Newbie to the industry, looking for advice.

They're all about the same. Just pick one and stick with it for a year. Then maybe a upgrade to a better company or try some local work. Don't buy a truck until you've been driving for at least 2 years. The insurance will be brutal if you don't at least have that. 3-4 years would be better.

 

Where is your location? Those endorsements are money in the bank so try to use them. Endorsements can mean the difference in thousands a year in pay. If you're in a good location, $60K - $65K is doable your first year.
I'm also former Navy (SAR) and got my "Wings of Gold" with Huey's, so it's been awhile.

 

First, thanks for your service. One thig to consider is what you want to haul. Werner and US Express are dry vans. Stevens is a refer outfit. There is a huge difference between the two. That will help make your decision eaiser. Good luck with your decision.

 

Quit a real job to live in a box, and be harrassed at every turn?

 

Curious, what did you do?

 

Reinhart Foodservice - hires new grads & drivers with less than 12 mos. experience as "Associate Drivers" which means you run teams until you qualify as "first seat driver." I wouldn't do it, tried it and hated it with another company.
For other refrigerated outfits:
FFE (Frozen Food Express)
Freymiller
Magnum Ltd.
The best money will be tankers though.

 

Avoid CRST. Check into USA Trucks or Marten Transport. Ive work for all three, only recommend the latter two. Good pay, got me home on time and well cared for vehicles and drivers.

 

Keep your cdl as a souvenir. Do something else. You have been warned.
You will be taken advantage of by the carriers. You will make no money for the time u put in. You will sleep in urine marinated parking lots. You will be lied to. You are to long in the tooth for this nonsense. Don't do it. Sounds like you have a decent education.....do something else. Trucking companies these days are blood suckers that will treat you like a coolie. The only difference is you are in a truck.

Yes I am being hard in my post......this is because I am saving you from yourself. What....you got a CDL and the trucking industry will welcome in with loving arms......wrong.....you will be used and used until your pentance Of a few years might allow you to seek out a good company.

 

How bad is the insurance hit typically for the rookies?