Where to start?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by professorsnoop, Nov 5, 2012.

  1. professorsnoop

    professorsnoop Bobtail Member

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    Oct 19, 2012
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    Greetings from a rookie. Gonna be based out of SLC, UT(SLUT as we call it) and I would appreciate any ideas on well regarded OTR companies that I could start with. Looked at Werners, Schneider, CRE, Stevens Transport, May, Central,
    to name many. I am getting my CDL from RM next week. I defer to any and all wisdom from the drivers in the know.
    Thanks. Snoopin.
     
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  3. Marky84

    Marky84 Heavy Load Member

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    Jefferson, WI
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    avoid crelike the plague.

    also avoid werner, schneider, stevens, from what ive heard read and been told.

    avoid flatbed and reefer.
     
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    First, the money :

    #1 - Tanker/hazmat
    #2 - Refrigerated
    #3 - Flatbed
    #4 - Dry van

    Difficult, but not impossible to start with tanker/hazmat right out of school.
    Look at reefer companies to start with for better money annually, than flatbed or dry van.
    Reefers haul food & people have to eat.

    Check these also :

    navajo.com (reefer)
    fairchildfreight.com (reefer)
    systemtrans.com (reefer or flatbed)

    Some companies will hire a new CDL holder, even if their ad doesn't state it. If you see a company you like, apply.
     
  5. evd

    evd Light Load Member

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    Apr 23, 2012
    Reading PA
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    so avoid steven but not cre ?LOL
    btw whats wrong with reefer? when i out moving them i get pay well .
    also in the past did little flatbed and was not bad at all .
     
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  6. mamamullins

    mamamullins Medium Load Member

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    May 4, 2011
    Ingalls, IN
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    There is nothing wrong with flatbed or reefer, as a matter of fact they pay more then what a dry van does. Now as far as companies...the ones you have listed are mill companies with the exception of not knowing much about Central Refrigerated.

    There is H.O. Wolding, TMC, Maverick, and so many more. The best thing is to find a company that is near you, but if not then I would look at companies that doesn't advertise, advertise, advertise, and advertise more.
     
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  7. jcal88

    jcal88 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 21, 2012
    On the interstate
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    Ok. You can make money at any of those companies. You just have to put up with some bs, don't refuse loads, and do NOT be a truck stop cowboy. Now, granted, CRE does suck. I was with them, now I'm at Werner.

    Youll hear a bunch of people tell you to run off your 8 day recap. (Only running ~8 hours each day so you can run everyday for weeks). For some it works. For me, that enslaves you to driving everyday. I run full shifts. 610-640 miles a day depending on where I'm at. When I start, I get what I need. I pull over once during my shift, after about 5 hours. Lunch, bathroom, stretch, then back on the road. Ya, I'm never home, but I make $500 a week, which for me is enough, and I get 34 hours off each week. And I'm home every 4-5 weeks with 3-4 days off.

    You can achieve that at any company. You just have to deal with company bs. As far as my experience, Werner is way better than CRE.
     
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  8. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    Oklahomistan
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    You can haul cornflakes in a reefer.. try hauling ice cream in a van....
     
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  9. Barchetta53

    Barchetta53 Light Load Member

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    Nov 2, 2012
    Minneapolis, MN.
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    The problem is when you are fresh out of school you need to find a company that is willing to hire a new driver. I have read that most of the larger companies like the ones listed are given perks or even tax breaks from the government to hire and train new drivers, most of the more desirable companies are going to want experience. I plan on making the best out of whatever situation I find myself in with my first company, and find something better after a year or two. Seems like that is pretty common practice among new drivers these days.
     
  10. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Deland, FL
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    Fozzy is right you options for loads and staying busy are much better running reefer because you can haul dry and refrigerated loads. With that being said though I would steer clear of the mega-carriers. There are too many other good options out there. The mega-carriers just make it easier in getting hired on.

    Personally I would recommend Central Ref. My wife and I drove team for them and did very well! They are large enough to keep you busy yet small enough to still treat you like a human being! They also have a school right there in SLC in which you can get started for little money up front. Also you are guaranteed a job once you get your CDL.

    Good luck man...
     
  11. professorsnoop

    professorsnoop Bobtail Member

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    Oct 19, 2012
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    Thanks Chompi! I appreciate your advice. I have since narrowed it down to Roehl, and May Trucking at this point. I have talked to Central here in SLC and Central is gonna be #3.
     
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