New Driver Just Got my CDLs. Looking at TMC, Western Express and McElroy. Any Advice?

Maverick is the only somewhat decent company you listed. Over half the trucks out here will be automatic in a few years, growing more every year. In 2000 almost every thing the army had was automatic, except for extreme heavy duty stuff or stuff that was 30+ years old. .

TMC and Western Express are horrible. Especially Western Express. Do some more research on here before you jump the gun. Stay away from E.W. Wiley in Fargo, also.

 

From most drivers I talk talk well about Mavrick (even with automatics) and TMC. they make good cash and the people seem treated well.

 

Search the threads on Western Express. That will answer any question you might have. Good luck

 

Make more comparisons:

Transport National
Melton Truck Lines
Decker Truck Line
Keim TS

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Also don't limit yourself to a big company that is halfway across the country, unless you have to. Since you are smack dab between Knox and Nash there have got to be few smaller outfits that may give you a shot.

You are doing the right thing by looking for flatbed though, dry van for newbies just doesn't pay squat nowadays with a few exceptions. There are a few decent reefer outfits if you are willing to put up with that BS, Holland out of Fargo I hear is pretty good..not sure if they take students.

look into tanker outfits too...don't settle for the first lowball opportunity that comes your way...to a certain extent it may be true you have to "pay your dues" for a year or two, but too many people settling for crap low pay jobs out here is what holds wages down low for the rest of us.

If you are interested in a certain company, always talk to at lest 3 drivers from that company and compare it to what any recruiter has to say...Smaller outfits closer to where you live may allow you on their property to take a look at their equipment/operation.

And from what vet to another, thank you for your service!

 

RE West has a flatbed division in Livingston, TN & they hire new CDL grads.

Halvor Lines hires from about anywhere.

 

What's your thoughts on melton?

 

TMC is very pro-vet and a very good company to work for, according to a friend of mine who works there

 

If you want to drive a reefer, a not well known company that takes new grads is WEL Companies in DePere, Wisconsin (near Green Bay.) 500 trucks, all reefers, true 48-state, all their trucks have an APU and if you buy it, they will install an inverter for you. Their training program is good and they're small enough to know who you are.

And they don't really have "recruiters." There are two or three people who do that. One of them is the son of the founder and they have no interest in giving you the wrong impression about their company.