Holland Enterprises Vs. WEL Companies

Hi Everyone,

I'm getting ready to get back into OTR and have narrowed down my new company hunt to either Holland Enterprises (North Dakota) and WEL Companies (Wisconsin). I've spent a lot of time reading threads on this site about both companies, and am leaning toward WEL right now, but wanted to hear any input before making my final decision if they're willing to offer any information I've overlooked.

First some context. I live in Green Bay, WI and have about 2 years of driving experience with both dry van OTR and some local flatbed work.

The two largest complaints for each company respectively is that WEL leaves something to be desired when it comes to miles and Holland has some issues with the safety manager. Many people online have complained about having their DAC destroyed by him for unjust reasons.

Some things both companies have which were on my must have list are: Both have a passenger policy from day one, both have APU on all trucks and run great equipment, both run e logs, and both are on the small to medium size of carrier.

I'm leaning toward WEL right now, because of their proximity to my home base, positive interactions with their staff so far (and less than positive with Holland), a chance to run a company KW or pete (vanity I know, but it's an exciting prospect for me), and decent start pay.

When it comes to the mileage compliant, that's kind of a tricky issue as that can change from one week to the next, and I'm a single man with no kids, spouse or serious financial responsibilities like a mortgage or house so low mile weeks won't devastate me.

Any input one way or the other that I'm missing?

 

Talking about Rip off Report?
I wouldn't base my decision on anything you read there.

 

Holland is a pretty good company. Most complaints are from screw ups. And the vanity of a Pete or KW? A truck is a truck. Unless you're spec'ing out your own truck, it doesn't matter at the end of the day. Another thing is Holland has a lot of long runs while WEL has more short-medium hauls.

 

The guys I've seen complaining about Holland seem pretty retarded to me. Nothing but illiterate rants from what I've seen. I don't think WEL has APU's and I'm positive they don't provide in cab refrigerators.

 

All WEL trucks have APUs but none have in cab refrigerators. Thanks everyone, my choice is sliding back toward Holland. Some of those posts made me a bit nervous, but I know there are a couple current Holland drivers on here that can vouch otherwise.

Why does this safety manager get such a bad reputation or are drivers just getting upset when they get caught breaking the rules.

 

Does anyone know what kind of pay Holland is starting drivers at with 2 years experience? WEL was offering $.40/mi

Another point against WEL, I heard someone on here say once that if a company needs someone to work as a recruiter full time to keep the trucks occupied it's probably not a good sign. I know Holland has no recruiters.

 

With experience they are probably going to start you at .34. Top rate is .36 i believe. They also have numerous bonus pay rates that are detailed on their website.

 

WEL is the only company I got a rejection from but I didn't know at the time I had a vindictive false report on my DAC which later I got removed. They did call me a year later and offer me a job but I was happy where I was at.

I did also consider Holland and it was a very close second to the company I chose.

Though I haven't worked for either one but researched them both thoroughly I think Holland would be a better choice. WEL seems too big for me in their broad logistics network. Holland you can be more of a name than a number.

 

Anyone know how long you are in training at WEL if you have just graduated and have a new CDL.​

 

4 1/2 weeks training plus orientation