The nightmare task of finding the right company for a newbie

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by bowmeyer1, Dec 4, 2008.

  1. bowmeyer1

    bowmeyer1 Light Load Member

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    Nov 5, 2008
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    I have been a member to this website for about a month now and while i have learned more than i ever thought about the industry (all from this site) it is still a very frustrating process for newbies to find companies whom they can call home. dont get me wrong i know we're at the bottom and have to pay our dues ( i truly do understand this) but when you have a family you want to make sure you have a steady income....decent insurance and a weekly paycheck ( im talking bout actually getting paid ) not to mention working for a decent company that wont ruin your career before you ever get going.this isnt quite like choosing a career at UPS compared to say McDonalds, its very vague. the staff and experienced drivers who freely give their advice on this site really do need commended. i for one say... THANK YOU ...(now keep the info coming... lol)
     
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  3. luvmyhubby

    luvmyhubby Road Train Member

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    Sidney MI
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    Its nice when someone takes the time to say thank you, and I am sure the many GREAT experienced drivers here appreciate it, as does the staff.... EVEN those of us who have never driven a big rig have some pretty good info if we have been around the business long enough.

    Good luck on your search, ask lots of questions and dont settle just to get a paycheck.
     
  4. kimmeegoose

    kimmeegoose Light Load Member

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    Oct 1, 2008
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    Hubby left the "finding a company" part up to me while he did the "learning to drive a truck" part. First thing I did was make a list of his priorities. Then I made a chart with the priorities down the side and Company names across the top. I went to company websites to fill in as much info as I could then he called the companies to "interview" them to fill in what wasn't on the website. Some companies want you to fill out an app before they answer your questions but that is okay. You certainly don't have to take the first job you are offered.

    There are a lot of differences when it comes to hometime and benefits. You have to decide which benefits matter most to you and go with the company that works for you. If you are wanting family insurance it will be pretty pricey with some of the companies. Be sure to pay attention to copays and deductibles too. If you get cheaper insurance you will have more out of pocket costs to pay.

    Near the very top of hubby's priorities was hometime so he went with a company that can get him home every week. He may not get as many miles as someone who is out 2-3 wks at a time but seeing his family is more important to him than the extra miles. Almost all starter companies start out at about the same pay except flatbeds. They do pay a little better per mile because of the tarping and securing. Hubby decided it wasn't worth it for him.

    I was so relieved when hubby picked a company and left for orientation. He is in his own truck now and he seems to like it so far. He's not getting great miles but he's just starting out and it doesn't seem like many drivers are getting a lot of miles right now. I think it's a blessing in disguise, really. He can get the hang of things while freight is kinda slow and then when it picks up he will have the kinks worked out and know how things are supposed to work. It will make the busy times easier, I think.
     
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  5. IronRydr

    IronRydr Light Load Member

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    Dec 1, 2008
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    Kimmie,
    As a 49 year old father and grandfather who is starting CDL school next week, I'm in the same process of looking at companies as your husband was. Any chance you still have that chart that you made for him? If so, what are the chances I could get my hands on it?
    Thanks!
     
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  6. jash369

    jash369 Medium Load Member

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    Dec 4, 2007
    roslyn,pa
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    ok, i am going to throw this out their as an option.......

    When considering a company, especially a starter and as you mentioned family is why I am saying this.

    Their are going to be quite a few to jump in and say bad things about it but it has been good to me and my needs.

    CRST.........
    these were and are the things that have worked for me......

    1. benefits from day one of training.........

    2. 1.5 days off for every 7 out......up to 6 days off at one time.
    ..............( I work 4 weeks staright home for 1 week )

    3. Teaming (their are good and bad) not alone, have some immediate help with you.

    4. Student contract for only 8 months as opposed to 1 or 2 years with some companies.

    5. Overall good equipment.......a couple bad ( i have had 4 trucks and no continuous problems from them )

    6. I have had good dispatchers and bad ones.........that affects your work.

    Now their are some not so good points, but this is not the only company to consider. This company has worked for me and my needs. I started and said after I finish my contract I was gone but that was almost 2 years ago and I am still here because they give me what I want for my personal needs.

    So good luck .............J
     
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