4 Companies, 4 Hard Choices

I see you're in FL, there aren't any terminals in that area, but if you dont want to be teamed temprorarily with a complete stranger I'd try Watkins Shepard.

 

I see that this is about 4 months old, but in my recent conversations with CRST, all company drivers MUST run as a team. That was a deal breaker for me. I would prefer being alone over teaming up with someone I don't know

 

They should come with a passenger seat. It's just that most people have it removed.

 

Roehl Transport is one worth considering. They have their own CDL school in Wisconsin OR if you already have your CDL, there's a 1 week Orientation (Phase 1) followed by 8-13 days of OTR training (Phase 2) with a trainer. They pay you $600 for completing Phase 1 and $90 day during Phase 2. They then start you at .32/mile solo.

 

And who would that be??!?!???

 

www.GoRoehl.com

 

I am looking into FFE Transportation.......I like the fact that they have the LTL and regional and dedicated. I mean I spoke to a Stevens Transport recruiter and everything is pretty much set to go for Feb. 11th but is it true that you have a 3 year contract with them???? The website says if you drive for them for a year you will be free of the contract.

 

Out of those 4 companies mentioned in the OP, I'd stay away from all of them.

For starter companies offering training, here are the ones I'd consider:

1- Conway Truckload.

They do offer a tuition assistance program through Suburban Truck driving school in Detroit, MI. The schooling is $3995.00, Conway pays $2,000.00 of it w/ NO Contract (as long as you go to work for them), leaving a balance of $1995.00 which can be financed if you qualify. You will need to come up w/ an out of pocket expense of $550.00 to cover for DOT physical, drug screens, DMV fees, etc..

They also offer the same program at Crowder college in MO, but need to come up w/ about $2K +, no financing available unlike MI.

With Conway TL OTR, you'll run US and Canada, must have hazmat, will be out about 3 weeks at a time, no dedicated or regional (or at least not in my area). You start at .30 once you have your own truck, but there are lots of added bonuses, like .05c extra for the northeast, etc..

2- Roehl Transport.

I don't have much details on the training program, other than it's very reputable but fast paced. Financing is also available leaving w/ an out of pocket expense of $550.00 +.. 1 year contract. They have multiple fleets to choose from. The start out pay is good, better if you choose flatbed. They run US and Canada. I believe hazmat is required (not sure).

3- Millis Transfer.

Excellent training, again about $500.00 + out of pocket, 1 year contract, no hazmat, US only (mostly on the east side of the mississipi), great start out pay and best home time policy of all the companies I looked into. They have really nice trucks and low turnover rate. Drivers are happy there. They are picky though. They receive hundred's of applications per week and only a lucky few get chosen. Worth a shot... I got turned down.

Yes, those are mega carriers, but out of all the mega carriers out there that offer training, they seem to be the most reputable. Non mega carriers usually don't offer company training and also require a minimum of 1 year experience.

PS: FFE is great but strict (IMO). Another one I'd look into is Transport America. There isn't too much info about them which could be a good sign. You do need your CDL first.