Applicaton Time

Okay guys and gals, it's almost time for me to start putting in my application with starter companies! I have a list of companies that I've compiled looking at the trucking jobs I've found on here.

I'm just asking for an opinion on what companies would be bad or good to start with please. I'm currently set on Werner, but that could change the more information I dig up. It all depends. So, here's the companies I've looked at:

Werner
Schneider
Averitt
Keim TS
Roehl
Arnold
Stevens
Knight
Fischer
CRST
Maverick
C.R. England
PAM Transport

That's all the ones I'm looking at. I know that when I get enough experience (and turn 23) that I'll be putting in my app at TLI because that just seems like one of the best companies out there. My uncle and dad drove for them, and they always had something good to say about that company.

So, any place I should not put my application in at? Werner has a dog friendly policy and I'm not leaving my best friend at home. Any suggestions at all?

 

Here's a slimmer list I like, but just my opinion. Not familiar with Keim TS or Fischer. You may have to go with Werner for your dog. Don't know if the others will let you or not. I think panther4me is pet friendly & they hire at 21 with no experience, just a CDL.

Schneider
Averitt
Keim TS
Roehl
Stevens
Knight
Fischer
Maverick
CLICK HERE for a list of trucking companies that hire new drivers

 

Thanks China, I'll look at panther4me and that link is going to help me out.

I've heard a lot of stories about Werner, not all of them good and not all of them bad, my grandfather has a lot to say about Schneider, a lot of it bad. I'll just see who has the best offer, but that offer better include Dr. Pepper

 

Why is it that "new" drivers seldom/never apply for "good" jobs? Why do they always apply @ the chitty T/L carriers where they get ground up and spit out.

Do yourself a favor and research some GOOD ltl (most are unionized) carriers and take an entry level position with them. In all likelyhood it will pay more than a full time job with a T/L mega carrier PLUS it will have better benefits and a retirement package>something that a t/l mega couldn't even spell.

 

It's what the schools are telling them. Sit back and fill out the applications on line until you get a job. I sure hope this OP turns 21 soon or all his efforts will go to waste. These students do not realize that looking for a trucking job is the start of their career. It just makes common sense to me that you would want to apply at the best and start down. I would use every type of tool to search a company I liked. I would first make a decision about what type of work I would want to do(flatbed,tankers,refer,etc). Then I'd look at benefits,pay, and turnover rate. All else to is gravy. I would first go out to the companies I selected and meet the people at the terminal. If they only require applications on-line then I would go on-line. At least maybe they could place a face to the application. If I picked a company that I was dead set on working for I would let them know. If they had no openings I would ask if they know of any companies that would help me get to their work place eventually. Then they know I'm dedicated to work for them. At the same time I would have back0up companies and I would go see them. After I went to as many places I could go to then I'd call the companies. On-line searching would be my last step. The easy way is what most people are picking and these mega carriers know all they need is a legal body to fill their seats. Every where I have seen or gone the better jobs take more than just an on-line application. So the harder you look the better results. Besides all that, after you do get work you'll have a lot of window time and I would hate to think I was stuck in a lousy position because I didn't apply enough effort in searching for work. That alone would eat at me.

 

It really doesnt matter when your a rookie most companies will take advantage of you being new.I took the one close to my house and left my car at the terminal that way when truck needed work I could go home

 

I am a female, and thank you all for your views.

GasHauler, I live in Alabama and the closest terminals I can find are either in Atlanta or further down south of where I am.

I'm looking at a lot more companies than on that list, my father and uncle are helping me out as well which is a big leap for me. Both are truckers. I don't plan to stay on a starter company too long, enough to get the experience I need.

 

When I started driving I was ridiculed by other drivers for working at a starter company; and when I asked, OK will your company hire me?, I was laughed at because,"you don't have enough experience." Those LTL jobs like ABF are few and far between when you live in the middle of the boondocks somewhere. Yes, a new driver should apply anywhere they want & some will be more fortunate than others. Most, not all, new drivers may have to work at a mega carrier for at least 6 mos. for a better chance to get what they really want. The longer the new driver sits at home with his CDL unused, waiting for the perfect job, the good job prospects become slimmer.

 

I didn't suggest that anyone sit at home waiting>I asked why new drivers didn't apply for good jobs. And if there's no good jobs in your area....consider moving.

 

That's good advice. What I did, is start with the starter company, and kept a notebook updated with good jobs that I found out about from truckstops, drivers, etc. I would have relocated anywhere, but didn't have to. I knew from paying attention, the good money was not in dry van, which is what I was doing. I started putting in mail-in or online applications at companies that looked good & were not dry van. About 3 months after my career started, a boat hauling company specializing in high dollar boats called me and hired me. Continued the same with my little notebook & moved to better pay & benefits step at a time with reefer and finally tanker/hazmat. Yes, it can be done with planning.