there-Tom Prue thinks Rod Brady his Boss is God.Just another would be Elk Hunter Wanna Be, Tom knows little about trucks,but will explain all day how to run yours.
He also lies and will try to dominate you and your co driver with"company policy"

Good company to get experiance at (for about 6 months), but watch your ###.

I can vouch for this. Apparently Interstate's "policy" is that you shut your rig off, no matter what the conditions outside. A lifelong buddy of mine drove for them, and I'd routinely hear about some of the b.s. this co. shovels out. Once when our paths crossed, he showed me the qualcomm conversation he'd had. Went "Why are you idleing? You've been parked since 2am, and it's now 11am." reply"Uh, it's 10deg f. here." The responce in effect was that he must run his truck long enough to raise the temp, then shut it off; and repeat for 10 hours. When the subject of APU'S came up, he explained tht the company had them for TEAMS!!! But could'nt afford the add-ons for the rest of thier fleet, due to remodeling cost for the tacoma terminal.

Hey thank you all out there. This is what I thought. I have decided to go with GTI and you guys have helped a lot. I should start with them next week and I will keep you all posted on how it goes.
Anyway, I go to DMV Thursdayfor my drive test . I'm pritty shure I have it nailed.
Thanks angain and the best to all

Jwalker

Right on J! Glad we could help ya out. Good luck, and safe miles!

I'm glad you descided on GTI. Being a new driver it is best you drive manual transmissions in case you should need to seek employment elsewere in the future. The truck I seated at IDC was excellent compared to what I had at USX for 6 years and the fact that I got by the house often running D&H on I-5 was even better. But their pay is kind of low for a experienced driver. I made .36 with 6 years experience. GTI runs alot of the same frt to the same customers as IDC and to tell you the truth the only reason I did not run for them is the color of their trucks. I know that sounds like a crazy reason but baby blue trucks,Why? Plus I live 5 miles from IDC Tacoma Term and basicly ran out of my house unless I needed a truck wash or Maint.

I loved the inverters, battery shut off, chain racks, having a table in the truck, being allowed to talk to your DM in person. Had none of that at USX. I could leave my truck at the shop while I was at home. I have heard some driver complain about miles but I did not have that problem running KC loads back and forth to LA and the Bay area. Plus they pay $10 every time you spot a trailer in a dock. My smallest paycheck I got at IDC was around $980 for a week and that was running mostly I-5 if I did 48 I probably would of made more, but 1200 and change was the norm for me.

I would advise against GTI. USX is currently in the process of buying them out...

__________________
Brian - Carpe Diem!
I dont have to love my president, or any god, to love my country!