Looking forward to Knight's Squire program

Discussion in 'Knight' started by aecarr, Jul 26, 2014.

  1. aecarr

    aecarr Bobtail Member

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    After being in law enforcement and security operations for years going to transition over to trucking. I have done a lot of research on all company sponsored training programs as well talked to several drivers with those companies. I see people are bashing most of these companies, also see several good comments. From years of past experiences the negativity people put out here is from there own fault or lack of understanding.

    I narrowed my search down to five different companies Knight, Prime, Central Refrigerated, Schneider, and Millis Transportation. From there I had to look at what they offered for training program and the big picture being otr with these companies. I liked Millis they have a terminal only 5 miles from where I live, I couldn't afford all the upfront costs and time without a check. Both Knight and Prime have a paid training program so I narrowed it down between both of them.

    Prime has an enticing program getting paid 600.00 a week while training. The turn off for me was two factors, new drivers are put in their light weight trucks. Meaning no real living quarter space, if you are going to be basically living out of the truck might as well be comfortable. Also several drivers said they are kept out 6-8 weeks before able to get any home time. No regional or dedicated runs.

    Knight doesn't pay as well during the training phase, they DO pay more after going solo huge difference making the 200.00 per week less for training is worth the short sacrifice. They also assign full size trucks not light weights, giving you more room and comfort for living out of a truck. Home time is much better I can get home after being out 14 days. They have regional and dedicated runs. Though my main terminal will be based out of Memphis five hours away. I can take the truck home on my off days and the big plus is they have several deliveries around where I live, which means I might even get home for short visits to the wife and grandson.

    So September 8th I will begin my new career making Knight my starting place. Who knows I might be there a long time, spoke to about 10 different drivers with Knight other than a couple of new trainees the least amount of time a driver has been there is 4 years. That says a lot in itself for Knight plus the Memphis terminal is suppose to be one of the best to work. Very much looking forward to it, those of you looking at starting a new career in trucking don't believe everything you read especially the negative stuff. Seems to be a lot of that on this site. Look at [truckingtruth.com] also get out talk to drivers. Just because I feel Knight is best for me, it might not be best for you. They are very selective of who they choose you should be selective too.
     
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  3. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    I had considered on making a comment regarding your choices, However you have gained more knowledge in a few short internet sesions than I have in 30 years, so rock on.

    Check back and let us know how Knight screwed you over.

    Good luck and God Bless.
     
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  4. aecarr

    aecarr Bobtail Member

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    Jun 6, 2014
    Cartersville, GA
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    Your closing statement tells me you are one of those negative people on here. Just saying
     
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  5. mitrucker

    mitrucker Road Train Member

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    Worked for Knight for 17 months. They were good to me. If my local job goes bad, I would consider going back.
     
  6. Dakota1358

    Dakota1358 Medium Load Member

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    Staunton,Va
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    It's all what you make of it.Not all companies are the same and as you gain experience you get to know what you want out of the job and what to expect from a company.Never worked for Knight but have heard more good then bad about them so Good luck.
     
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  7. dennisroc

    dennisroc Road Train Member

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    Hey Powder Puff , 30 yrs experience and this is the way you reply to someone on here and give advice ??? REALLY

    As a wannabe trucker myself I have got a lot of great info on this site and " APPRECIATE " the OP and his post. I also " RESPECT " him for posting his findings after researching and coming up with the list of companies he narrowed his search down to.
    I visited Knight Transportation in Indianapolis , Indiana a few weeks ago when I was in the USA and they seemed like all other companies I have talked with. They are going to tell you all the good stuff.

    They will not tell you about people like you that have negative things to say about Knight Transportation. So that is why us wanabees come here for advice.

    So maybe instead of a ####y reply you can share your 30 years experience with us wannabes. May I have this chance to ask you some questions and get some helpful answers ?

    1. Why are you so against Knight Transportation ? Did you work there , were you fired from there , were you mistreated while working there , did this company rip you off , did they tell you things that were not true ????

    2. Can I ask what company you drive for and what makes it so much better , what type of pay , benefits , equipment etc..... ???

    3. I am interested in everything you know about Knight Transportation with all the facts because being from the Indianapolis area Knight is a company that I also was considering. After reading so many negative comments about every company I read about I cant help wondering if the negative post are coming from people that were not good enough to get hired from the company or maybe they were lazy and didn't work hard enough.
    When people , like yourself reply like you did here it makes me think right away you got fired from that company. So I think it would be best if you are going to reply with something negative about a company then explain why you feel that way.
    I have no problem with someone posting negative comments about a company that I am considering to work for as long as it is true info. as it helps me in my decision.

    Oh and by the way , you say you have 30 years experience driving a truck ? I am an aircraft mechanic and work with an aircraft mechanic that has over 30 years experience and I wouldn't let him work on my lawn mower :)

    Just Sayin !!!!
     
  8. dennisroc

    dennisroc Road Train Member

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    Thanks for your post and info.
    I visited Knight Transportation in Indianapolis a few weeks ago and with the schooling they provide they seem like a pretty good company to start with. I have also been looking into Carter Express out of Anderson , Indiana. They pay for school and I have heard a lot of good things about them. I think they hire in several areas and seem to have a terminal in Nashville and a few other places. Not sure about Georgia but go to search on here and type in Carter Express.
     
  9. Gunner75

    Gunner75 Road Train Member

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    I looked into their program when i first started my trek towards getting my CDL, I actually considered all the companies you sited above. The draw back to me is their home time isnt what I was looking for. I wanted more opportunities to get home, and I wanted to make more money then they can provide. That is why i made my decision to go with TMC. Knight have good looking trucks, and the drivers that I spoke with seem to be fairly happy. Just wasnt what I was looking for in a starting company.
     
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  10. dennisroc

    dennisroc Road Train Member

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    I looked at TMC but I am 60 now and after working outside sometimes on airplanes in all kinds of bad weather I thought Flatbed would be to much chaining and tarping in the bad weather.

    Really like their trucks though.

    How long have you been with TMC and what are the Pro's and Con's ?

    Are you happy with your choice and do you spend a lot of time chaining , strapping , tarping etc.....
     
  11. Gunner75

    Gunner75 Road Train Member

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    I just started my training with them this week. Its agreed that in the summer roughly 50% of their loads get tarped. Check out my experience thread in the TMC forum. Im updating it daily with whats going on and my outlooks. Im new to trucking but my dad and grandfather are/were drivers for many years. The biggest Con that I can find, how strict they are on certain aspects. Namely not being allowed to change things like their crap CB, its really minor things when compared to other things. They are very strict on who they consider for hiring of drivers. They tend to shy away from people who have a spotty record and the MVR requirements are iffy as well. Overall this whole week, my trainer and I hauled 4 loads, and picked up a 5th, Only 2 were tarp loads. One smoke tarp, the other was already pretarpped and chained.
     
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