Okay, so I'm fresh. I'm 22. I do not currently have a CDL.

I've been browsing this site over the past few days trying to figure out which company to try for.

I don't mind doing OTR seeing as all I have here is friends and family, no girlfriend/children/anything to tie me here. I've been around trucks since I was little, it was something I wanted to do then. I enjoy traveling and driving so it kinda makes sense. I do realize that its not going to be all vacation-like lol.

So basically what I'm here to ask is - what company offers the best deal as far as training goes? What company would be the best to go with?

Hopefully thats not too subjective. Looking forward to hearing your response. Thanks a ton guys!

the best i no of is stevens transport on training but the pay sucks and the keep u out way to long thats y i quit but with you having no kids or anything it might work out good for you

Thanks Pete

Yeah from what I gather noone really sticks with their starter companies it seems. Which is fine, I know there's more to be had out there once you get some experience under your belt.

I'm just looking to make getting that experience as painless as possible.

Welcome to the world of trucking.ive been in it for23yrs.here's some advice.The larger co's are watched by D.O.T. which means there equipment is better maintained than smaller companies.They have alot of rules.watching safety videos(too make sure ur in the proper state of mind,an stay safety oriented for there company)If u have a little oop's(accident) w/ the trl or something small on the trk KEEP IT TO YOURSELF.incidents are going to happen,but if u tell that goes on your record .USIS keeps a record of it for 7yrs,an when looking for a new job co's go back 5yrs you have to put up w/ alot in this industry now.But ive been on the other side working for smaller companies w/ faster trucks,=running illegal,poor equipment,an if something goes wrong,no matter what company you work for it's your CDL.if i had to chose knowing what i know now,id work for a larger company,or have my own truck.if you by some chance you want your own truck NEVER do a lease purchase w/ a co. Save your $ go to a dealer put down a big deposit so your payments are low,continue to save an when u have the blowout amount, pay it off in full.Many companies are run by dishonest people its all about $,an if they can steal it from you,theyll do it.get your foot in the door 1st(many of the large co's have training programs) but it's tought out there now.schneider,crete.stevens transport,pam stay away from swift,jb hunt there a start.check out rip off website too see what drivers write about a co. your gonna make mistakes but try to pick a good co.You'll never climb the ladder job hopping,to a better co.that requires experience. The better co's frown on that.You'll also need alot of patience.Never argue,only makes things worse,being tactfull is good.Express your concerns, an listen,whether u believe it or not.I would'nt.An as for any job you need to like it, an have fun.I sight see when i travel.

The best thing to do is do some homework.I have said the numbers of times before.Not one company is a same,some starter companies are better than others.I started with werner,wasnt the best but I got the training I needed and some experience.I work for them about 6 months but have to quit due to family reasons.Best thing is to go to a local truck stop and talk to some of the drivers.This may sound odd but sometimes it pays off.You cant go by what people say all the time about a company.You will read bad things about a company but sometimes it doesnt work out great for that person.I read a lot of bad things about werner before I started driving for them but my 6 months with wasnt that bad.Yes I had some bad days but that happens any where.Who ever you start with,give them at lease 6 months to a year.Once you get the experince you pretty much can go anywhere with 12 months experience.Good luck.

Thanks Bigarmin and brandyrose!

Yeah I wasn't really planning on hopping around so much - its just that I've heard you can usually get better pay elsewhere once you have experience.

I guess I'll start looking into some of those.

Thank you so much guys.

I'm fresh out of school and I'm starting with Werner on monday and if you want I can give you updates on whats going on with me. I'm pretty much in the same boat you're in. I did a lot of research on a lot of companies through the web and at truck stops and from what I have gathered Werner sounded the best. The most common negative comments I have heard about them was "you'll won't make much money due to the paperless log system and there starting pay." All I need is 1 years worth of experience and I'm gonna do another search for either a higher paying company for a local route.

Starter companies may have different ways of you fulfilling your contract. One company that I know of, you sign a 1 year agreement. You drive for them for 1 year, and you are free to go. If you quit before your year is up, the contract you sign says you must pay them $4,000 or more.
Another company takes a small amount of money from your pay each week, until your training cost has been paid back. However long that takes, is how long you work for them.
Most companies have a 1 day off, for every week out schedule for hometime. Stay out 4 weeks, get 4 days at home. But, that varies as well, from company to company.
But, non of them pays very well when you are just starting out. With experience comes better pay, and the more experience you gain, the more doors that open for you. Some of the better companies require that you have 2-3 years of experience.
And, a good driving record says a lot to a potential employer.


Good Luck.

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Yeah, that would be much appreciated. I'm trying to keep them as a last resort though, just because I hear more bad than good about them. But I guess you gotta do what you gotta do to get your foot in the door.

Thank you for the advice

I can almost bet that you will always hear more bad than good about just about anything since bad news always travels the fastest... just watch the news all they ever talk about is bad things LOL !!!

Every company has its goods and bads its just how you can roll with them that will make your experience with the company you choose...

They also made a very good point bout DOT watching the larger Companies more so they have better equipment.. The first company I drove for with the equipment they ran it was almost policy to avoid going near weigh stations at all cost.. my truck would go through 2 gallons of Oil a day on a 250-300 mile round trip..

The last Company I worked for only had 5 trucks and they were maintained to the point they were like brand new.. the owner would pay us to pull it into the shop and buff out ALL shiny surfaces to keep them new and would throw a fit if we didn't wash them at least once a week..

The key thing in all of this is don't trust what the companies promise since in trucking NOTHING is garunteed well except that they won't keep the promises anyways...

Good luck in your ventures !!