so many starter companies

Hello all,
Getting my CDL in 2 more weeks,
Trying to filter down who I am going to pick as my first company.
When I get a trainer and go OTR,
my worst nightmare is getting a trainer who I do not get along with, or, who only wants to sleep while I drive.
On the open road, thats ok with me, I get it,
but in town I may need the trainers help.
Are there any companies who train where they are not rolling 24-7 like a team?
I am new to the game and I am serious when it comes to getting all the advise I can get.
which starter companies are the most pickey?
I would like to get in with a company that does not feed off of the bottom
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or info

 

Where is your location; we need to know the hiring area you live in. Deep South, but where?
How old are you; what we need to know is if you're over 21,22,23 so we know which companies to recommend.

 

Straight talk. I like that. If I were a trainer, and came to me with straight talk, I would appreciate that. And I would adjust my training to avoid any nightmares.

Say for example you just met your trainer and you walk to the truck. Look inside. If the truck is nasty, walk. Period. It’s bad enough with 1 person living in filth...there’s no Effin way I’m gonna live in someone else’s. If the truck is clean and presentable, do an inspection....if it’s a training truck, everything should work. Why in the heck put a rookie in a truck that’s having issues? Clean the mirrors. ALWAYS clean the mirrors. The mirrors are your friend.

There will be some area where you struggle. The weakest area is where you should concentrate most. Talk to the trainer about that area specifically and set up practice between runs.

Usually, when trainers and trainees don’t get along, it is because they have a difference of opinions on things that have nothing to do with the job. You say Hillary, he says Trump. Wabbit season. Duck season. Pro choice, pro life. Bible thumper vs atheist. Hatfield vs McCoy. It takes TWO to tango. If you are unwilling, there will be no dance marathon. Keep your opinions to yourself. If the trainer voices his opinion, stay silent.

“But Six, what if he says something offensive?”

About you or someone else?

 

Having a trainer sitting in that jump seat is kind of a pain, they are always blocking your view of that mirror and can be a real pain, unless that trainer is sort of fit you have to look past that block sitting in that seat, and some you get a good lesson in kissing up.

 

Hey, thanks guys.
Will be 50 this year, burnt out on previous career, looking for a new start so to speak.
In decent shape, driving and criminal records clean, no drugs.( can pass hair follicle )
So, I just have to accept who I get and just suck it up?
I mean, if the person is not helping me, there is NO recourse ?
Another personality I can deal with, But if they are not doing their job and are not actually training me,
I have a huge problem with that.
I just dont want to go out there as a rookie and get people hurt or killed with my rig.

 

You can learn a lot faster if the trainer isn't yapping away in the passenger seat. Don't worry; trucking isn't that complicated or difficult; you'll be fine.
There is recourse though if you don't feel the training adaqate; just call your dispatcher/driver manager about whatever the problem is, if you can't work it out with the trainer.
Do you have endorsements for tanker work? That's where the money is for a new driver.

 

Thanks again guys,
I was actually thinking tankers, but in the back of my mind,
I am leaning towards good old dry van to get some real experience before I go hauling a tanker.
I understand the good money will come as I get more on the road real experience.

Chinatown, I see you on here ALOT, thanks for sharing all your experiences.
Anyone have suggestions for a good starter or a good tanker starter?

 

Here's some companies to consider that hire new cdl grads:
Tyson Foods:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magnum Ltd. - refrigerated trucking - runs most states.
Butler Transport - www.driveforbutler.com - coast to coast refrigerated trucking.
Freymiller - www.drive4freymiller - coast to coast refrigerated trucking.
Keim TS - flatbed
Paul Transportation - flatbed
Melton Truck Lines - flatbed
FFE (Frozen Food Express) - coast to coast refrigerated trucking.
Danny Herman Trucking - coast to coast dry van. No northeast runs.
Gemini Transport - dry van delivering to Love's Truck Stops.

 

Tanker companies that hire new cdl grads:
McKenzie Tank Lines
Gemini Transport - owned by Love's Truck Stops.Also has dry van that deliver tires,etc. to the truck stops.
Trimac Transportation
Schneider Bulk
Western Dairy Transport
CTL Transportation
Airgas
Service Transport - www.svtn.com
Superior Carriers
Tidewater Transit
Bay & Bay Transportation
W.W. Transport
All the above hire new cdl grads. The websites can be confusing because some say "experience required", when in fact they hire new cdl grads. Ignore that part & apply to any you like.