Another sorta newbie question

**herkloader1** · 09.07.2012

I have been driving off and on for over 30 yrs.
I drove in the military bring airdrop loads and 25K forklifts back from the drop zones around the world.
I was a airborne trucker on C-130s for 23 years and 747s for 6yrs.
I got my CDL when I retired "2003" and used it for everything except for OTR.
I have since Apr gone back through a CDL school since I did not do that to get me CDL.
I have all my endorsements. As well as OSHA 10 Hr,Hess,Osha Forklift,Pilot Car Cert.
I have driven through Mt and Canada helping a friend out in his truck,Driven a Frac Water heater in the oilfields and driven a Side dumper from Devils Lake to Anchorage AK. I loved the driving part so far and the trip up the ALCAN roller coaster was the best.
I posted a Resume last night and got easily 75 replies from companies of all sizes.
The two companies that I would really like to drive for Transx on their CANx route or Prime have not even bothered to call me back.I had this problem last year with Prime as well.
I got a call from SWIFT ,but I do not see a lot of good things about them on here. They did however call.
I have also spoken to Trans systems about doing a line haul to Canada.
I am located along the Hi Line on Hwy 2 in Montana and moved here hoping to be able to get a job easier then in Alaska. Everyone seems to want me to move to drive for them? With The HWY 2 and 85 close by I would have chosen a place with a decent shot at a drive ,but I am beginning to think not.
I want to drive OTR for a few years and then get my own truck. I know it is silly to think about making money owning my own truck.
I guess my question is how do I go about weeding the Bad companies from the good? My wife loved Prime 10 yrs ago but they seem to be a different company now?
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hopefully a soon to be employed Trucker.

**STexan** · 09.07.2012

I wouldn't try and "consolidate" the desires. Deal with the initial OTR experience phase then deal with the the O-O phase when the time comes. TMC, System Transport, Roehl, and many others come to mind (TMC and several others may not be ideal living in your neck of the woods, though). Lot's of things to consider and many you'll have to go with your gut instinct following lot's of research like you're doing. Thanks for your service.

**nicholas_jordan** · 09.07.2012

I have zero time driving regulated but I have been swamping this for maybe 30 days or so and by far FFE is doing ideal ~ the others some of them sent packets and emails and so on - on place I got a response from today you probably want to give a call and I have several others but FFE is so far ahead of the others past the first response that I >>STRONGLY<< suggest filling the online application and see how it goes, x-smart is to broaden the search as far as you have resources to do it ....

**dloving8915** · 09.07.2012

Which CDL school did you go through. IThey should have a placement department that could help you find what you are looking for.

**herkloader1** · 09.07.2012

Elite.
I was hoping to get something figured out without bothering them.

**KMac** · 09.08.2012

First off, you are in Anchorage Alaska?

That may be the reason Prime is not calling you back. I know thjat my company would not either. We don't run freight up that way so you would never get home.

Have you seen Prime trucks up your way?

Just saw where you said you are in Montana, still not the best State on the Freight lanes. I think that will be your biggest issue.

**herkloader1** · 09.08.2012

I have seen trucks of all companies and descriptions running the hwy by my house.
Dick Irwin is just down the road,But when I ran with my buddy that is who he worked for.
They have computers straight out of the 80's and still dispatch from a day planner. It was not a good experience.
I am leaning towards Trans Systems now even though it will be way more time away from home then I would like. The pay looks good and it is the same run for the most part. Plus it stops by the house every other day for timing out so I could at least do dinner with the family. It is a 4-1 scheduled run. But the off time is a day away from home travel time. I am used to being gone overseas for 20 days a month so this should not be a problem.
I just talked to my buddy and he said Prime is running a 30 in sleeper and that the trucks are governed to 57 mph so they are now out of the question.

**KMac** · 09.08.2012

Have you tired Watkins Sheppard? I believe their main offices are in Montana

**herkloader1** · 09.08.2012

Yes and they are actually on my list.
I have heard some good things about them and hope to hear back from them on Mon.
Only draw back I have heard is they have a 10 day orientation?

**DirtyBob** · 09.09.2012

I can't tell for sure, but it seems you're waiting for companies to call you. Call them if that's the case. Just because they don't call after sending an app in doesn't mean they don't want you.