A little research

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Razorwyr, Jul 27, 2010.

  1. Razorwyr

    Razorwyr Road Train Member

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    Jul 27, 2010
    Meridian, Mississippi
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    I was trying to do a little more research on a few companies and get some driver prospective instead of recruiter handouts or them reading from a pamphlet they were handed. I was curious how many miles, on average, each of the following companies are running a week and if those miles stay pretty constant throughout the year or do they fluctuate heavily? If they do fluctuate, when and by how much? I know this is a pretty long list, but I am looking for answers with each company from current drivers, or those who have left recently as a solo driver so that I can get a look at current situations and make a better educated decision on which company to sign with. The list is not in any order of preference, just in the order in which I was able to get in touch with a recruiter. Thanks ahead of time for any input you might have.

    McElroy
    Total
    Stevens Transport
    KLLM
    TMC
    Dart
    Knight Transport
    Knight Refrigerated
    US Express
    Covenant
    BTC
    Willis Shaw
    FFE
    Werner
    PAM
    Schneider
    Howard Industries
    Swift
    Trans AM
    USA Truck
    Vernon Milling
    Watkins Shepard
    CRST (Team Miles)
     
    kickin chicken Thanks this.
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  3. kickin chicken

    kickin chicken Road Train Member

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  4. Bigarmin88

    Bigarmin88 Road Train Member

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    Aug 30, 2008
    Tampa Bay Fl
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    First of off welcome to the forum:biggrin_25514:,as for companies I only can state my experience with Werner.When I was with them I got .27cpm at first during 48 and then I got a dollar general account and was getting .32cpm.Now with 48 states I was getting around 2000-2200 per week.When the D.G account was getting around 1200-1500 miles a week.This was back in 07 have heard its still the same today but I don't know for sure.Believe me you will hear tons of bad about most the companies you listed Werner is fair from the best but its a start.But what I tell newbies all the time pick a company that best suites your needs.If you live near a truck stop,stop by talk to some drivers,most will be happy to tell you what they think and how many miles there getting and pay etc.I did that a day and got good input.Which ever company you go with try to get at lease 6 months experience before changing companies.

    Good luck and drive safe.
     
    Razorwyr Thanks this.
  5. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    Better yet...start with a good company and stay there.

    I see one good company on your list, and one...maybe 2, decent companies...keep researching.
     
  6. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    I would say to add Maverick to your list, but you're just outside of their hiring area. They may still hire you though...give em a call.
     
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  7. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Deland, FL
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    I don't think there is anyway you are going to get a straight answer about miles. Miles really depend on driver performance and sometimes senority. So with that being said if freight is good that week and you are a good driver that doesn't piss off your DM you will get good miles. As a new driver I wouldn't put all your focus on that anyway. It is going to be tough on you and you will probably not want a lot of miles to start off. Plus to get really good miles you have to really know the ins and outs of logging and that is going to take you a little while to figure out. Focus on not crashing, being on time, pleasing your DM and learn your log book in and out. As for picking a company make your self a list as far as what is important to you and then do your research. Find a company that best suits your needs. Don't be afraid to look outside of the mega carriers. Some of the mom and pop companies have really nice trucks and pay really well while leaving you alone to do your job. These mega companies are on your ### 24/7. They won't leave you alone with the qualcomm! Good luck.
     
    Razorwyr Thanks this.
  8. Razorwyr

    Razorwyr Road Train Member

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    Meridian, Mississippi
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    Thanks, they were on my list but were bumped for that reason. I called them a week or so ago and they said I lived too far south. I started with around 100 companies though, and I am trying to narrow down to about 5. So far, TMC is the only to turn me down after application, didn't say why.
     
  9. Razorwyr

    Razorwyr Road Train Member

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    It wasn't originally my focus, and still isn't really. I have just come to terms with the fact that I know I am probably not going to be satisfied with any job right out the gate. I am ok with putting up with crap, as long as my bills get paid, if I can put a date in my mind when it is going to be over. I try to make the best of every situation I am in, including the bad ones, and I rarely complain. I am very passive and just go with what is given to me, however, I work my tail off and do my job the absolute best of my ability everytime. I know that the better jobs (less work for more money) are out there, but I also know that I will most likely not get any of those without first having between 2-5 years experience. My goal right now is to find a company that I won't have to worry about my family struggling while I am on the road. I don't want to settle for less money/mile if I can get another company that will give me the same amount of miles and 5 cents more on the mile. I also don't want to get accustomed to making $800 or more a week and then suddenly only be making $300. I know it will happen from time to time that I will get a bad week, that's fine, I just don't want it to happen for 3 months straight. I figure if I work hard and keep my nose clean the miles will be there, I was just looking to get some insight on what each company gives out. Not much difference in .26/3000 and .32/2500.
     
  10. Ridgerunner665

    Ridgerunner665 Road Train Member

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    There went one of your decent companies...

    If Schneider will hire you, go there...I started with Schneider and it was as good as can be expected. I would have never left, but Maverick bought what used to be Schneider Specialized and I went with it.

    At Schneider...I was treated good, got home, got paid, bills got paid. Just remember one thing...this job is what YOU make of it. Work safe, smart, legal, and hard...in that order.

    Good luck
     
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  11. runhard

    runhard Light Load Member

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    Dec 18, 2014
    Stone Mountain Ga
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    Add Maverick to your list. I'm a straight shooter type of person and hate listening to lies from a recruiter. Here at Maverick....I sound like one, anyways they've kept their word from the get go. Miles (that always varies), home time, pay, etc. Everybody I talked to throughout orientation said the same thing. They're honest. It's hard as hell to get on with them but once you're here you won't be leaving any time soon. If you do decide to join Maverick, go GLASS!!!! Trust me on that. The pay is ridiculous. But as a whole they're a good company

    Sincerely yours
    Recruiting LOL
    On a serious note go with what makes sense to you and your situation. Finding a good company is really finding a company who's bull....you can put up with. Each one has its flaws
     
    tucker Thanks this.
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