I hope to attend truck driving school next month and was wondering if anyone had some advice on which companies are worth looking at for newbies. Im hoping this will be the last career change I will make and I just want to get in with at least a half way decent company so any input will be appreciated. I have a good driving record, no tickets for the last 10 years. No felonies but did have a misdemeanor possession charge 3 1/2 years ago. Any Ideas?

that is a wide on can -o- worms to open up....

the jobs for new guys vary into what ever you are looking for....

whatever type of equipment you want - someone will hire you...

ask yourself these questions.
and make a list in order of importance :

hometime
pay
location
days out on road (or hours)
equipment
bennies
future
etc etc

once you have your list - find a company to match that list

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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 100


Faster than a 60 MPH bullet....

Do'nt know what school you'll be going to but a lot of them have placement services that find you a job after graduation. Schools with services like this sometimes arrange a time for companies to send reps in before you graduate to tell you about their companies and what they have to offer.

Good luck!

But be careful about those recruiters that show up to school. They will sing you a good song and dance, and the school gets kickbacks for each student that they place there. Do your research on the companies. Remember that you will hear both good and bad about ANY company out there, but do your research. Spend a day or two reading the comments on this forum. I spent a lot of time looking before picking a company for my ex to sign on with. You really want to spend at least a year at that first job to build up stability.

good advice - the big thing you said that I echo every day is "stick to it iv ness"

you have to show some will to stay with a company for at least a year...

our ranks are saturated with people that company hop every few months in search of the golden job. - what winds up happening is they have no credibility with that golden job when they DO come across it.

(they look like a security risk - and undedicated)

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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 100


Faster than a 60 MPH bullet....

This message board has been EXTREMELY helpful in my research. I have been thinking of trucking for a long time. Since I was five years old actually . My father became a trucker when I was about ten. Every summer and time off from school I would ride with him. He always told me that if I became a driver that he would break my arms. LOL After miserable careers at cooking, welding, and auto body, I became a schoolbus driver. Great job, low pay. So now I am heading into this full on. My wife will be going to part time when I hit the road and she will be keeping all of our insurance benefits so I have no worry there. I know she will be supportive and knows what we are getting into. Her dad was a driver as well.
Because of this message board I was able to make the decision to pay for CDL A school myself so I don't have an obligation to a crap company. I know to avoid Swift, Werner, and JB Hunt. I know that hometime will be scarce the first year but my chances of seeing the wife while I pass through is possible since I live next to I-44. I know what to expect from training, what to bring on the road, which truckstops are the most dangerous and all kinds of helpful tips.

a big part of this dream we are all living is a strong support network... I trained dozens of drivers when I worked OTR and my mother hen instinct (funny to think of myself in those terms) kicks in - between this board and a ton of diverse people aiding you - you will make it (if you REALLY want it)...

I still have students call me all the time for big brother advice on this and that - and say that there is a job for everybody out here.

good luck - lemm know if you need anyything

(look for me rolling through springfield in the big ugly orange and blue roadwaymobile!)

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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 100


Faster than a 60 MPH bullet....

Thx for the advice. I guess listening to a recruiter is like listening to a politician. LOL
Im researching more now on companies theirselves and people experiences with them. I found a few that seem to be good and although I would like to get in flatbedding I guess I will go with who I can for a year or so.
My main concern is gettn the miles because like everyone else, I have a ###### load of bills so the money has to be there but at the same time I dont want to get screwd around either.
Ive been looking at TransAm, TMC, and a few others that I seem to think would be ok companies.

I'll keep researching.

recruiters no matter what career field are always worse than politician..... Military included......

i.e. Marine Corps, we will give you $5,000 and a CAR..... CAR is a Combat Action Ribbon, not a Chevy....lol

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WCD

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snipers change history!!

hell I remember taking my oath and commission # Camp Lejeune - and they asked me if I liked fireworks and big game...

3 months later I was in Somalia with divisional EOD

*gag*


recruiters and guidance for enlisted marines is even worse I am sure...


recruiters for trucking companies are similliar - one thing to ask them to shut them up is "how long did you drive for this company?"

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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 100


Faster than a 60 MPH bullet....