Vet looking for pros and cons of a couple of companies.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mydartswinger, Jun 28, 2012.

  1. mydartswinger

    mydartswinger Light Load Member

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    Jun 28, 2012
    East Texas
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    First off, a bit of an introduction as this is my first post here. I'm a recently (honorably) discharged Army vet looking for my first civilian job in nearly 10 years. I've been out since April and have been unable to find a job in my field (information technology, aka, I'm a computer geek, and no, Geek Squad wouldn't even grant me an interview). I just don't have the "right" qualifications for someone of my experience level in my field, either over qualified or under qualified with too much competition. My situation is to the point that it dictates a career change. I feel professional driving is the right fit for me.

    My father drove for a few years for US Xpress, PFT Roberson, and an individual that owned 1 truck, so I understand a bit better than the "average" person about the industry (which ain't saying much). I've been talking to him about the industry as well. I know the life is hard and underpaid, and I know that in my first year or more I won't be making much. I can accept that. I don't have to worry about rent or anything, but I am married (no kids, only a dog). My intent is to use my parent's address as my permanent address, where I will also stay when I'm on "home time" and after I'm allowed to by the company have at least my wife and hopefully my dog live on the road with me. If the dog can't come, well, she'll just have to stay with my parents (my mother would LOVE that, as we got our dog from her and she wants her back) until I can get on with a carrier that will allow me to bring her with me. With my wife with me, I wouldn't care if we didn't see home for 6 months or more (would be nice to see home now and again, but not essential) and we can try to keep our expenses to a minimum and while it will take a while, get ourselves back to a point where we can be self sufficient. My wife is supportive in my decision to go OTR.

    I have looked into the only CDL school in my area, and they don't accept the GI Bill, nor would I be able to get there on a daily basis. You might as well say that my next closest trucking school would be FFE's (maybe some a bit closer in Dallas, but I'm unfamiliar with the Dallas area). With that knowledge, I have decided that a company CDL school will be my best bet. I am aware that they do require at least a year of "slave labor" to pay back the "debt", and I can deal with that as long as I have some income coming in.

    With this in mind, after doing nearly non-stop research over the last week, I've narrowed it down to 2 companies that are at the top of my list as far as what I have seen. Those are FFE and Prime. I've read about 3/4 of the 264 page (as of this afternoon) thread on the FFE Driver Academy and just started with the Prime thread. Granted, both of those threads are in the "I love my company" section. However, they have been insightful.

    At this point, I would like to hear the pros and cons of both in a comparative means.

    Also, would the training from either company leave me "black balled" in the industry if I do decide to jump ship for another company after my obligation is complete? I have seen the FMCSA report on FFE and Prime. Prime's is definitely better overall than FFE's. Supposedly, FFE's academy was created to fix that.

    With FFE being closer to home and their pet policy (from what I can tell, I can't find official details) would allow me to bring my dog (48lbs mixed breed), I'm leaning more towards them. However, the pay during training and post training CPM at Prime does have me intrigued. Prime's 1 on 1 real world CDL training approach also has me interested, but I don't know if that method would be better than a 4 to 1 ratio, allowing observation time. Unfortunately, Prime's pet policy would not allow me to bring my dog with me. Until I could get to a position to bring my dog, I could manage in a company that wouldn't allow me to bring her.

    I have also looked at Millis, Roehl, Central Refrigerated, CR England, PAM, USA Truck, Stevens, and Swift. Of those, as far as I can tell, Roehl and Swift are the only 2 that are not a loan. I've heard too many horror stories and seen CR England's FMCSA rating (FFE's ain't much better, I know), really don't want to go there. As far as I can tell, I'd be on the hook for 3 years with Stevens (1 year for tuition and 2 additional years for lodging and fees), and I've heard nothing good about Stevens, so a no go there. I might consider Central Reefer, Millis, Roehl, PAM, USA Truck, or Swift, but as of now, it's down to Prime and FFE.


    Thoughts? Thanks in advance, Shannon[TABLE="width: 143"]
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  3. Klatu

    Klatu Road Train Member

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    Nov 26, 2010
    Argyle, TX
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    Don't do FFE. They are crooks. Try that trucking school in Palmer, TX. I don't know much about Prime. Stay away from FFE. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to them. Stay away from CRST to. I have put in time with USA Truck. They have trouble getting people home. They change policy at the drop of a hat. Schneider would be a good company to start out with. They love vets. If I were you, I would call Schneider. I have worked 8 months or so with them. This was ten years ago. I drove an ole cabover for them. It will take a little time to get established, and in the groove. But once you get that groove. Watch out. Call Schneider.
     
