Assistance In Finding A Good Company???

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Johnnb, Jun 6, 2007.

  1. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Lucky please feel free to start a new thread on MLM so as to keep this one on topic. Thanks.
     
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  3. Lucky142

    Lucky142 <strong>"Give A Hoot"</strong>

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    Jun 19, 2007
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    No thank you. I am not interested in talking MLM. Just makin' points cause I knew nobody knew anything about the real business world. Even if it does pertain to Trucking as well as all other aspects of the business world.

    When you get a free eduction, don't knock it. It would have cost a whole lot more to learn this very stuff at a University.

    Now as far as Trucking jobs, you guys and gals out there have the up on me as I have been home now for three years, but then I doubt it has changed that much.

    For the newbe's looking, when you make that decision that you want to drive for a living, just remember, "it is a whole different world that you are used to." There is and has always been a huge turn over within startup drivers. Hang in there and get your first year in. You will be glad you did.
     
  4. Johnnb

    Johnnb Light Load Member

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    Hello everyone:

    I have decided to drive solo van for Schneider. What advice can you give me as far as driving, life on the road, log books, et. can you tell me about. What to look out for? What are the do's and dont's about driving? Who to avoid while on the road et. I will be living out of my cab therefore, no apartment, no house, just me, my cab and the road. Also how many years lets say after I am lucky enough to complete the year does someone become an owner operator? Is it better to stay as a company driver or become an owner operator? or is that up to personal choice? Any information prior to leaving to training will help me too. Thanks again.

    John
     
  5. Lucky142

    Lucky142 <strong>"Give A Hoot"</strong>

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    Well John, with Schneider you will live under the control of the Qual Com. It will dictate when you work and when you don't. Now, I don't know if they have gone to a log less reporting procedure yet, but they should have been controlling driver hours for some time now. Electronic logs take the worry out of administrative errors on your logs; everyone makes one now and then.

    You will find yourself running a lot of Mid west and eastern routes and many of them will be just in time-over night pickup and deliveries. Likewise, you will find your freight is primarily drop and hook.

    The biggest hassle I see is make sure you check the tailors when you hook and especially the tires. You will be requesting tires be placed on tires quite regularly because many drivers don't do their job. Like wise, you will discover damaged trailers and trailers where lights have been knocked out or just don't work.

    Don't get a ticket for these things; just get them fixed. Schneider will adjust your delivery if necessary.

    Good company. Great terminals with showers, but food was lousy so you will probably want to eat at truck stops. All in all you will find life routine with this company. They are good and better than most to work for.
     
  6. Johnnb

    Johnnb Light Load Member

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    Hello:

    What do you think of Watkins and Shepard? I am asking because they told me to fill out an application with them. I learned all about their training and I have not heard any bad reports on them also. The recruiter seems ok and their application requires more work than SNI. In other words, they are more thorough in that they provide 4 weeks of training, classes from 9-5, full service kitchen, restaurants, they pay for the motel stay, bus ride to facility, 2 meals per day et.
    You pay $250 out of pocket, but you owe them for 2 years until you pay the loan off. You work for 98 days (probation period), with a van solo route. You also park your truck in a facility near to your house. If you drive flatbed you can park your truck next to your house. Schneider does not allow that. In addition they do paper logs while Schneider does not. I am sure computerized log books are better than paper, so I would imagine that the training on the log books must be intense so as not to make adminstrative mistakes. You also need a cdl permit from your state of residence and then you will re-take the exam for the state of Montana. What do you think is better as far as pay and opportunities are concerned? SNI or Watkins and Shepard? Thanks for the help.

    John
     
  7. Lucky142

    Lucky142 <strong>"Give A Hoot"</strong>

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    Jun 19, 2007
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    Hi John, sorry missed your entry here. Been busy. Watkins Shepard is a very good company, but I don't know if I would want to give them two years for training. One year would be enough. I say, it is a toss up, but if I could get the training and only be obligated to one year or less, that is the way I would go.

    Good luck Pal.
     
