RE West: friend or foe?

SAVANA'S-DAD,

I don't know anything about that company but you raised a good question about their classes. I don't see how they can have 112 trucks and hold classes every week. That should raise a huge red flag for you. For example, I work for the nations largest chemical distributor with branches all over. I work in Los Angeles CA. We only have 38 drivers. The last one we hired was in Nov of 2006 and was due to a driver retiring. That says something about any company, not just mine.

I have never worked OTR and don't think I ever could. I believe that a driver should be paid, in some fashion, for all of their on duty time. That cancels out about 95% of the companies out there. I know I don't want to work for free and I am sure most driver's feel the same way.

At the top of this forum, there are many companies listed. I would steer clear from about 95% of those. In helping you with your decision, I offer up my opinions on what to look out for.

Any company that constantly has to advertise in a truck stop magazine should be avoided. The reason they advertise so much is that not to many drivers stay there. It is not because they have too much freight and can't keep up with demand, rather that they treat their drivers poorly and pay substandard pay and benefits with little home time.

Also, look out for companies that give you a title to somehow make you "feel" better. Although there are many, associate is one of the biggest titles given. You are not an associate, you are a company driver. Nothing more, nothing less.

Be wary of schemes to get you to hire on with them. Sign on bonus, referral bonus, longevity bonus, NY city bonus, mileage bonus, idle bonus etc. Bonus, bonus, bonus! You know, if they paid their people right from the begining, there would never be a need for a bonus.

Look for a company that pays well and has good free or low cost benefits. Those benefits should include health, dental and vision insurance for you and if needed, your family. Don't forget about paid vacation, sick days and jury service to name a few. Unfortunately, this may be hard to find but they are out there.

Home time should fit your needs. Do you want to be home every day or do you want to stay out for weeks at a time. That is up to you.

As for recruiters. They seem to tell you what you want to hear to get you to come to work for their company. I don't know how it works but it would be refreshing to see them put their words in writing. Maybe you could hold them to those words.

I am not trying to scare you away. I am mearly pointing out the facts. There are good companies out there. Sadly, the majority find the wrong ones or are not happy with the career choice they made. This forum provides drivers with the tools to find a good company. So many keep making the same mistake. My question is why? Read the posts provided on this site. There are many. Take the time and do your research. Don't rush into it. Again, those good companies are out there. You won't see many posts about them here. I wonder why?

The open road may be calling but don't pick up until you find "your" right company.

Drive safe