Is there a "Best" Company to drive for?

Hi,

I'm a fairly new driver myself and went through a lot to finally find a good company. I've never worked for Stevens, CRST, CR England, or most of the other big training companies, although I rarely hear good things about them from former students. However, there are plenty of drivers at those companies that are as happy as can be, so it really is a matter of personal preference.

I have been at FFE Transportation and USA Truck. I can definitely say to stay away from USA Truck - it was one of the worst experiences of my life. FFE Transportation was decent, but they're pretty strict on their final road test, I wasn't quite able to pass because their training is VERY fast paced and I was still nervous with downshifting.

If I had it to do all over again, I would've gotten my CDL on my own and then hired on with Maverick Transportation, which is who I work for now. They don't actually help you get your CDL, but will train you to drive once you have it, and unlike most other companies they don't require you to graduate from a truck driving school. You can take the written CDL tests at any time, and you can hire a truck to do the DMV road test easily enough.

I can say that I have never seen a company that will start a new driver out with as high a pay rate as Maverick. Both FFE and USA Truck started at .26 per mile. For Maverick, refrigerated starts out at .35 per mile, and their glass division starts at .40 per mile, and that's for BRAND NEW student drivers. In addition, students can get brand new trucks (if one is available) and all of their trucks are automatics.

Whatever you do, remember that if you go with one of the training companies, you will be stuck with them for at least a year. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, there are so many helpful people on these forums.

 

All of their trucks are automatics? Wow....that's sad....

 

awesome thread!!

 

I would recommend that you get your CDL anywhere but from a company... It is difficult enough after you have gotten the CDL to make any money I'd say the first year. Survival is all I could accomplish my first year. It is a job that takes quite awhile to really see the benefits unless you are lucky enough to own your own truck. I started with swift but got my CDL from technical school. It's really the trainer you are with the 6 weeks on truck that teaches you to drive. I was fortunate to have a great one. I cant say anything bad about swift .. just couldnt make money and left after 18 months.Make sure you have one that you can learn from and not one that just throws you in and goes to sleep while you make money driving for him. Best of luck to you!

 

you can always go to tdds.. just dont have a record. they have lodging and financial aid

but if you got some kind of record.. they ALL want a prehire.

 

And another