Help, which company should I go with

I've got some wild advice for you if you're ready for it- If you're REALLY not going to be working as a driver in five years, I say you can afford to take some risk. In other words, if you're serious, screw your CDL and plan on a five year driving career lifespan.

You're probably in it for the money and want to build up an impressive record for the Social Security guys- get a good check for a few years to keep your SS income looking good- I wouldn't normally do this, but I think I understand what your goals are.

Forget the straight laced, overcompliant big national companies. Look for a company that uses paper logs and runs you hard. In your situation, your CDL has a five year lifespan. You want a steady 4,000 miles a week until your CDL gets suspended, hopefully right at the five year limit.

Seriously, you can do it but it'll take some effort.

Anyone have any suggestions to help this young man out?

I'm going to take some heat for this, but....

 

Out of those five, I'd look at JBS and Schneider.

ETA: Saw a JBS Pete in Charlotte today at the Peelot. They always appear at least to be well maintained and clean (that'll change with the snow and slop, of course). There is a JBS thread you should read through on here. I've never heard a lot of complaints from Schneider drivers either.

 

If your motivation is money I would do what Dave suggests. I don't think it's worth it personally. Those priorities are so far off from what I'd like to see as a driver that I hope you don't end up working where I'm at.

 

I would try a few different company's do your research, ask what per mile rate you would start out at... most School Gads start out low regarless some where between 30 and 32 cpm maybe a tad more. Check with ACT out of Liberty,MO not sure where you are located at but they pay up to 45cpm as a company driver, JBS as mentioned also, also decide what type of freight your wanting to do for 5 years ie; dry van, refer, flatbed, and whether your wanting regional runs,dedicated or OTR, that will narrow down the field for you once you decide that.

 

And almost 1200 miles a week too.

 

I'm actually looking at JBS myself, look at the thread on here see if it helps,

Good luck

 

stay away from dry van, if you want miles and $ go with refrigerated companies.

 

Yeah, if you want to spend half your life waiting to get a door and dealing with lumpers.

 

You really just need to do your homework on the various companys not every company is good for all people as you will find here on this forum, it really comes down to what you willing to accept as pay, how much road time your willing to deal with away from home. If you read all the treads for which company is good or bad you'll never get a true straight answer. Refer work is as stated alot of dock waiting time. I could name several companys that are ok but there will always be that one or two people that will say there bad so research on your own is really your only friend and weight each one in comparison with the other.