Choosing a "starter" Company

I drove for them back in 2001 and it went just fine .... so there you have 1 positive comment

 

I don't know who is good, but yea ..... if you state a few preferences maybe some guys can help.

 

I started out with Prime Inc in March 2011. I don't have anything bad to say about them. I stay out for 3 weeks and home for 4 days. Been doing that since I started.
It works out good, all their equipment is newer, oldest truck out there is an 09. Mines an 11 with 140,000 on it now. All the trailer tandem sliders are air operated, just pull a little button, no beating on pins with sledge hammers.

 

I started in 06 at May. I agree with Rubberducky that they would be a good starting company. If you go on the 48 state side you'll be pulling reefers. I personally couldn't sleep worth beans with that reefer runnig. The 11 western state division is 14' high-cube dry vans.

Of the three that you mentioned, I'd definately suggest Con-Way Truckload. That was my last OTR company and it is a good outfit. Even though I left there due to a problem I had with them, it's not a problem most have so I won't even go into it but even after that I still say they're a good company.

Squire is a division of Knight Trans. They'd be my last choice by a mile of the three you mentioned. Management there is very weak, they had a major trailer problem (not enough of them) when I was there and it was run like a circus.

Here's the #1 thing to remember, in my opinion, for anyone starting out. DO NOT sign up for ANY lease option. 99.9% of them are terrible - no matter how good they make them sound.

One more thing, I'd add CR England to your list of companies NOT to go to.
Best of luck to ya!

 

I never worked for a mega carrier myself, was always lucky, I guess, in finding smaller outfits. Some better than others. Anyway, I currently work with a guy that was with Werner for 5yrs. He honestly has nothing bad to say about them. He's a real good guy, with a good attitude so I'm sure that helped.

 

I've been with Schneider National for a few months now and have been very happy with them.
They treat me well, give me plenty of miles, pay is decent, benefits are good and get me home when I want/need.

 

tscottme got it pretty good. Go with the best of the worst so to speak for a year and then you can go to whoever you want. swift is not that bad but the pay is low. Living in Tucson however you will be home a lot. I've heard good things about May as well.

 

Knight has been good to me so far. Con-way was good too...my two biggest complaints with them were not enough miles and too long sitting between loads. Knight has me pre-planned constantly. No sitting and wondering where I will be headed next. I always know before I make my delivery.

 

I am in the same position as you, and here's my two cents.

Research what matters to you, and make your choices based on that, not just some anecdotes that somebody with an ax to grind about a company. Every company has it's supporters and people who hate it. Neither are YOU, and their story will probably not be yours. Be specific about what matters to you and try to get answers.

Me, I am trying to get on Roehl or Watkins Shepard. I like the training programs they have. W/S is a 10 day boot camp, and Roehl send you out with a dedicated trainer. All the others seem to do the orientaion, then send you out with a trainer for 90 days. My problem with this is that it seems to be a crapshoot whether you get a good trainer or not. People have gotten good trainers, and others have gotten people with 3 months experience, only trying to use the trainee to make more $$, filthy pigs, among other issues. I know their are great people training, but there are also a lot of bad ones, and it doesn't seem to be easy to change them.
Anyway, that is my thinking, hope it helps.