Sick of all the negative posts about companies

I see a lot of "negativity" thrown toward CR England and Swift on this board.

I also see many, many CR England and Swift trucks out on the highway.

If company A has 10x the drivers of company B, and 1% of each complain, then company A will have 10x the complaints of company B.

One thing that I have picked up by reading the complaints:

DO NOT LET THEM TALK YOU INTO LEASING!

(If I could make that blink and make a siren noise, I would.)

Yes, you can make more money on a lease, IF you know what you are doing. If you haven't been driving for a company for the last 3-5 years, you DON'T know!

 

Some people will try to say that it's usually the driver's fault somehow, but there are bad companies out there. That's not to say trust everything you see and all companies are bad, but I think most people know a few certain companies that you wouldn't even give the time of day. It's one thing when you see a person or two complain about something, but when it's over and over it's hard to keep calling it BS. You really just have to learn how to sift through the crap and decide for yourself if a person is giving the whole story or if it's just a whine and ***** session.

Another thing you always have to consider is if you threw the company itself out of the conversation does the person hate the trucking industry itself more than the company. Some people aren't cut out for it. Some things people complain about are the same issues you'll have absolutely everywhere. Being away from home, living in a truck, taking showers in truck stops, etc. OTR is not for everybody and a lot of flak companies get stem from that.

Personally, I went with a company that no one ever talked about. I figured if there's little information, that means less complaining and probably something better. Worked out for me and has still been good 22 months later. You just have to do your research. Don't jump at the first offer you get just because it's easier.

 

Heres the scoop, Mad Max. The big carriers ALL pretty much suck. You'll work upwards of 100 hrs. a week to make anywhere from $400.00 to maybe $750.00. Sometimes even less. Thats the main reason why you are hearing so many negative comments on these posts. And, by the way, the drivers' low pay scale is NOT because of some sort of driver issue (as will probably be stated in a response to my post here). I know that you dont want to hear all this, but maybe these negative posts can help you from making a big mistake; like working your tail off for an entire year and maybe making $30,000 if you're lucky. Pay doesnt get much better with time/experience either. All this is the main reason for the big driver shortage that you keep hearing about; most drivers quit within their first year NOT because they are not "macho" or "tough enough", but because they realize that they deserve better. Sounds like you pretty much have decided to go for it, though. Good luck and please keep us posted. If you can share both your good and bad experiences, then maybe you could help others in the future from making the same mistakes that so many of us have done in the past.

 

I agree 100 %. There are many folks happy with their current situation. Glad for them.Those who are not happy do complain,rightfully so.
But common sense tells you when many make complaints, something must be wrong.
Now trucking is trucking. No use use trying to change the fact our job is tough, un-forgiving, and not meant for most.Just haul the freight.
But to argue these mega-carriers have the drivers best interest at heart is weak. Most companies realize these new-bees will not last long, and offer little incentive to retain them.

 

No offense, and with all due respect, but it seems you've already made up your mind and just want someone to justify your decision, even though it seems to go against the bulk of what others are saying. Personally, I think it's a waste of time searching for the needle in the haystack positive comment. I'd just go to the "Discuss your favorite company here" and find a company folks actually seem to like.

I've never driven FFE or Averitt, but I do know from researching this site that both have a refresher course. Difference is, one is highly praised and the other is slammed. Personally, I'd look into the one that was praised. Forewarned is forearmed and this site is a goldmine. Just my opinion. Hope everything works out for you.

 

I dont know if it will be a fit for your situation, but I started out with Stevens. I feel that they are a great company to get started with or in your case a refresher. The training program is very good. But I always say to get your feet wet with Stevens then move on to better things. My main complaint was the low pay but if you are used to making $15,000 a year you should be fine there.

Good luck...

 

Just remember a lot of the NEGATIVE postings are from PEOPLE who have never worked for the company in question. For many its based on what their neighbours third cousins babysitters boy friend experienced 8 years ago , or from the overheard conversation at the buffet at the flyn J.

 

Amazing to see people who need a job, but they won't take it because they can't bring their pet. When you have limited opportunities you might want to find a sitter for fido. Until you can get the experience you need to get a decent job that allows fido to ride with you.