Need advice about best starter companies

This info would be so very helpful. I think I am getting more confused with all the post of what people think about the companys they drive for. Along with mr viking here I have just came out of CDL school 1-9-09. I am thinking about "Rail" trucking company.

 

Roehl, TMC, both are good and take newbies. Con-way supposedly, Watkins-Shepard if they take newbs. There are others but most of them are frozen right now.

Of the terrible 5, they are all hiring but pay is less than excellent. Werner may be tolerable if you can get into a truck. Covenant if you stay away from the lease, USX if you never want to get home etc...

 

Roehl has good hometime programs and they will treat you like a human as long as you do your job safe and legal and dont cry every day. They treated me great.

 

It would be more helpful to us if you knew which branch of trucking you wanted. Not everyone is capable of doing flat bed work and trust me it's hard arse labor nothing easy about throwing a frozen 200 lb tarp on a windy day.

Vans have their advantages until about December when freight slows down until March.

Reefer how well do you like noise? Even the whisper quiets have a noise and not many drivers like you parking next to them....dang you'd think we were bull haulers. Reefers will run year round without much trouble getting loads. We can run about everything except for some flat bed loads....

So flat bedder .... TMC is a good company they'll teach you how to tarp & strap a load.

Werner I'd stay away from because no one is telling me how to do my log book and since they are paperless what do you think that means?

Stay away from CR England and actually anyone that one you to be a lease operator (fleece)...actually run at that point.

Reefer company and they are hiring DOT Foods at 9 distribution centers. Have a web site go look.

Just remember when you are told something make sure you get it in writing. Also bigger is not necessarily better, sometimes small companies take more time for the newbie.

 

Im not sure conway truckload takes newbs. I know you have to get your hazmat to run that now.

 

i'm just starting, but heard good things bout USA trucking.

 

so are there any starter companies that will give you the miles and miles you want with no hometime? i am a single guy so i dont need or want the hometime...is this possible as well? sorry to ask on your thread....

 

US Express seems to specialize in that. Doubt the miles are unlimited at the moment but they'll certainly keep you out for as long as you wish.

 

Guys all the starter companies are the same. I really don't care which one you go to, they all boil down in the end to what are called "driver mills". This being said, you have to start somewhere, Roehl is a good company even though they turned their trucks way back. I ran for werner when I started and they were not that bad. As a matter of fact I am considering teaming with my old trainer there.
You gotta start somewhere, research the companies and find out which one is the best fit for you. Pay your dues for a year or two( I'm finding that even 1 1/2 years isn't enough) and then you can look at other companies that may be better for you.
And speedman as far as staying out that is always the drivers decision. You go home when you want to pretty much.
My advice go to truckstops talk to drivers( watch out for recruiters) or kick back drink coffee at the restarant and listen to other drivers. You may be surprised at what you hear even if you aren't asking questions.
In the end only YOU can make the decision as to what company to drive for. Good luck and BE SAFE