[PNW][Veteran] What are my options?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020.

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  1. Feb 12, 2020 #1
    Latteralus

    Latteralus Bobtail Member

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    Jun 11, 2014
    Boise, Idaho
    0
    Hello,

    I am an Army veteran with very little experience driving trucks. I have my full GI Bill to use. I have a clean driving record, criminal record and don't take any drugs. I am healthy and ready to work.

    I live in Boise, Idaho and am currently getting most/all of my endorsements prior to signing for any companies.

    My question is what is my best route into trucking? Should I sign with Prime and suck it up for the experience and jump to a more respectable company or are there trucking companies that make exceptions for veterans that I am better off starting in?

    Trying to make an informed decision so I am not stuck with a subpar carrier if I could land a job at a better carrier or have a better option I am overlooking. Currently I am looking at Prime just due to their geographic location and they seem to have good equipment and pay well for starters, they also seem to have less horror stories.

    I do not have my CDL yet but have a school that has accepted me if I don't find a carrier I like that trains.

    I appreciate you all!

    Edit: I would preferably like to stay in the western 11 if at all possible.
     
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    #1
    OldeSkool and Flat Earth Trucker Thank this.
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  3. Feb 12, 2020 #2
    Flat Earth Trucker

    Flat Earth Trucker Road Train Member

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    Don't go to Prime or any other carrier that requires signing a non compete contract.

    Do some research on these companies before hiring on. Many, such as Prime, England, and CRST, are embroiled in driver pay lawsuits year in and year out.

    Swift, Werner, and Schneider aren't much better, but they don't require indentured servitude.

    Other bad apples to avoid are Pam and USA Trucking. Again with the multiple and continuous class action lawsuits over non payment to drivers.

    FFE offers no-cost training. Looks like no strings attached.

    FFE > Drivers > Student Driver > Need Training?

    Should you be hired on as a trucker somewhere, hold on to that job for at least one year. Once you have one years experience, you can just about pick and choose the company you want to work for.

    I like Sunrise, Rich Thompson, and Giltner tanks out of Jerome if you really want to stay close to Boise.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2020
    Flat Earth Trucker, Feb 12, 2020
    Flat Earth Trucker, Feb 12, 2020
    #2
    Latteralus and OldeSkool Thank this.
  4. Feb 12, 2020 #3
    JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    Puyallup, WA
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    I work for Wilson Logistics in the PNW (heavy haul) division. You could try going through Wilson, I believe they train in Montana somewhere (you think I would know the details, but honestly, I haven't bothered finding out any details, since it's been 27 years since I had to concern myself with driving school). They have 11 Western as well, I believe. As heavy haul, were limited to five states.
     
    JReding, Feb 12, 2020
    JReding, Feb 12, 2020
    #3
    autopaint, Latteralus, Chinatown and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Feb 12, 2020 #4
    Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    First of all... Thank you for your service. You have so many more better options than Prime in my opinion.
    Please investigate further. Tagging the resident expert on companies to work for...cue the music
    @Chinatown
     
    Eddiec, Feb 12, 2020
    Eddiec, Feb 12, 2020
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    Latteralus and OldeSkool Thank this.
  7. Feb 12, 2020 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    That's the company I would recommend for trucking company training for Idaho residents; Wilson Logistics.
    This company also offers Western 11 states running. Pretty sure Wilson has the Veterans Program also.
    Training is in Missoula, Montana.
    Wilson Logistics
    https://www.wilsonlogistics.com
     
    Chinatown, Feb 12, 2020
    Chinatown, Feb 12, 2020
    #5
    autopaint and Latteralus Thank this.
  8. Feb 12, 2020 #6
    Scooter Jones

    Scooter Jones Road Train Member

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    You might give May Trucking a call. They are a "training" company. Meaning they'll hire you right out of CDL school. They have a yard in Payette, ID. I started my trucking career with them in 2009. Put in my time and moved on. They always treated me fairly.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2020
    Scooter Jones, Feb 12, 2020
    Scooter Jones, Feb 12, 2020
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    rachi and Latteralus Thank this.
  9. Feb 12, 2020 #7
    Latteralus

    Latteralus Bobtail Member

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    Jun 11, 2014
    Boise, Idaho
    0
    Thank you! I am going to look into Wilson and see what information I can get. I can't find any pay info but it seems like the western 7 is what I am looking for.
     
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    #7
  10. Feb 12, 2020 #8
    Latteralus

    Latteralus Bobtail Member

    8
    8
    Jun 11, 2014
    Boise, Idaho
    0
    Are you available for a few questions about Wilson?

    - What is the training process like? Is it mileage based or hours based to A-seat?
    - How is pay in orientation/training?
    - Do you wait a lot or are you moving?
    - How is pay after training? I am looking to go solo.
    - Any other info that might be helpful?

    Thank you!
     
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    #8
  11. Feb 12, 2020 #9
    JReding

    JReding Road Train Member

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    Puyallup, WA
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    I am available. I can't tell you a lot about the "other" side, but I can give it my best shot.
     
    JReding, Feb 12, 2020
    JReding, Feb 12, 2020
    #9
  12. Feb 12, 2020 #10
    Latteralus

    Latteralus Bobtail Member

    8
    8
    Jun 11, 2014
    Boise, Idaho
    0
    I found a decent amount of information in another post. I think Wilson is my 2nd choice with my first being Giltner but I don't think Giltner hires entry-level so I will have to work my way over there in a few years.

    I am going to start contacting recruiters next week and getting the process going.
     
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020
    #10
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