Choosing a starter company

Quackers · Nov 20, 2016

Driver91 said: ↑

Do you have your CDL or looking to get it? Either way call and talk with recruiters at Watkins Shepard. They have a terminal in Brea, KY. If you have your CDL they will send you to Conover, NC for orientation but they are helping people get their CDL but they do it at the terminal in MT. This is something fairly new so I don't have a lot of info on it. But they will start you at .33, at 3 months you go to .34, at 6 months you go to .37, and a year you go to .39. So much better than .25. Worth check for you anyway.
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I just noticed this post as I was re reading everything and I'll definitely check this out.

The Patriot · Nov 20, 2016

sdh said: ↑

I've heard Swift will hire anyone even people straight out of prison.
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Even bums they get out of the homeless places...

The Patriot · Nov 20, 2016

Quackers said: ↑

Well I was pretty set on going with Pam transport thinking their low pay might be my ticket in,. See my problem is I have a couple job stoppers (tattoos) on my face a cross on my forehead and a tear drop under my left eye and yes I know this was very stupid choices but bear in mind I had them done about a decade ago when I was still in my teens. Anywho fast forward to the present I figured PAM Transport might not give me too much grief over this (according to the recruiter) and considering their crappy pay scale.

On further thought I don't know if I want to be locked down with them for a year @ $0.25 cpm and have to do a bus all the way from Eastern KY to Tonitown AK after the driver solutions schooling, Even if I drove it in a car it's over 12 hrs of driving.

The $0.25 cpm doesn't bother me all that much because I am completely green when it comes to truck driving but I was wondering if they're some companies that will train you that is HQed a little closer to Eastern KY. And if the starting pay is a little better I won't complain

Thanks in advance and just so you know PAM isn't off my list yet. But I definitely want to consider all my options.
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Pam starts at 25 cpm??!!! Jesus...I did not think anyone was that bloody low. Slave wages right there.

Driver91 · Nov 20, 2016

Check with community colleges for sure. Most states have programs to help guys that need work. I paid 200 total for my CDL and got to choose the company I went to work for not locked into a contract.

sdh · Nov 20, 2016

If i were you OP i would just talk to Swift. I think they even pay more than PAM too. Sure you might have to deal with a camera watching you undress and pick your nose but if you can tuff it out there a year you can probably get on somewhere else.

Quackers · Nov 20, 2016

sdh said: ↑

If i were you OP i would just talk to Swift. I think they even pay more than PAM too. Sure you might have to deal with a camera watching you undress and pick your nose but if you can tuff it out there a year you can probably get on somewhere else.
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Hey I have no shame lol sure beats living hand to mouth. Is Swift pretty good with their training?

I ask because back when I use to ride with my sister's ex boyfriend unloading cattle everyone on the CB always warned you about Swift drivers but this was over 10 years ago.

I definitely want to be trained to be safe and knowledgeable about everything trucking entails. I'm even making a point to read the cdl manual for my state cover to cover even after I get my permit until I leave for training.

When I do something I like to do what I can to be the best I possibly can.

sdh · Nov 20, 2016

I don't know about their training. I suppose it's good enough to get a CDL with. I think they pay for everything.

I hear they have decent equipment, Mostly new volvos with automatic trans.

Driver91 · Nov 20, 2016

What kind of home time are you looking for? That is another important thing when choosing a company.

The Patriot · Nov 20, 2016

Quackers said: ↑

Hey I have no shame lol sure beats living hand to mouth. Is Swift pretty good with their training?

I ask because back when I use to ride with my sister's ex boyfriend unloading cattle everyone on the CB always warned you about Swift drivers but this was over 10 years ago.

I definitely want to be trained to be safe and knowledgeable about everything trucking entails. I'm even making a point to read the cdl manual for my state cover to cover even after I get my permit until I leave for training.

When I do something I like to do what I can to be the best I possibly can.
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If OTR is not your thing USXpress has local routes in many major cities that does not pay the best but far better than Swift or Pam.

Quackers · Nov 20, 2016

Driver91 said: ↑

What kind of home time are you looking for? That is another important thing when choosing a company.
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Well with kids naturally I'd like to be home as much as possible but I'm realistic. I know until I get some experience under my belt my choices are going to be limited and hometime will be scarce.

I'd be happy to get 2-3 days every 3 weeks if that's what it takes. But I wouldn't like having to pull over a month before having any hometime.

I really like a lot of what I've read about Millis but the site says a minimum of a HS diploma and a GED is all I have. Might call them tomorrow morning and ask a little more about that.

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