First Post- Thoughts Appreciated

There are a lot of college graduates who have decided to come into this business. You didn't mention your area of study, but this can be a rewarding career choice. As long as you keep your mvr clean and have a good work history and csa score, you should not have a problem finding a good job. The first few months can be the most difficult for some people, especially those who have a family and never spent much time away from home. Most carriers will keep you out for 2-3 weeks. Pay is not all that great until you get out of training and into your own truck. That usually only takes a few weeks to a few months. Still, first year earnings should be in the $30-35,000 range with most carriers. There are also other carriers you might consider, such as Swift, Millis, Covenant and CRST. It will help for you to pay for your own training. There will be more options available to you. I didn't think that Crete took inexperienced drivers. They are a good company. I have known some who have been with them for many years.

Which ever carrier you decide to start with you need to plan on staying with them for at least a year, preferably two. The better carriers like to see stability. The longer you stay with a carrier the better your options.

Once you get some experience as a company driver you can always buy a truck, if that is what you want. But, there are many successful company drivers who are very happy working as a driver. You can earn a very good living with some carriers driving their truck.

 

Scape, you could end up a hero in the end..

I'm thinking- two or three years of driving and a starter position in Trucking Management. Safety, maybe dispatch- and finally, SALES. And a happy retirement in Trucking as head of the Sales Dept..

Or not, you could just drive.

 

If you don't enjoy what you are doing and think you would enjoy trucking then go for it. You're young and unattached. Do some research (sounds like you have) and find the company that seems like the best fit for you. You can easily find the companies to avoid by scanning through posts on here.

 

Some carriers may want you to take time off every now and then. You need to get out of the truck periodically. I mentioned the other carriers to offer you more options. I have not worked for any of them so I can't offer you any first hand experience to pass along. You can hear good and bad about most carriers. I would take most of what I read with a grain of salt.
Many drivers have gotten their start with Swift and Covenant. Covenant is more a team operation. I have met drivers with all of the ones that I listed who seem to like their company. I have also spoken with some who don't care for them.

You may not care about getting home now, but could change your mind in a few months. It could help in your decision making to make a list of what is important to you and check their primary freight lanes before making a final decision. If there are any truck stops close to where you live, you could visit them and strike up a conversation with drivers who are currently driving for the carriers you are most interested. Information will be much more current and reliable from those currently working for them.

 

What part of Texas do you live? BTW W/S does take new grads, there is a forum here by a driver from start to finish. Then he got a better job, but he had nothing but good to say about them.

 

Sounds like a very good plan. You might be
regional manager material !