Canada or OTR TC?

If I go with Gordon, which division should I sign up with?

Canada:
2500 miles/week (recruiter said this is skewed because most in this division wanted to be home every 2 weeks -- I'm looking to stay out 6-8 week)
$0.32 / mile ($0.34 on any refer loads)
$35 per border crossing
Often multiple stops (multiple stop pay)
$1500 sign-on bonus ($750 paid after orientation, remaining after 3 & 6 months)

Temperature Controlled:
2800 miles/week
$0.34 / mile

I forgot to ask if you are paid more for having a hazmat endorsement (or hauling a hazmat load) -- can anyone answer this for me? Also are there any safety & attainable fuel bonuses? Base pay rates seem so low -- I'm really hoping there are other ways of leveling the playing field... Where do the scales top out (I'm hoping to find a permanent home).


The recruiter said I could switch divisions easily at any time, but the sign-on bonus only applies if I come in under the Canadian fleet. Looks like I could come out ahead staying with the Canadian fleet for 3 months then switching to temperature controlled, but having run into Canada at my last company, I don't think it is worth the hassle of border crossings, 36 hour resets, & not being able to do 8/2 sleeper splits...



I'm also hoping to hear back from Con-way truckload soon. They actually offered me a job last year as a fresh cdl grad, but by the time they extended the offer I had already finished orientation at Covenant. Anyway, there it is $0.37 / mile (est $4000/year difference), but I won't pass by home nearly as often & the trucks won't have an APU (a big perk for me -- I very much prefer to sleep under 70F). I appreciate any advice.