Another Newbie Jumping In!

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Welcome to the forums! There's awesome information here. It helped me a great deal.

 

Like you said, take everything you read with a grain of salt. Most posts you read about bad companies are from drivers who have just had a bad experience with that company. People are more likely to complain on here because drivers who are happy and are getting miles, more often than not, are too busy behind the wheel to post anything at all. You will find good and bad in any company. Just as you will find good posts about ALMOST every company posted on here.

 

Welcome dodgeram! Here is my 2 cents. There are good companies and there are bad companies out here. The bad seem to most times outweigh the good but there are good people even in those bad companies. In this industry it is up & down just like a roller coaster constantly. BY that i mean every aspect. One week you might work your tail off and run 4500 miles and the next only 2200. You will meet and deal with all kinds of people good and bad. What i try to tell everyone starting out is this. If you have a good attitude and go into it knowing that there will be things you don't like, some you do, situations beyond your control, and some you can and just be dedicated to learning and you'll do just fine.This is a lifestyle that is not for all. It is a job also but more of a lifestyle than a job keep this in mind. If you have afamily at home then you need to consider them. How will they be with you gone on the road 1-3 weeks at a time? can they handle only seeing you for 1-1 1/2 days at a time when you do get home? Can you handle those things?

Most of the big companies that take brand new student drivers are not the choices to stay with long term. I say most. some drivers will start and stay with them for years. They will however get you started and usually pay for your training and schooling. Just do your due dilligence and research research research before deciding who to go with. Choose someone who you feel meeets your needs the best and will treat you the best.Try and talk personally to as many drivers from different companies that live in our area, have the same needs you do etc... so you can get a good idea of what to expect from that company.

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. This forum has lots oif useful resources to read and learn as much as you want. Good Luck to you.

 

Hi am Christine am also new here, and to trucking, so no wise words from me yet but give me a little time, and then....... well Hi and welcome

 

Hi glad you found us
My hubby was a mechanic for many years; he has bad joints now from those impact wrenches and has been driving for about 3 years. Like you it gave me pause for concern when reading some of these posts about the trucking industry. Since I haven't started school yet (July) I have no trucking advice. What I have done to help me with all the companies out there (and don't laugh) I started a spreadsheet with the name, web address, good or bad reviews and where they are out of or any details that will be helpful. Since we live in Florida and its a very hard state for trucking I keep a pad of paper in the car and write down the name of trucking company trucks I see so I can look them up on here and the web. Since it will be alittle while for school I'm trying to do my homework and use the experience of drivers on this site to make the best company choice. We may end up going with a "not so great" company at first since I will be a newbie but.....I'll have the information for a better one when that time comes. Oh....we also downsized all of our home expenses (like cable tv & stuff like that) so bills won't get behind when we first start and money is low. Good luck to you!!