Any thoughts on KC Transportation?

Hi, they are automotive. I've read on here where that's not the best thing to get into. I'm wondering about the 6-8 weeks of training at $400/week. Is that standard? They have an owner op program-which eventually I'd like to be one-that pays .93/mile + fuel surcharge for all miles dispatched. Company drivers make 40.5 CPM + other bonuses.

There's a whole slew of things I think I'd enjoy in this industry. Reefer, flatbed (though tarping in the winter might not be so great), tankers, OTR, local, regional, a lot of different things have an appeal in different ways. One thing that is pretty consistent though is eventually I'd like to be an owner/op. It won't be for a year or 2, but eventually I'd like to get there.

I guess the other thing is I'd like to work out of a terminal in Michigan. I'm open to quite a few things. From getting rid of my apartment and being OTR, sticking around being local, or even a dedicated run between Michigan and a city in another state where I do the same run every night. All of those have an appeal in different ways. There's probably other scenarios I'd enjoy that I'm not even aware of yet too.

No matter where orientation is, I'm intending to drive rather than take a greyhound/fly. That can cause problems getting my car back though. So I'd rather just hire on with a Michigan company. Also, it seems the starter companies people often stay there to get their experience and move on. If at all possible, I'd like to start with a company that I'm going to be at for awhile. I appreciate what Swift and some of these companies do, but if possible I'd rather just start on with someone that I'm not already looking for something else right off the get go.

As for KC Transportation-their ad states:

Average OTR pay = $1,205 per week (last 4 weeks ending 4/12/2014)
80% of our OTR Drivers are home EVERY weekend (April 2014 statistic)Guaranteed home every 2-weeks
99% No-touch freight
We offer competitive benefit packages for both Company Drivers and Independent Contractor Drivers
Full Maintenance Facilities at terminals
Personalized Dispatch
Newer Fleet of Cascadia Condo's w/APU's
All Midwest runs, see our service area by clicking the "Locations" tab

Our Tractor-Trailer OTR Truck Driver Trainee program for drivers with little or no experience runs 6 to 8 weeks (based on experience) and offers $400 per week while enrolled in the program. Once completed, you will be paid the full driver rate! . Click "Apply Now" to complete an online application.
TRAINEE REQUIREMENTS:

• MUST HAVE COMPLETED A TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAM and supply your CERTIFICATE AND TRANSCRIPT
• Up to $2,500.00 Reimbursement for your recent training after 1-year of employment.
• Class "A" CDL
• HAZMAT Endorsement (100% reimbursement if obtained within the first 60 days of hire). Fingerprinting must be done before orientation.
• At least 21 years of age
• Excellent MVR

 

Oops- I should have searched first. In searching I'm seeing maybe not the best company. Not the worst, but a few things to watch out for. In that search, someone suggested another company, so I googled that.

That thread gave me an idea since one of the posters did a "ltl companies near Monroe" for someone. I thought that was a good idea. So I typed in "ltl companies near Royal Oak" in a search and didn't come up with much. Typed the same thing in for Warren (near here) and now I've got more companies I think I'd enjoy working with.

 

I googled that. If I understand it right, Schneider has a program where ya can pick your own loads? Does this apply to company drivers too or just the leasing ones? I'll continue to read and maybe find the answer myself, but thought ya may know.

If I'm understanding it right, of all the good choices in trucking, this one has THE most appeal to me. The ability to mix local, regional, OTR is the best of all worlds to me. Though from what I've gathered, the highest profits are in the 4-600 mile loads with this program.

While of course I'd like to make a good living, I'm not after the 100% top dollar. I like the idea of a Rocky Mountain drive (albeit in summer) to challenge me. So if west coast pays a bit less, that's ok as long as I can still pay my bills.

I'm quasi familiar w/ Landstar from my days as an expediter. I didn't work for them, but knew a bit about them from other members on a message board + seeing a few in loading docks and such. I remember that, while I didn't take an official poll or anything, that the Landstar Drivers seemed to be the happiest in the trucking industry. Or at least of the companies I was familiar with in expedite. So definitely best of wishes to you in signing on with them.

 

Also I meant to add, I like the idea of thinking things out in real world situations. That has a lot more appeal to me than someone always telling me where to go, when to pick up, etc.

A mistake can cost ya just like it can in poker (I'm referring to planning mistake, not physical mistake driving). Or maybe there's construction I hadn't counted on, which I guess would be the equivalent of the bad beat.

Still, I really like the idea of planning for my own success. I'll certainly be doing more looking into this. Once again thanks.

 

Took awhile, but I found the program is only for Owner/Operators, not company drivers. That's what I figured it would be, but I wanted to find out. It's probably better I get some experience before jumping into a lease anyway. I do like the idea of this program though. It makes me lean heavily towards Schneider as my initial company.