  4. mydartswinger

    mydartswinger Light Load Member

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    Jun 28, 2012
    East Texas
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    Klatu,
    Thank you for the swift response. The school in Palmer would be Tri-State (affiliated with Ohio Business College). I've looked into them a bit, but I don't know if they would have dorms or not, or are set up to send students to a local hotel. My problem with going to a private/public driving school, is getting to/from the school and lodging. Maybe I can contact them and see if they can do the Post 9/11 GI Bill to cover those expenses. Palmer is 137 miles from me (I'm northeast of Tyler).

    I've looked at Schneider, they didn't seem to have a program to aid in covering the up front costs. Maybe they've got something that they don't list or one of the schools that they recruit from could help in my situation.

    As for CRST, I looked at them, but won't consider them due to them being a primarily team company (as a minimum reason), I need one that does solo company drivers.

    Forgot to mention a few things in my previous post.

    Since being married, I have spent a total of 27 months overseas, so a few months OTR without my wife is fine for both of us.

    Also, I'm aware of the tight quarters with a trainer for a while and the possibility of tight quarters while going through training. Both are fine as I've dealt with worse situations in the Army. No problems there.

    It'll be a month or 2 before I'm ready to even contact a recruiter from a company, as I have a health issue I have to take care of first, as ATM, I wouldn't be able to pass a DOT physical. I'm working it with the local VA clinic and it should be squared away then. Time is not of the essence right now.

    My reasons for going ahead and posting were to take this time to get as much info as possible so that when the time comes, I'll have a plan and a backup plan (maybe a few backup plans) and I'll be able to simply execute them when the time is right.

    I also DO NOT want to enter into an L/O or O/O position. I might consider going O/O after getting several years of experience OTR and in the business if I feel things (personal finances, enjoyment of the job, economy, experience, etc...) are right to do so, but not a moment sooner. Right now I'm just looking for a company job that'll get me my CDL experience.

    Thanks again,
    Shannon
     
  5. DOTrevenuepatrol

    DOTrevenuepatrol Medium Load Member

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    Feb 21, 2011
    The Buckeye
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    I was with Roehl 3 years out of school and would highly recommend them over Prime or FFE. If you want additional info shoot me a pm.
     
  6. mydartswinger

    mydartswinger Light Load Member

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    Jun 28, 2012
    East Texas
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    DOTrevenuepatrol,
    I would PM you, but I haven't made my first 7 posts yet. Won't let me PM until then.
     
  7. mydartswinger

    mydartswinger Light Load Member

    60
    39
    Jun 28, 2012
    East Texas
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    Let me try this again (last post didn't go through yet). I'm too new to the forum to PM.

    I appreciate the responses. I would like some specifics on why I should or why I should not go with said companies so I can better decide what's right for me. I understand that all companies have their ups and downs. I also understand that some companies have too many downs. I want to know what those are.

    Also, if anyone know the pet policies a bit more in depth than I can find on the internet, please let me know.

    Thanks again,
    Shannon
     
  8. GySgt

    GySgt Bobtail Member

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    Jun 25, 2012
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    Shannon,

    Thanks for your service.

    I agree with Klatu. Schneider seems to be a good starting choice.

    [Full Disclosure: I do not now or have I ever worked for Schneider] I'm currenly a lowbed driver.

    There are no up front costs at most company schools, short of your DMV physical, DMV testing and license fees and food while your in school. You also are not enlisting with these guys and can leave anytime you want. The school contract is a student loan (GI Bill CAN/Does cover part of this at most companys) and while they expect you to "work it off", you can quit anytime. The student/school contract stands on its own. Your loan is discounted if you work for them. Example: If it's a $4500 school charge they only charge you $3000 if you work for them. If you leave they'll bill you the full amount. This tuition USUALLY includes the bed and 1 meal a day. Ask the recuiter first so your not suprized if you get a hotel bill if you leave. Your other out of pocked would be more food, laundry change, and maybe a wifi charge if you take a laptop. Cars are usually not allowed (on campus) as you'll be in a truck when you leave.

    You know .. if your wife wants to ride with you she should just get her CDL also. Company's love husband/wife teams. They tend to be more productive and companys don't have to worry about getting you home as much. Team also get some of the best dedicated runs which means more consistant miles and $. A good team on a good run can bring in $2500+ a week. Of course you might never hear the end of it if she backs the truck better than you!
    Just got this off of Schneiders web site: looks like there is an extra $1069 a month for your taking. You've earned it!

