Which Company???

I have read too many bad things about Werner.. TMC and Schneider looks like good companies to start out with. If you want to go Flatbed, go with TMC.. I am looking at Schneider for Van because they have a short training on the road.. TMC is more like 4-5 weeks. I figure I can go with Schneider for the first year, bank the VA Money (around $1400 a month) then go with a better paying company...

When it comes to percentage pay vs mileage, I read that with TMC it is better to go mileage because most of the stops are not a lot of miles away..

 

Hey Jaxom88, welcome to the forum and thank you for your service!

You live in a very good area to get into the industry and being in the service is going to really help you. Personally, I would avoid the top 5 mega-carriers. (ie; Swift, England, Werner etc..) There are too many good companies out there that you can work for. You don't have to sacrifice yourself unless you have a DUI or really bad driving record. Think outside the box, and don't follow the herd!

You are already heading in the right direction by doing your research. Keep doing your home work! There are many ways to get your license whether it be a GI Bill, WIA profgram, Bank Loan, Company schooling etc... The company schooling isn't a bad deal because they will pay for everything upfront. Including, school, transportation, lodging, meals etc... You just have to sign a contract, usually a year, with them. Personally I would rather be on the hook with a trucking company than a bank or the government. Plus you are guaranteed a job as long as you pass your tests. No brainer! Everyone has their own needs though and you decide which will best suit yours.

Same with choosing a company. Make a list of your wants and needs and start combing the internet. This website provides an excellent "home base" to refer back to. One thing to keep in mind is that there are many different types of trucking out there. Whether it be dry van, reefer, tanker, flatbed, heavy haul etc... Then you also have your unique opportunities like Nascar, hauling Cows, horses, Carnival, Concert and Event tours, other sports tours like CBS Sports etc... Bedbugging (house moving), Tradeshows, Oil refineries, Hauling shipping containers from ports or train yards etc... You get the idea, your options are endless so don't feel like you have to sign up for Swift or Werner. The reason companies like Swift and Werner are so popular is because they spend millions of dollars in advertising to get YOU to work for THEM! (that should set off an alarm) Also most recruiters that work for the CDL mills get paid to send the students to those particular companies. The companies that don't have to spend money to get you to work for them are the ones with lower turn over rates in turn meaning happier drivers!

Another very important factor is your dispatcher. Your dispatcher is your number one key to success! At those mega-carriers the dispatchers are responsible for hundreds of drivers, making you a number. If you have a problem or need something, get in line. Having a good, personal relationship with your dispatcher is very important and is going to be easier to accomplish this at a smaller company.

With all this being said, after you have done your research, you may find that no matter what, you feel one of these companies is going to best suit you. If that is the case, then go for it. Everyone has their own individual needs. Also one driver may have had a bad experience and bash a company and yet you may have a great, long lasting career with the same company!

Whatever your decision make sure that you have a good idea of what you want about half way through school if going the private school route. Also make sure your chosen company accepts students from the school you go to. Not all do. For example; Crete/Schaeffer/Sunflower (excellent company by the way, especially for military guys) only accept students from select schools. So if you are interested in Crete call them first to make sure they will take you. Another reason is that you want to be able to go directly to your chosen company ASAP when you finish your schooling. You only have a limited amount of time and when you attend your first day of orientation you will have a driving test. Having it fresh in your mind will help you immensely!

Sorry man for the lengthy post, got carried away. Hope it helps you though. Any questions at all you know where to come! This is the best website out there!

Good luck.....

 

Although I am not recently separated, I am in the same boat. I would like to use my GI Bill OJT. I have received prehire letters from TMC, Werner, Swift and am racking my brain trying to figure out what to do. I feel that Schneider is the best choice for me starting out. I spoke with a TMC recruiter and they are squared away. They like former military because they want their image to project through their drivers. They start out with good pay as well. Their initial training is thorough and long. You will be away for like 5 weeks at first, but then you get your own truck and you are living the dream. They are only flatbed so there is a little physical labor involved here and there. Schneider seems to have positive feed back on here and other websites. I am hopefully going to get on with one of these two. Swift doesn't have very good feedback on here or others, but being former military you should be used to this environment.

Good luck, and wish me luck as well.

Any experience drivers that can add to my opinion?

Thanks.

 

Thanks for you're service! Schneider is a good company to start out with. I got my start with them and I was treated pretty good. If you want to go skateboard, then Tmc may be an option.Don't know about TMC, but Schneider has a yard close to you. I20 exit 472.