What is the best way to get into the industry?

What company do you drive for in indiana?

 

do yourself a favor and dont..its not what people tell you. this business is ruthless, and will chew you up and spit you out. find another field

 

Asking the question in the second bold text section is contradicting the first.

Mikeeee

 

Do plenty of homework/research on local companies as i did. I joined this forum in '08the and didnt start driving till last year. Theres nothing to be skeptical about my results, i did my homework and worked my ### off to acheive. And will continue doing so till i reach my goals.

 

Btw i work for Mr. P Express in Jeffersonville. We do all out and backs, and mostly northeast but also do all 48 and Canada. If you want miles, i recommend them. I talk to other drivers for other companies all the time and they say they are making like $400to a week and not getting home..No way id be in this business if that were me, different strokes for different folks as they say. Good luck with your choice and take all the time you can. Oh, and talk to more drivers than recruiters. Drivers will be alot more honest with ya.

 

I'm with you. 60K first year including training? I'm not buying it.

 

If you don't mind physical work, you can get with one of these foodservice warehouse jobs. Then they'll train you and get you your CDL. Don't know the waiting time but if it's a union even as a warehouse guy your time starts when you get hired seniority wise. Just gotta ask around. You can make 60k your first year as a driver. It's hard work but you'll be home almost every night.

 

But what about people with a certain amount of integrity ?

 

If I wanted to get in this industry today, I would start with local community colleges and state vocational schools. If nothing were available then I would check out private driving schools. If money was a problem then I might consider going with one of the training carriers who will help you get your CDL for free as long as you fulfilled a work contract to drive for them for a year. Most contracts are for a year. I believe CRST is only 6 months. Swift, Roehl, Millis, CRST and a few others offer training programs.

 

Avoid following the herd to the large OTR carriers. The odds will be against you and you could end up with a negative DAC that would end your career . The best way in is to have personal connections that will get you a guaranteed job . There are no "apprentice programs" . There never will be as long as so many fools are willing to pay thousands to try to enter and industry most will leave within a few months .