Originally Posted by KingObeat

I'm not a diver, yet, but If I decide to become one, I could use some help picking a Company to work for. Right now, I'm kind of leaning toward Knight since the Instructor I talked to said they were really good. He also recommended Swift and Werner, but most of what I've read on this forum said that these Companies aren't good. Any advice?

Swift is the better one but they're not hiring divers.My son is on his 4th week as a dedicated "driver" with them.He's only had one day when he sat on a load cause they mixed up the delivery day;other than that they have plenty of freight.They are the largest trucking company in the US.

Originally Posted by KingObeat

I'm not a diver, yet, but If I decide to become one, I could use some help picking a Company to work for. Right now, I'm kind of leaning toward Knight since the Instructor I talked to said they were really good. He also recommended Swift and Werner, but most of what I've read on this forum said that these Companies aren't good. Any advice?

Swift is the better one but they're not hiring divers.My son is on his 4th week as a dedicated "driver" with them,43cpm,loaded or empty.He's only had one day when he sat on a load cause they mixed up the delivery day;other than that they have plenty of freight.They are the largest trucking company in the US.On their hiring site they say you have to drive 6 months before they will give you dedicated,but my son got dedicated regional right after training.
Sorry about the double post;tried to cancel first but no luck.

I started with swift. Atfirst they seem ok but after awhile you will get very pissed off. IF you have a good dm, that will help. A good dm will have a load on you before you drop your current load. But weekend and night dispatch will have you sit and sit and sit. Swift also has horrible equipment. You may get an ok truck, but the trailers are beat up and need to be off the road.

Werner is pretty close to swift in most aspects. Knight I don't know much about but they look like a swift with newer equipment.

They all three are starter companies. What I mean by that is they will hire new drivers. No matter who you choose, every company has good and bads. I just started with prime and so far pretty happy, Prime does hire new drivers and once your out of training, pays .33cpm which is good for a rookie. Training pay is 600 a week while with trainer.

Good luck, keep us all informed on what you decide

Schneider is a good company, Largest Freight base in the trucking business.As with all trucking there's good and bad. I'm with Schneider and i like them, with any company you choose you need to learn the system and give your self time. I hate seeing when a driver gets on to a new company and within the first month or two they're either saying it's the greatest or the worse company ever or better yet a driver who's never driven for a company and then bashes the company. I've been at Schneideer for 7+ years so i can speak for Schneider. Good Luck

And another thing with a company like Schneider, you have more options when you get past the trainer phase, intermodal, tank, van, regional, semi-local. There are few major carriers anymore who are truly "48 state, OTR" unless you're willing to run team with someone.

There are quite a few choices and options, so be sure to consider ALL your options before rushing in. But in the end, there is no "perfect" carrier for anyone. They will all have their own set of pros and cons, both for the new drivers coming in and for the experienced drivers.

I would recommend Schneider above Werner , Swift or Knight. A big factor is figuring out which company is going to suit you best depending on where you live. Some have more freight available to get you home/ send you out in certain areas. For instance if you live in Florida you're best off doing reefer. Research what kind of freight is strong where you live. It can make a big difference in how busy you are kept.

Also check the motor carrier inside scoop section. It was very helpful in me finding the job I just started. Just keep an open mind when reading =)

Originally Posted by KingObeat

I'm not a diver, yet, but If I decide to become one, I could use some help picking a Company to work for. Right now, I'm kind of leaning toward Knight since the Instructor I talked to said they were really good. He also recommended Swift and Werner, but most of what I've read on this forum said that these Companies aren't good. Any advice?

The real question is where do you want to be 1 to 2 years from now. If its driving for a lower paying local company, home every night and weekends off because your wife makes more money than you and has excellent benefits, then it really doesnt matter who you start out with. If you are going to make this a career where you are the main provider for your family then you are going to need 1. Good Pay 2. Good medical bennys and 3. A good retirement at the end of the rainbow. To me the only way thats achievable is a union shop company driver or buying a truck and becoming an independent - not a lease purchase owner operator. So I agree with the last 2 posts - go Schneider, they are big, they have been around for a long time and you will have more options. Stay with them for 2 years and than go drive for a union shop or if you have a business sense, know what you're doing and have money saved up go independent.