if not Werner then where? No experience

try all the big ones, Like swift, jb hunt, People like that. But Just a heads up the chances right now to get hired is low, I have been out of work for 6 months looks for some one to hire me, I have a clean driver record, I have a Misdemeanor in 07 but that it.

Good luck

 

What driving record are you talking about? Your record before you got your CDL?

 

I think he's talking about the time you been out of truckin school.

 

If you aren't squeaky clean with a solid job history (no job hopping or gaps), your chances of finding something decent are low. It's because the companies have SO MANY drivers to choose from - they have their pick. I was hired but had 15 years with the same employer, no job gaps, no background or driving violations, good credit and had to have letters of recommendation. It was crazy the hoops I had to jump through. It sucks, but once you get that year in....some better options should open up for you. Plus, maybe then the freight will increase.

Try the big ones, CR England, CRST, Swift, Werner....they all pretty much suck, but are better than nothing and will get you the precious year or two that you need for something better.

 

driving jobs are getting slim these days because freight isnt moving as much...my recruiter was telling us in the break room how many apps he has gotten from just other drivers looking for miles...he said if you are with a company making 1800 miles a week...stick it out, your lucky. We are doing better than that, but we stopped hiring in a lot of states because we have an app pile about as high as the building. These guys have been saying try the big companies, but sometimes a mom n pop company can be needy enough to hire you. Willis Shaw is a good company but not giving many miles, Schugel is decent, J Bean, Kennesaw Transportation, just to name a few...that have 50 to 100+ trucks and may need to fill one or two. Most of the big dogs are starting to force you to sign a lease purchase agreement, meaning you will be paying them to work for them...essentially, you are paying to run their truck, but they will tell you, that you will be a proud owner one day of your own equipment. Drive by these truck sales lots and see how many used trucks are in there now...many more than their were 3 years ago.

 

Your post is spot on.

But we have no empty trucks in a fleet of 150. And we're getting the $##$ run out of us. Those that want to run.

Schnedier AND USA under bid us on our last contract. So it was a performance trial period for all involved. Needless to say, we actually picked up additional loads from our core shipper. Adding 10 local jobs at one plant.

As you stated, a mom and pop outfit with a good history. Is an excellent place to work for any beginning driver.

While I've often said I was happy with 2k - 2500 miles a week. I will flip burgers, before I do OTR at 1800 miles a week. That's a good way to go broke IMHO.

 

You're correct about some companies wanting new drivers to lease/purchase a truck and that may not be a good deal. In these tough times a person really has to be sharp and an excellent business person or they are going to fail. Think before you even have a fleeting thought of doing that.
I do know that Werner doesn't offer anything like what you're talking about, but there are many who do. Not a good program for someone just starting out in the business. My thought would be to wait, drive for awhile see if this lifestyle is what it's cracked up to be, find a company that you really like and then think about it. Then think about it several more times...