Please help with deciding company to work/train for

You'll get a lot of different opinions on this, but in my experience, it's hard to beat Schneiders CAT program for company paid training. The training is generally very good, and Schneider has a lot of support for new drivers. The contract term I believe is only 9 months, and if you did leave, the amount you would owe is a lot less than most CDL schools. I don't know anything specific about that account, but dedicated is definitely where the higher pay is at with Schneider. With the account I'm on, I'm usually at the high end or even a little above the "average" pay. I could make a bit more if I really ran hard, but I like to spend a night or two at the house during the week. Schneider won't push you.

The downside is, as most will tell you, their starting pay for new drivers is pretty low. You do get raises at the 6mo and 1yr mark, plus the performance bonus. I started at 44cpm and am now at .52cpm about year and a half in.

 

Have you looked at Crete ?

 

Ask the recruiter the name of the customer(s) you would be delivering to, and google earth some of their locations. Your roommate is earning every penny of that $1800! And by the sounds of it, you're not ready for that. Work for Schneider for one year, build up your skills and confidence, then re-evaluate.

 

Usually when it's a really high cpm like that, it means there are fewer miles. The "dollar" accounts do pay well, even at Schneider, but it's definitely earned. I'm guessing since the position you posted is referred to as a "Shuttle" it's probably warehouse to warehouse, but hopefully someone with more information will reply. The recruiter should also be able to get you that information.

 

You need to accurately & honestly evaluate your ability & personality. If you "go with the flow" or see good outcomes in difficult situations as being something other people need to take care of, then avoid any and all dollar type store accounts for any and all trucking companies. If your past jobs are ones where you just need to be a cog in the big machine, avoid the dollar type stores. If you see the good outcome as your responsibility despite others doing the bare minimum, or even much less, and you take charge and do things carefully, despite everything, you may do well on Werner's DG account. Most newbies are terrible at backing trailers, avoid it like it's a disease, and make excuses when they hit things. Only you know if YOU HAVE A HISTORY of stepping up to challenges or not. This isn't some sort of psychological scheme to get you to jump into the deep end with sharks. It's a request you evaluate you. If you back well, maintain the professional standards, even when you have no witnesses, it could work for you. Most newbies have only worked under strict supervision doing minor things and can't leave their phone alone for even an hour. If that's you run from these difficult dollar type accounts with whatever trucking company has them. You can easily make yourself unemployable in a few weeks if you don't know what you are doing.