How far in advance can you apply to companies?

Despite what you'll hear about USA Truck, I'm about to complete my first year here fresh out of school and if this is the "hell year" then the rest of my career in trucking should be gravy. Honestly, it's been smooth sailing especially after reading accounts in here of how the large companies operate. USA does not micromanage at all unless I'm the exception. I have miminal interaction with my DM but I always deliver on time and solve little issues myself. We do have fuel stops planned and routing but I've always just gone off the fastest route on my gps and I've never been told anything. The training when I went was a min. of 35 days and 250 hours. I completed mine in 36 days. You'll have truck with an APU, no cameras or autos, and an inverter. We currently have ProStars, & Cascadias but we're getting Kenworth T-680's this year.
Overall it's been a good place to get my experience & the company is making changes to improve driver retention. We had a .03 across the board raise last July and added a pet policy and are raising the speed to 63 on the pedal and 65 on cruise. Also, they severed ties with C-1 truck school which should improve our csa score by itself, lol.
Good luck in your search

 

Drivers entering into a contract before they have the slightest clue what they are doing.

There's nothing wrong with the company.

 

I strongly advise waiting till you get experience before doing the lease program and stay away from any companies that stresses leasing from them.the success rate is less then 10%.companies offer this because so you can make their trk payments maintenance permits insurance etc.you're nothing more then a company driver. Answer to your original question I would start applying to companies while you're taking your refresher course.takes a few days to a week to get approved and recruiter will set you up an orientation date.although some recruiters may want you to wait till your done with your refresher course before applying.

 

I would start calling companies now or researching them on line and learn what their minimum requirements are and if you qualify refresher course or not. The recruitment and onboarding process for us averages 2 to 4 weeks.