    12-Month program includes both Veterans and Non-Veterans
    Veterans, Guard members and Reservists in the program will receive weekly wages from Schneider National and their monthly educational benefit payment from the VA Office - up to $1,069 per month depending on years of service
    All paperwork will be filled out and submitted to the VA Office for approval while you are in orientation at Schneider National
    To qualify, you must have your GI Bill or Post 9/11 available

    Best of luck, Semper Fi
     
  9. kaptsbaby

    kaptsbaby Light Load Member

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    Feb 6, 2012
    Fort White, Florida
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    Shannon,
    My husband Kaptkirk said he ran into the same thing with the GI bill 23+ years ago, he got a grant from PIC to pay for his schooling, He agrees with what most are saying here there are much better companies, with schools or get a grant and go to school and be able to choose what company you want to drive for.
    He said look at Tri State Trucking School, That's where he went and back then they put you in a hotel if you didn't live close enough, it's in Palmer TX.
    That deal with Schneider, looks promising, check that out closely.

    Hope you are able to find what you are looking for, Good Luck!
    Tammy- Kaptsbaby
     
  10. CenutryClass

    CenutryClass Road Train Member

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    Feb 15, 2006
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    Use your GI Bill and go to college and get a trade or degree and be debt free.

    trucking of today blows

    And getting 1100 a month for a year from the gi bill is a waste. chapter 31 is worth over 50k. So I would highly advise against doing it. If you served 10 yrs I'm pretty sure you can pass the bill to a wife or kid.

    You should have used your tuition assistance before you got out. They bankrolled my 5K trucking school bill right before I EAS'd
     
  11. mydartswinger

    mydartswinger Light Load Member

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    Jun 28, 2012
    East Texas
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    Thanks again for all the advice.

    Gunny,
    I wish my wife could get her CDL. She doesn't even have her class C, and, to be quite honest with no offense meant to her, I wouldn't trust her to be safe behind the wheel of a big rig. It's not her fault, but I'd rather not get into details as to why.

    Tri State is not listed as one of Schneider's partner/approved schools on their website. However, they say they're only listing some of the schools, so Tri State may still be one of them. I looked at the schools in Texas that Schneider does list, and I found 2 of them that accept GI Bill benefits. One of these is a college in Houston (Lone Star College), the other is Axis Business Academy in El Paso. Maybe that would be an alternative if they offer at a minimum lodging assistance (or aid in using the Post 9/11 GI Bill and get the monthly housing allowance while in school which would equate to $1635 for Lone Star and $1110 for Axis).

    I've found a couple of companies that have the same or similar program to Schneider's, including Werner and Con-Way.

    I do have a wife to support, that's why I have opted against going back to school. While my parents are being very helpful and allowing us to stay with them and providing us with food (have even offered to do so if I was to go back to school full time), but if we stay here full time much longer, we're going to go nuts living by their rules. We need to be out on our own. Another reason I have opted against going back to school is that for me to support my wife and for us to live on our own, I would need a full time job, even with the Post 9/11 GI Bill's housing allowance (which is not covered during the summer session to my knowledge). I know myself well enough to know that I can do well at either a full time job or at school full time, not both. One would wind up suffering, and it would most likely end up being the schooling.

    Also, to clarify, at the moment I have the option to use either/or the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post 9/11 GI Bill as I'm on the Montgomery GI Bill and can switch to Post 9/11 benefits at any time. I could even use my Montgomery for 10 years and switch what's leftover to Post 9/11 for an additional 5 years.

    I did use some of my Tuition Assistance while in, but wound up having to pay it back due to course failure. I would give 110% to work, be tired as a dog, and put off my schooling until it was too late (I was doing online classes through Central Texas College).

    I know, trucking ain't what it used to be and there are more than a lot of downfalls to the industry. However, I can deal with those pitfalls to get to what is good about the industry (or at least what I think would be good about the industry). As I said before, my father drove for a few years towards the end of my high school and during my first little while in the Army, so I am aware of at least some of the S#*$ that sucks about the industry. He got out of it because he wasn't making the miles with his first 2 companies and the truck owner (when he drove for the individual) wasn't getting paid for loads (but the truck owner continued to pay my father despite that) and wound up selling the truck. I know that it's no cakewalk, but it's still what I want to do. I guess you could say I'm a glutton for punishment.

    Thanks,
    Shannon
     
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