Wife of new trucker, need help deciding who to go with.

Hi Elizabeth! Welcome to you and your hubby.

Most of the major carriers have a passenger policy. Generally you have to pay a nominal fee (around $25 a week) to cover the additional insurance. This fee will vary company to company. Also, some might require a few months of experience before he can bring a passenger. Be sure to ask. You may not have your CDL permit or license as a passenger.

Trucks take custom mattresses. You can get a twin to fit snugly on most of them, though. Of course the mattress that comes standard is much like a prison mattress. But there's lots you can do with a bit of money - memory foam covers. mattress pads, etc. With lots of money - well, Denver Mattress Custom memory foam has my vote.

As far as meals go, you can check my blog for a few recipes of things I cook for my hubby and I in the truck and I would HIGHLY recommend you check the "Cooking in the Truck" thread.

Seeing the country? Yes. I suppose. Mostly through your windows. lol. But we've had some fun in cities all across America. Lack of truck parking at things you'd love to see and do might frustrate you a bit at first. But you get used to it. You call a cab, use public transport - do what you have to. You're at the mercy of the company's freight first and foremost - so you learn what's to like about Woolstock, IA or Beatrice, NE. Don't knock it! I've had great fun in places most people have never heard of.

Dress warm. Wear good, waterproof shoes. Keep a supply of emergency food and water handy. Try your hand at knitting or crochet. Learn to bake biscuits in a crock pot. Become the world's best navigator.

**Almost forgot! As for which company? There are just too many factors for me to say. I would suggest you use the search box and read about each of your final few. There is plenty of information on all of them here. A happy driver will make a happy passenger.**

Most of all, have fun with it. Enjoy each other. And welcome to the open road.

 

Pick a company with APU's so you can be comfortable during downtime. There's still other good choices with rider programs.

Freymiller
Melton Truck Lines
Pride Transport
H.O. Wolding
Halvor Lines
Keim TS - has studio sleepers/huge sleepers/couch/check website pictures
National Carriers
Wil-Trans - Tripac APU's rider/pet/ trucks set up right for husband/wife. Flat screen TV hookups already installed, refrigerator.

Of those you listed, Prime has APU's and unless I'm misinformed, the flatbed division has full size sleepers and refrigerated has tiny sleepers not large enough for 2 people. Correct me if I'm wrong someone out there.

 

Tell him to ask Wil-Trans about Jim Palmer Trucking.
Wil-Trans bought this company and is upgrading all the equipment with brand new tractors & trailers. Jim Palmer used to require 2 yrs. experience, but maybe that's changed with new ownership.

[TABLE="align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="class: rightBoxWrapper"]



[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: footerBoxWrapper, colspan: 2"][TABLE="class: footerBoxContent"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 2"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

^Well, you going to orientation means you basically accepted the job... You're not per say, "obligated" to stay but it'll be a waste of time to the company if you just leave.

OT: Do your research on each company on this forum. Companies have different terminals all over the US and may treat drivers different. Depending on your area it could dictate how they are.

Good luck and have fun!

 

Check out Roehl.