Is this a good deal?

Hello,

I got my CDL last year (2013) but have been out of a truck for the majority of the time since, as I returned home after my OTR training to find a local job so I can finish my degree. That didn't pan out as expected so I've been looking at getting back in a truck. I've been looking at two companies. I've looked at KLLM/FFE which would be an LTL position out of my city and get home weekly. .35/mi, plus $30 a stop. 6 month contract. The only drawback is I'm really not too keen on taking another greyhound or flying to Texas to do the refresher there and stay in a dorm with a roommate again and spend 10 days not getting paid. I've heard mixed things about this company, as one would expect with any company I suppose.

Anyways, a driver on another forum referred me to their carrier which is based right out of my city. James H. Clark. It's a small company (less than 100 trucks) all Kenworths and they all have a 1500w inverter and a fridge, they have a pet policy and from what I hear he's very happy and they treat him well. I met with them and they seem great. All very nice people. The only drawback to that is that there is a year commitment, and in addition to my 2-4 weeks OTR training, there's 4 weeks of team driving. So, the deal here is: 2-4 weeks training @ $350/week. Then the team driving is .14/mile. Once you go solo it's .24/mile + .06/mile for meals & incidentals. So, .30/mile (which seems to be the standard for new drivers, and even better than what some carriers offer) plus a .01 bonus after 10,500 miles, .02 after 11,000, .03 after 11,500. The MPH bonus. .05 for 63-64mph, .04 for 65-66mph, .03 for 67-68 mph. Aside from the team driving for a month and the year contract (with $3,000 of training I'd have to pay if I don't stay the year) it sounds pretty good. I just wanted to get opinions on here. I know we all gotta start somewhere and it could be much, much worse for a starter company. Thanks!

 

James H. Clark out of Salt Lake City.

 

May I ask why that is exactly? I'm inclined to agree with you already, I'm just wondering why specifically? As far as I knew, LTL was very highly coveted in truck driving. Is it the company?