Decision Time

Don't give up, but take Prime to the cleaners.

 

Yes ,you're horrible at picking companies. Who's next? Swift? You should seriously sit down with some experienced drivers or talk to some on this board about your options. From what you've said, there's no reason you can't work for a good company and get hometime every weekend or at least every other. Do yourself a favor...don't go into the stock market.

 

There are plenty of good companies out there, and you didn't pick them apparently. Lots of people make a good living on trucking, so you can do it as well. I would advise you stay away from the mega carriers and look around your area and look for small/med size companies to work for. Chances are they will at least remember your name and value your work ethic.
Prime did not value you. If my dispatch called the next day after I got home, I would have told them to not call again until it my home time was up. That's just horrible, and is indicative of what kind of company that is. Glad you told that story though; prime was on my "possible" list for getting back in the saddle again soon. You saved me a mistake!
So I think a new mentality in your job search methods will save you a lot of grief. If you like trucking, give it a shot.

 

See. Here's some great advice already.

I don't know if I made myself clear. It's not you...it's those companies. There are a thousand companies that run through Slowhio every day. Somebody around here knows of 3 that'll treat you right.

 

I had a really good experience with Transport America, and they do a lot of business in Ohio. My only complaint is that my recruiter told me I would be home every weekend, and that wasn't true. You can get home once a week for a 34 hr restart, or you can go home every other weekend. They were a really good company, though.

 

If your looking for good hometime look into Maverick. They are flatbed, dont know if that is a turn off or not for you. There are a few people on here who work for them, and they get you home every weekend. It is for that reason I may have to give them a serious look when my first year is up. I do agree that you need to be very careful this time in choosing the next company( assuming you keep driving). Again, already stated, but htis site has byfar the best info I have found. You may not like what you hear, but it will be honest. Sometimes brutally so! Hang in there!

 

I'll chime in- It's been short, but I've been happy with May so far, and last I looked, they were hiring in Ohio

 

Life is a learning experience and you have learned a couple of valuable lessons already in regard to trucking.

As others have said the mega carriers are normally not the answer to getting home each weekend AND making good money.

Look for companies that run regionally and offer home each weekend. The pay may not be the greatest but at least your kids will see you and the dog won't try to bite you when you walk in the door (because you were gone so long and he thinks you are a stranger!).

I vote for my company. Eastern Freightways based out of North Brunswick Nj. They do operate in the Ohio area and even have some dedicated runs from Irwin Pa to Chicago and back daily. Cant hurt to at least check them out. I have been with them for over 7 years now and am content with the company. Not perfect mind you, but the best company I have worked for so far.

 

i am happy to hear you had a good experience with transport america. i start cdl school on monday, and transport america is on my short list for first company. i have a pre-hire letter from them, so your post helps with my decision process.