New Company Orientation

I don't know of any company that hires newbies that doesn't send them out with a trainer for a certain length of time. You will not be prepared for everything when you come out of school. You will not be prepared for everything after being with a trainer either, but you will have a feel for how that company works. At least in my area, most local companies want you to have some driving experience (beyond the little you get in school) before hiring. There may be some regional companies in your area that will hire. Out where I live regional for most companies means the 11 western states. That includes some real interesting driving. The joys of California, the winds of Wyoming, the passes of Colorado, and the heat of Arizona. When I go back to driving it will be 48 for me just to get away from all the western region offers. Of course, there is then NYC and some things back east that can be bad. By driving 48, though, I feel I can lessen the chances of always driving somewhere that is not so fun.

 

Jumpin' in real quick here - I know of at least one company that doesn't do trainers - Watkins & Shepherd in Missoula, MT.

You DO start OTR, though.

On the gripping hand, their orientation is 10 days long - a lot of that behind the wheel...

 

You might check out some of the concrete companies, especially ones that haul their own rock and sand, or construction companies that run their own end dumps.
It is possible to get into trucking without going OTR, i did it and worked with a number of guys that did it.

 

Good stuff.

Another mode you may want to check is driving a pop truck. I have a friend from trucking school who's been doing that for 13 years and loves it. He doesn't drive 18, but he has not yet quit a job in trucking. I wish I could say that.

Don't underestimate the power of soda pop.

 

You're being smart about it. I wish I could have had a website like this back in the day when I started. I would have made much better decisions.

Assuming you DO want to get a job driving 18 wheels:

Big outfits will make it "easy" to get a job. They do indeed have impressive recruiting machines. Some use desks at truckstops manned by guys in starched shirts and sometimes even fancy ties. Doubt many have CDLs, though. Some companies will put (and keep) slick adverts in papers, magazines, and even on restroom walls claiming they are the best thing to hit the industry since air ride suspension. Still others will call you incessantly, begging you to drive for 'em. Many drivers fall for it and do just that. Some companies engage in all these.

Stay away from all those who (must) resort to these tactics. These companies normally have outrageous turnover and know they can replace you easily using their recruiting machines. I won't say your falling on your face is guaranteed at such outfits, but the probability of your success is too low to take the chance on them.

Best of luck.

 

You might try calling your Teamsters local. You may have to start out by working on the docks but it IS a good solid job with benefits.
Stay away from jobs that offer mileage based compensation unless you are prepared to be victimized and enjoy working for scum rates.
A lot of road drivers who are earning 40-45 thousand a year are in reality working 70-80 hours (most won't admit this) a week to get it.

50k/ year divided by 50 weeks in a year= $1000/ week divided by 70 hours=$14.30/hr- not a very good wage for a grown man huh?

Remember; the numbers I've given you here are for a top tier earner- it's the most you're ever likely to earn as an OTR driver who is paid by the mile. Most drivers earn much less, although they will be loath to admit it.
Tip had a good idea about the soft drinks, you might try the grocery chains as well. Stay out of construction- remember, it's seasonal. Good luck.
rx

 

What Rex said.