New Driver - Advice? Prime vs. Abilene

I just recently finished up my CDL course in Chester, VA. I finished the course in 4 weeks, and I have a CDL-A with X endorsement (Hazmat and Tanker). I left a dead-end sales job to do this, and now I'm looking forward to getting started driving!

I've been looking at driving tankers, because 1) it's more specialized - I'll have a skill that not everyone has; 2) higher CPM; and 3) good possibilities for running local routes in the future, assuming I want to. Still, I wouldn't be opposed to driving vans.

I'm scheduled to attend orientation for Prime on Monday, January 30. However, I just got a call from Abilene today. Both offers sound pretty attractive, and if I can believe what the recruiters have told me about mileage, I'll probably make close to the same amount with either company once I finish training. Here's what I'm trying to weigh.

Reasons to go with Prime:
Will learn to drive tankers
Manual shift - I won't forget how to shift in the first year
APU in truck (can someone confirm?)
Higher CPM (.48 vs .36)

Reasons to go with Abilene:
Locally based (Richmond, VA)
Trucks will be easier to drive (automatic, dry van and reefer)
Potential for better hometime (every weekend with regional; 12/2 or 18/3 with OTR)
Option of NE regional (with 10cpm bonus)
Higher mileage and 48 state range = more experience?

I know about the driver facing cameras, Volvo vs Freightliner, etc. Don't care too much about that. I also wouldn't mind running NE so I can hone some city driving skills.

I need to ask about tuition repayment with Abilene, too. Prime offers $1500 towards driving school repayment.

Any advice from more experienced people? Should I stick with Prime and head out Sunday or jump on board with Abilene?

 

Update: I may have just answered my own question. Abilene's rider policy is family-only. That's a big holdup for me.

 

Hey! Thanks for all the pointers. I'm pretty confident in my decision now. I'll be on a bus Sunday morning to Pittston, PA to train with Prime.