Opinion About These Companies ( Having A Hard Time Choosing )

Emolson · Jan 2, 2013

wheels4reelz said: ↑

Excellent points you make. Was wondering some of the tricks that megas use to turn practical miles into "impractical" (non-paid) miles. I plan to attend TDI (truck drivers institute) and they seem to have a few smaller companies on their "hook you up" list but I suspect they might not be as slick and appealing on paper, so to speak, when it comes down to convincing a newbee (me) that they're offering a better long term situation (all things considered). Like you, I'd rather forego a buck or two and be treated humanely as opposed to being a piece of meat left dangling for days so a company can pinch a penny or two, not that savings isn't an issue for all.

Would you mind dropping a few mom and pop names hiring in the midwest (indiana/ohio specifically) that you may be aware of? I might still have to cut my teeth with satan but would be good info for future reference.
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There are many small companies around. A lot of them will require you to have some otr experience. But if you want to know a few you can pm me and I'll give you a few I know

James77 · Jan 2, 2013

My class starts on January 14 with CRST in Iowa. I read so many negative things about them but I guess I will take my chances. What can I expect?

VegasfanNJ · Jan 2, 2013

I would recommend Stevens. Just came from there and if it hadnt been for a family emergency (had to be home) Id still be there now. Pay is low to start .26 but plenty of miles and new equipment. Training was excellent, although VERY LONG. They will try to push leasing on you but most of the mega carriers do that now anyway.

James77 · Jan 2, 2013

VegasfanNJ said: ↑

I would recommend Stevens. Just came from there and if it hadnt been for a family emergency (had to be home) Id still be there now. Pay is low to start .26 but plenty of miles and new equipment. Training was excellent, although VERY LONG. They will try to push leasing on you but most of the mega carriers do that now anyway.
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They do get miles, and nice equipment to. I heard their training is good to. But the only way now they accept drivers to their school is if you a Texas resident

beermooch67 · Jan 7, 2013

Yes Steven's was at the top of my list but dropped to the bottom when I did research on them about the contract to pay back your school/training it is 3 yrs. yes they say 1 yr. but that's just to lock in the fixed rate for your loan for school and 3 yrs. it will be paid in full.If you do leave after 1 yr. you still have to pay the balance of the loan you owe. Just something else to consider about them. Swift is good to and only a 1 yr. contract.

beermooch67 · Jan 7, 2013

No dude that's not true as I live in Cleveland,Oh. and applied with Stevens they called me and want me.I told them I'm still checking my options but will keep them in mind.

beermooch67 · Jan 7, 2013

Good luck just remember you are only obligated to an 8 month contract. If things arn't that good or get bad for you stay till your 8 month contract is up at a minimum so you don't get screwed with paying back school. I hope it works out for you but after a yr. I'd look for someone else to work for and watch out for bed bugs at there taining center doorm rooms.

beermooch67 · Jan 7, 2013

chompi said: ↑

Guys let me start by telling you that every recruiter will tell you 2500 miles a week average. THAT'S THE AVERAGE!!! You can either do 0 miles or 4000 so 2500 is the average! I can tell you for certain that you will never do 4000 at prime or any other mega-carrier for that matter.

If a recruiter tell you that they pay the highest I would run! Well, I would laugh at them first then run! The reason they pay the highest is because they don't run any miles! Make sense?! They can boast to pay you $5.00 a mile but if you only run 100 miles you ain't making jack!

I understand you guys are new but you need to avoid listening to these recruiters. They are salesman! Worse, they don't get in trouble when they lie to you guys! In order to get paid all they have to do is get you to show up for orientation. It doesn't matter if you go home the first 15 minutes, they still get paid. So many lie, forge, fraud and do whatever to get you there. Don't fall for it guys.

You want to avoid this, stay away from the mega-carriers!

Don't stress about your first year pay, most likely you aren't going to make squat your first year. This is why the mega-carriers want you. Once you have some experience if you are running for a decent company then you will be compensated for it.

Here's a real funny.... Those companies like Prime, Roehl etc... pay by practical mile. Do you know how many miles you end up not getting paid for running that way?! Find a company that pays hub miles or percentage. A lot of smaller companies pay percentage and you guys are treated more fairly this way because you are actually making a piece of what they are making. As you gain more experience your share goes up and up.

Looks like a good number of you guys on this thread live in Tenn. Take advantage of this! There are so many really great smaller mom and pop companies out of Tenn! You guys are not only going to be treated way better but you are going to make way more money at a smaller company.

Here is the number one reason a small company is better for your success: Your success lies in the hands of your dispatcher. Period! At these mega-carriers your dispatcher is responsible for over 100 drivers! This makes you a number not a driver or a human being. Your load gets assigned to you according to your location! Period! If you have a problem, question, concern, may the force be with you, because that's what's going to take! Home time? Good luck!

At the smaller companies your dispatcher has maybe handful of drivers they are responsible for. This really gives you the opportunity to build a personal relationship with them. I can't stress how important this is. You scratch each others backs. You do them favors and they do you favors. Its in your best interests because you are making money together. You are getting paid for the miles and they are getting paid for the commission. Sure you will still have crappy loads here and there but its stuff that needs to be done. The difference is if you do get a crappy load because you guys have a good relationship they are going to make it up to you on the next load or two. Either that or they will monetarily compensate you for it. "Hey Mr. dispatcher bob I had to go out of my way to wash the trailer and do this, that and so on and so forth and it took me a good part of the day, know what I am sayin....." Oh yeah, no problem Chompi, tell you what I'll send you an extra $150 for that load on your comcard. Go have a nice dinner buddy and thank you for doing that."

Sorry getting carried away. You see my point though.

Don't fall for these recruiters.....
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Chompi, What are some smaller companies to work for where you can get training from them and get your CDL I can't go to a school as I have 25,000 in student loans to pay back.I live in Cleveland,Oh.Please let me know otherwise I have to go to Swift,Werner,Schneider,USA Truck,Prime,Millis,Pam Transport,Knight,FFE,Stevens or last resort CR-England and CRST. any help will be apreciated thanks Brad.

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