Newbie truckers. Don't work for these companies. Heed my warning!

Thank you, midnightrider. Anything that makes them stand out from the other starter companies?

 

I filled a lot of idle hours reading threads on this site about the mega companies and how much they suck. I worked for a year for a Watkins Shepard and started there right out of truck driving school. They are one of the few carriers that will let you drive without going out for 8 weeks with a trainer. If you want to get into your own truck as fast as possible and start making real money then Watkins Shepard is the only place I know of that will respect your wishes. If you aren't confident of your skills at this point I think they will let you go out with someone to get a little bit better before getting your own truck. I think the pay is better than in most of the megas also and the insurance is better than the company that I work for now.

 

Interesting. Many of those companies are still around.

The real bad outfits have imploded and gone into the night out of the business totally except in living memory of the survivors.

I say this. If you are a Newbie, the biggest barrier to success is your own lack of knowledge. Your first year will decide your future. If any.

 

Whats wrong with that???

Trucking is not a "medical degree" where everyone has to suffer thru the megas or "put in time"

I'm not demeaning the "GENERALIZED" wisdom given here, but....if I can afford to get a truck, become an attentive driver, why settle for peanuts when the game allows me to get more??

I know FIRST HAND of O/O's that did only 3 months of Megas, then jumped right into their own trucks.

One O/O in particular showed me his own take home every week is nearly $2,500...So yes, I can say He started at the TOP.

Remember, trucking used to be for less educated folks???...Guess what? that's the mode MEGA's are still operating on....

Now, educated drivers are stepping in and making it work for themselves and that's rattling a lot of "experienced" drivers that are still stuck as company drivers.

Why do you think the MEGA's are stuck with idle trucks in their yards? to the point of giving them away to any "warm-body that can fog the mirror" via CAPTIVE LEASE PURCHASE...then running them @ measly RPM, just so they can "make that lease payment". The suckers will still be shystered, while those that READ THE FINE PRINT will step away...AND STILL START FROM THE TOP.

The only one I have to prove myself to, is MYSELF

 

It's not a "game".

 

I'm sure you'll be one of the multitudes that successfully make the transition to owner operator after only three months at a mega. A guy with your talent and capabilities should not waste even one more moment on the trucker's report . You need to go find yourself a truck!

 

@Midnightrider23 ...

In fact, I'm doing exactly what u said above....but...I'm doing research first.

TTR is a great resource, and I'm using it to the max. The collective knowledge is awesome.....despite your intended jab.

Failure to plan, is planning to fail. I'm planning right now, to minimize the risk of failure. It may be hard for u to believe that...but as I said, trucking is not a medical degree.

 

@White Dog

It's a game....that others make money, others lose.

The degree of misinformation or lack of info by some players is what tilts the advantages from one side to another.

Similar to how stockbrokers "play" the market.

 

For young drivers looking at this, don't think you have to go OTR to get your experience. Many of the food service companies will hire with little to no experience.

I cut my teeth at Coca-Cola for 2 years. Moved on to Sysco for another 8. If your young and willing to work, because it's physical work, they will give you a chance.

Main thing is, keep your record clean. If you don't know, ask.

 

This!!!!

If you can get into Coke/Pepsi, Sysco or Gordon Food Services, DO IT! The benefits and pay are great, the work will keep you fit and healthy, and you get lots of perks and treats! I wanna work for any of them so bad, but with the recession were I live, they can get 20 year guys no problem. Its fine tho, I'm with a good OTR company that isn't a mega, and they have so far treated me very very well.....like a person that matters lol. (Newbie Class 1 Driver)