Top 5 best companies?

The best company is the company that will hire you after proving in so many years that you are one of the best drivers, and have a really good on time pick up, and delivery status. More or less your gonna get out of it what you have been putting into it.

 

I think they use mostly automatics. If your new you will want to find a company that uses manual transmissions. Sure autos would be nice but when you want to jump ship you should know how to throw gears.

 

TMC looks pretty attractive from what I researched. You must already have your cdl but they do hire out of the midwest. Also they have a pay plan that pays you a percentage of what the load pays. 26 percent to 32 percent, ie... if a load pays $1000, and you run smart (gas mileage,etc.) you have the potential to make $320 on that load alone. Do that 3 or 4 times a week and you should be able to feed the wife and kids pretty good. From what I've researched the deal with flatbed is that it's a lot more work, and a lot of risk involved. Tarping, strapping, constantly checking your load, all things that you won't want to do in the winter months. More injuries can also be inflicted. Tarps are heavy. Slip and fall on the bed. Just ask any flatbedder, they'll probably tell you it's hard work.

 

Hey Doc, I am right with you buddy. Lots of people say how they started with a great company or know a great one for students then clam up like it is there personal secret. Why do they even post? Just to be annoying?

In any case, I have been in school for several weeks now, and flatbeds are working man's trailer. Meaning that you really have to do a lot more to haul flatbeds. You need to know a lot more rules and regs for cargo securement. What types of straps to use, how many to use, where to put them, what their load limit is or when to use chains, how to use them. There is really a lot to it. In addition there is a lot more room for error.

You have to climb on the trailer a lot giving you more chances to injure yourself, you could get more tickets if you are not trained well because your load is out there for everyone to see and inspect without pulling you over... The tarps weigh a lot and can be a pain. Oh and on top of all that, you have to stop and check the securement often, within your first 50 miles then every two hours I believe.

If that sounds like fun for you and they are paying you enough, go for it. Personally, I want to stick with Dry Van or Reefers myself.

As for companies, I tried to get with Marten, they said no. They want experience. I already have pre hires from Werner and Swift but I am not too impressed with them... I am looking into Conway Truckload, Prime or Crete.

 

When I was a student I was with covenant only team,good miles never coming home,1time I was 3 month and 5 days outside,for beginning is ok not a bad company and you can live with the money ,this was for 3 years

 

TransAm, back in the day when Johnny still ran it. Now all I hear is horror stories.


I thought Conway only hired experienced drivers, I did not know they hired students.

 

Celadon goes to Canada. I hear good things about them.

 

I think Con-Way has what is called an apprenticeship program for newbs.

 

what about barr nunn?

 

try to geet with a LTL company they pay more and your home more