less pay that what company said. what do I look for when changing companies?

Marten Transport has some good routes that pay detention pay immediately on arrival. You have to ask about those routes.
Detention pay starts immediately.
Some ads have need 6 mos. experience and some say 4 months experience.
No driver facing camera.
The OP wants to take his girlfriend as a passenger, but not sure if Marten allows that. Call and ask. Can take a pet though.
Marten® Transport CDL-A Jobs | Marten Transport® CDL Company

 

You gotta relax. You're inexperienced. When you're in your 1st year it's unlikely that you will be seeing the big bucks. You have to be patient here. Your first year needs to all about honing your skills so as you get experienced you can command more money. Most companies will quote what you can make per week, but that's contingent on a bunch of things. Those number may come from some of their higher performing drivers(maybe upper 5 to 10 percent). It also depends on how much you go home because with a typical OTR company, you ain't gonna see that type of money if you go home every week. You need to stay out 3 weeks minimum and do only a 34 at home if you want to see that type of money from an average OTR company. I don't knownwhat your situation is, but that's just kind of how trucking works. Also, most drivers run no more than about 2500 miles per week. It's unrealistic to think that every driver at every company can and will make 1400 to 1800 per week. Everyone runs differently, and it's only so many loads to dole out on a day to day basis. If I'm in your shoes, I'd stay where i am at for 1 full year. This is your time to practice your skills, trip planning, delivering on time, etc. Once you get into a rhythm of picking up and delivering on time, your company will begin to trust you. Once you gain your company's trust, then the money starts to creep upwards. If you leave now, and go work somewhere else, you'll only be starting over at repeating your current process. Don't worry about the money, because out here, if your take of what's at hand daily, the money will take care of itself.

 

Jumping at 4 months is not risky. I jumped after 5 months when I started. Been driving 3 years, on my 4th company. Have always bettered myself.

BUT, you have to do your own background check on the company. No one else is responsible for you. This website is a great resource. Use it. Just remember it's not the only resource.

 

With 4 months experience, OP can start applying to better quality companies that only require 3-6 months experience. Some might even be local.

 

I’m not saying it never works out, obviously it does sometimes. But it certainly is a riskier path to getting a good job. The best path for most drivers is to get a year or more first. More is much better. If something happens in that single job, there is a higher likelihood of it being forgiven. With short stints, it put the driver in the position of accepting what he can get. Good companies are much less inclined to hire job hoppers, especially in a downturn.

 

I was wondering what was up. I figured you had too many gin and tonics last night.

 

Ya caught me!

 

Make mine Bombay Sapphire.