why do some of these companies have such a big sign on bonus?

It's to make the measly small checks appear bigger as they trickle pay the 'bonus'.

 

What gives it away is the sign on bonus " window" never closes. Huh,a year later and they still haven't filled all their driver slots?Still offering a bonus.

 

I have seen that much for teams, but not for singles.

 

My trucks were govnerned when I was driving and I learned it really doesn't make that much of a difference. It saved me from getting tickets and when you run into traffic, no matter what truck you have, you are going slow. I think 65 would be better, but they know you can only go so fast and the extra five miles here and there only adds up after years. At least, that's what I remember. The fella who started me in trucking owned his own truck, had a small engine, drove slow and made a ton of money. He laughed when he saw people in a hurry saying he rather get there on time and safe than try early and have a problem.

 

Sign on bonus are not cause the companies are bad. Saia offers 5k for local and linehaul. Not a bad company 20+ hr and .46-48cpm to start. Bulkmatic offers sign on bonus of 2k, my buddy works for them loves it there, makes 65k works 6 days but almost home everyday. Finding qualified drivers are getting harder to find. I'll take my 62mph truck at .4614 Cpm vs Western who's un governed at .33cpm.