I need opinions on who's best to start out with

Honestly I've asked the same question and got dozens of suggestions. Ultimatley it comes down to what you want to haul, how long your willing to stay out, and who you think the best fit for you is. I've been doing my homework and have spent hours upon hours of reading through the different forums. I decided to go with Schneider but that's because I didn't want to start off with flatbed. I've read TMC is a good company to get on with if you can. You could also look at Crete but from the info I've gotten from many of people stay away from Werner. I've also went down to the local truck stops and talked to drivers. I've gotten alot of good info from current drivers and met one guy pulling for Werner and he said if I wanted to be successful stay away from them. Just my two cents and best of luck to you bud. Hope this can help you out I'm telling you what I've discovered.

 

All of the training companies are very poor places to work.
The turnover rate at these outfits is horrendous...even in a down economy with alot of folks out of work.
Toss a dart, they're all pretty much the same...

 

I would suggest a local job. Get your feet wet then do 48.

 

That's bad advice. Most companies will not except local driving for OTR experience so if he chose that route he'd be finding himself needing a refresher course if he went to OTR.

Sit down and make yourself a list of what you want out of a company. Then number them in the priority that you want. You can list anything you like but I would recommend items that will benefit your career later on. Always keep in mind that you want to protect your CDL. If you don't you may find yourself stuck at a job you hate. I've actually seen a company that pushed their drivers to get tickets so they couldn't leave that company. So when you make the decision to move on you'll do it with a clean record.

Most likely it will be the pits for the first year. If you learn how to get by in situations that are tough you'll come out a better driver. You're at that company for two reasons. To make a living and gain enough experience so you can pick the better jobs. You'll find that if you go along with their program you'll have less problems. Just stay legal.

I always recommend to have money stashed away when you first start out. I know this is hard but just beware that there might be times when that your check is a little small. I would go through all my junk at home and make sure I'm not paying bills for something I won't be using. You can even check with your car insurance people and let them know you will not be driving that much and you may get a reduced rate. Try to use that CDL school for your insurance for more reductions.

Every company is different just like every driver is different. Don't let people scare you away from a company that you've done research on and it fits your profile. You are going to use that company just as much as they are going to use you. Learn all you can so the jobs will get better as time goes on.

 

what's more important...making money, or being home? VERY difficult to have both, especially just starting out.

 

Don't go with Werner. They are the worst out there.

 

What do you expect when wannabes are giving advice?

 

THIS.

Remember the name of the forum member whom I quoted, and when he posts, pay close attention because his posts are thoughtful, insightful, informitive and always helpful. Do not take this post lightly. Your happiness as a driver in the coming years could be positivly influenced by the advice that has been shared. Company bashing and .xxcpm goals were omitted, and instead, the author advised you to look at oneself.....

Good post.

 

Im just saying. Seen many guys get their CDL suspended when they get in an accident. Its not worth going place to place not knowing how to back that truck up. But at the end its your choice!