What's the difference in starting companies (Megas)

The color of the truck you drive

 

Yes, you're overthinking it.
Go with PTL; get 6 months experience, then look at Big G Express and A&R Logistics.
Make a comparison and decide if you want to stay with PTL or change companies.

 

6 to one... Half dozen to the other.

The Megas are all pretty close to the same. If you like teams (why? WHY?) then the only one I know to stay away from at all costs is CRST.

 

You have your CDL. Why go to a mega at all? Only reason to go to a mega is for free school but you dont need that so, find a small company. It takes more work on your part. Find companies, go in in person to talk to people. Look for online job postings. Apply everywhere you would want to work no matter what their requirements say. Worst they can say is no.

 

This is my vote, and is exactly what I did. But I kinda stumbled on my first company. It is hard to provide specific directions on how to do this but there are smaller companies out there that do have trainers for new drivers fresh out of school. I got my start with a company that had a fleet of 70 trucks which were kept immaculate. The DOT officers never scrutinized us because our equipment was known to be top-notch and very well-maintained. But I never would have seen an ad for them. It is hard to find somebody who isn't screaming to get your attention.

That said, you could do worse than PTL. They aren't notorious like certain other carriers are.

 

My company is a local chicago company so it wouldn't help to give out the name anyway. You are employable, you may have to explain about why you has so many jobs. I found that many smaller companies will take the time to talk to you and hire you for who you you are indtead of just how you look on paper. Also how fast was your speeding ticket? If more than 15 over it can make things more difficult.

 

I work for a company out of Princeton Indiana but we have a terminal in London Kentucky. Out 2 weeks at a time but u would do 6 weeks training at 400 weekly then start at .42 cpm and normally run 33-3600 miles weekly. 6 weeks suck but then I normally bring home 1100-1300 weekly

 

I'd say over thinking it, but I will say not to ignore all the ol' school guys all giving the same advise of the smaller companies. I'm entering my 3rd year and I left a good position doing P&D at a Union company, OT 8/40, pension all the goodies, ONLY bad part was the unpredictable start times which drove me completely insane. Now I'm at a smaller flatbed company that delivers landscaping supplies, 7 branches all in my state. They actually appreciate what you do, they help you out when you need it. We did a training thing the beginning of this week and put us all up in hotels, fed us 3 meals a day for a couple days (real meals) last month it was really busy and just to say thanks for all the hard work they gave all the drivers $100 gift cards. No, the benefits aren't up to what I had in the Union but all the other stuff, good hours and appreciating your hard work makes up for it.