Need advice about best starter companies

From who? A USA recruiter?

 

For the record, I called my local Conway terminal today to inquire about student driving. I was told that no Conway location is currently taking student drivers and, in fact, system-wide, they have over 1700 drivers laid off as of today.

 

<scratches Conway off the list...>

 

Ask around....You'll hear 80% of drivers started with SWIFT. (exxagerated stats)
My point is they are still driving which goes to show Swift is a good training camp. I bet all of the people that talk trash on Swift were grateful to have someone that would give them a chance. Before I could get the Beemer, I had to get a maxima....then they took a chance. It'll be paid off in 3 more months

 

Yep still Swift is recruiting as of Jan 24th least on East coast states

 

I have went with USA Truck

 

Give dot foods a look..........seems like a good company from what i have heard....

 

Actually conway truckload is now laying off people they are still hiring. Dont think they are hiring newbs and who will get hired alot easier if you have your hazmat. Rem conway truckload the ltl guys driving daycabs pullin double are getting laid off.

 

Word on the road is many companies are laying off or finding reason to fire drivers while trying to grab the best of the best for March/ April when seasonal freight starts flowing. The big push then will be for dedicated lines.

(keep an eye on the news....catarpiller, john deere, hewlit packard all laid off thousands and those are companies that send and receive plenty of freight) It just isn't the economy for picking and choosing.

 

Starter Companies are ok. Just realize that you can never enter an industry at the top. Look at it like this. Consider that first 12-18 months of your career as the education. That first year, if you get 6,000 miles a month, take it. Look at it as a place to start.

Starter Driver List

1) Don't take any chances

2) Develop a thick skin

3) Don't be afraid to ask questions

4) Help out the other guys as much as you can

5) Learn to be a professional

6) Be a super hero. See somebody in need of help? Help them!

7) Active on the Radio. Want to know how many bear reports I've gotten from a Swift driver in the last 5 years? Nada. Most of them never even have the radio on.

8 ) Be alert as to what is happening around you. That includes behind you. If for some reason you need to get into the Hammer Lane, look first. If you see another truck moving up, please let that guy get by. When getting passed, let the other driver know when he has cleared. When getting passed by another driver that is going only half a MPH then you are, go ahead and back out of it a tad, let the duma-- get by. Doing so will gain you a ton of respect from the rest of us.

9) Look the part. Stay clean cut. Shower every day.

10) Market Yourself. Make contacts, keep up with them, and shop for the best job for you, once you clear that 12 mos line.