Another "Which company for a new driver" question.

TimeTorn · Apr 14, 2015

Schneider doesn't have a pet policy. That's a deal breaker for me so they're out of the question.

I've been making phone calls to recruiters gathering up info. Here's what I have so far.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QEKoT7tLYtPAX2Y9UVqaZdir1i9xRAfJKqYlB58sxCM/edit?usp=sharing
All the info was from calling recruiters. I know they have a tendency to sugar coat things to get people to sign up, so take it for what it is.

Here's the form I'm using to add info just in case anybody wants to add some info. Please only recent info.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1obXTlK-mNdNvhJEnaq26IPJnBAZ-sYSTZ0Cp9lk8F94/viewform

So far, I'm leading towards Werner versus the other companies I have listed. Covenant if I can find a decent partner to team drive with. But I've heard they don't actually give you the 10c/m raise they're advertising.

Clamhammer · Apr 14, 2015

TimeTorn said: ↑

Schneider doesn't have a pet policy. That's a deal breaker for me so they're out of the question.

I've been making phone calls to recruiters gathering up info. Here's what I have so far.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QEKoT7tLYtPAX2Y9UVqaZdir1i9xRAfJKqYlB58sxCM/edit?usp=sharing
All the info was from calling recruiters. I know they have a tendency to sugar coat things to get people to sign up, so take it for what it is.

Here's the form I'm using to add info just in case anybody wants to add some info. Please only recent info.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1obXTlK-mNdNvhJEnaq26IPJnBAZ-sYSTZ0Cp9lk8F94/viewform

So far, I'm leading towards Werner versus the other companies I have listed. Covenant if I can find a decent partner to team drive with. But I've heard they don't actually give you the 10c/m raise they're advertising.
Click to expand...

i would look into TWT .40 CPM starting for fresh out of school.

Joews · Apr 14, 2015

TimeTorn said: ↑

Hey guys, I know this isn't the first time this question has been asked. I have read a few forums and articles regarding this, and have heard pros and cons for multiple companies for student drivers, but I would prefer to hear it first hand, and I would like to see some feedback based on my own personal situation.

I'm 26, I have a dog, and I'm currently unemployed and living in the loft at my parents' house.

I'm currently enrolled with Southwest Truck Driver Training here in Las Vegas Nevada. The tuition was paid 100% by a grant company.
I have nothing on my driving record, the only thing I have on my criminal background is obstructing an officer 4.5 years ago.

I have traveled and lived a life on the road before. I really enjoyed it. I also drove straight 2 axel box trucks interstate for a moving company. I know it's not the same as a semi but I think the general experience will be the same, but more long-term. I really enjoyed driving interstate professionally. The only thing I didn't like about it was the company didn't exactly adhere to the DOT regulations, and I ended up being forced to drive over 20 hours straight multiple times. That was pretty much the only thing that I didn't like, after 14 hours it became a grueling experience. But seeing the country was great, even though the pay was terrible. ($80/day when I was out).

The last 7 years has been crazy for me, I've moved around a lot, and as a result, I don't really own much that I can't take with me, and the things I can't take I can easily sell or give away. I don't really care about it.

So, in summary, I have done the OTR driving thing a little bit, I liked it. I have no need or desire to stay or ever return to any place in particular, other than maybe Christmas with my parents. I also have no family depending on me or bills that need to be paid.

Which company should I go with? Home time doesn't matter to me, pet policy is a MUST. I would prefer a company that is going to be relatively low-stress to work for. I know first years have a bit of limitations on what companies they can work for, and I know first year pay is much less than what experienced drivers make. Money is nice, I would like to have lots of it, but don't really need much. The general experience is more important to me than pay.
I would prefer long hauls, and solo driving unless I can find a good partner somewhere.
Down time doesn't bother me a whole lot. It would just give me an opportunity to relax and play some games on my laptop.

My plans for the future are basically to purchase some cheap land somewhere out in the desert where I can park my camper trailer which is currently in storage. I would like to eventually own a few chunks of land here and there across the country, build a cheap garage and park a cheap RV/camper in each place. I pretty much have no idea what exactly will happen in the future, if I'll have a wife somewhere down the line or not, so I'm just trying to have a variable plan that works in any situation. Land is generally cheap to buy and maintain. Since it's so cheap to buy, I should be able to just lay down the cash and not have any mortgage payments. My only bills should be yearly property taxes. If I end up starting a family I can pull a mobile home onto any one of the properties, or sell them, or keep them for as vacation/investment properties and start a typical suburban life.

I think this plan also works well with the trucking lifestyle because I will have several places where I can layover and spend my home time.

So anyhow, which company/companies do you guys think might be a good match for me?
Click to expand...

Just don't do a lease purchase because I will find you and strangle you.

Vegas Reaper · Apr 16, 2015

I'm heading back to El henderson on the 27th, I've been with them before and I was a lease op and a trainer and made great money, I also live in vegas so feel free to hit me up for more info on any companies you're thinking of. I'll shoot ya straight, and maybe ease your transition a bit. Let me know when u r looking to go on the road and maybe if henderson is you thing then I can arrange to be your trainer.

Chewbongka · Apr 16, 2015

May Trucking out of Salem, OR has a good reputation and pet policy.
Here is another thread that mentions a bunch of companies that allow pets.
Make sure you double check with a recruiter, when I was doing my research some of those companies eliminated their pet and rider policy.
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/pet-stop/18557-pet-friendly-companies.html

Starboyjim · Apr 16, 2015

All the mega's, and hundreds of other companies are looking for drivers.

Giocrypt · Apr 16, 2015

Navajo Express has been getting some good rep as of late. I remember it was not just a year ago most people would go "stay away from Navajo."

cuzzin it · Apr 25, 2015

Giocrypt said: ↑

Navajo Express has been getting some good rep as of late. I remember it was not just a year ago most people would go "stay away from Navajo."
Click to expand...

They got tired of saying it ?

csw1818 · Apr 27, 2015

Prime allows you to have pets and you start at .43cpm not many starter companies can beat that.
we also run late model equipment probably one if the most fuel efficient company, our new trailers combined with trucks we run anywhere from 7.5 to 10mpg. .. company runs 2013 freightliner Cascadia evolutions and newer, you will make $500 guaranteed while training our owners door is always open. And drivers are allowed anywhere in any of our buildings Can't speak for any of the other companies, but prime treats their drivers right. any questions your welcome to pm me I'll be glad to help you out good luck with you journey

TehNoob · May 6, 2015

I don't know much about them, but research U.S. Express. I know they allow pets.

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