  8. Johnnb

    Johnnb Light Load Member

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    Hello:

    Ok! As far as I know if I pay half for their training, I will be obligated to only 1 year, but if I go with Schneider I am obligated to serve an 18 month contract. I'll get trained, get paid not great money starting out but eventually I will start making some good money after some time. However, I have heard some people don't get enough miles with Schneider like they say to you when you initially start. They tell you that you will get 2700, but some people have said that it varies from week to week. I know that the reality is that some weeks are always better than some in all trucking companies, so it does not matter where you are.
    So the fact of the matter is, which way is the better way to go? The only thing that scares me is that Watkins training sometimes gets rid of people along the way. So that means half of my money can easily disappear and I can be without a guaranteed position. Its a big gamble here, but what I do like about Watkins is that they are very thorough in how they hire someone. They don't play games and don't try to push you into a truck as quickly as they can get you in the door. I am not saying that Schneider was not professional. I am saying that some companies are more thorough than others and that is to be respected. Anyway, I just want to make the right move and get into something already. My leave date for Schneider is July 28th (Saturday). While my leave date (if hired) for Watkins and Shepard would be July 30th. I will take my CDL permit exam this week and then I am good to go. Thanks for the information.

    John
     
  9. Jarhed1964

    Jarhed1964 Road Train Member

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    Johnnb,

    Most are current or former SNI drivers and will give you the straight scoop on the mileage given to their drivers. I've heard from there as well as many other forums that SNI has probably the best training programs, apparently even including simulators right here in Fontana, CA.

    If you get out this way for SNI, make sure you let me know so I can pick you up for a home cooked meal. I live about three miles from their facility here.
     
  10. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Any body know what SNI's turn over is?

    I'm betting is more than Watkins is at 26&#37;.
     
  11. Johnnb

    Johnnb Light Load Member

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    Hello everyone,

    I have spoken to both companies. For now everything seems ok. I am just weighing out all of the possibilites. As far as SNI is concerned, they pay for your training but of course you pay them back. WS offers you training but you have to pay for it up front. They tell you that you have to put down $250.00 and the bank sets up a loan that you have to pay back over a period of 2 years. You can pay half of the $3600 and end up with a 1 year contract. The only thing is that you have to work hard during training, study your materials and learn everything taught because you will drive solo w/out a trainer making money once you get your CDL license. Prior to your training you need to obtain a CDL permit from your home state. There are also reciprocity laws with some states, but you need to check that with your local DMV.
    Schneider pays for you, you get 2 weeks training and then you are out with a trainer for a few more weeks. You get a training pay and depending on who trains you (good or not) is how you will learn while in a truck. You will also take the CDL exam once you are done. As far as I know SNI offers the best training, including the use of simulators. SNI and WS takes money out of your paycheck to cover the costs of your training. WS gives you approximately 2500-2900 miles per week. SNI promises 2700 but who knows if they are accurate. I guess some days are always better than others.
    SNI is a bigger company with more national recognition while WS is a medium sized company. There are always positives and negatives working for either company, but everyone knows that no company is the best company. I always believe the expression "to each, his own." It all depends on individual tastes and needs. So far I like both companies, but being that I have some time before I start training, I want to get all the info. I can get. I have spoken to SNI drivers and have found some of them to be working for SNI for over 10 years. They are experienced drivers and stand by their company. While others express some negativity but overall feel good about where they work. WS drivers are also extremely helpful and present the company in a great light.
    So now it begs the question? What company is good to work for for a newbie? Should I foot half of the loan bill for WS, and stick with them for 4 weeks, work hard, learn everything and make money, or should I go with SNI and obligate myself for 18 months, learn what I need to learn, either stay on with them or just move on to a better company? These are my thoughts so far as I am studying for the CDL permit exam for NY state. Also a tidbit of information I can offer some newbies out there. I have been told by a CDL driver training company, that you can contact your local workforce 1 office (department of the state/city) and apply for a grant. You need to make an appointment with them for a 1 hour orientation. You will fill out paperwork, learn about the program, and wait for an approval over a course of 1-3 months. If you get approved then you can obtain free CDL training. In my case, I don't have the luxury of waiting because I need to work. I hope this helps. If anyone can assist me, that will be great.
    Also Jarhead, thanks for the offer, I will take you up on that if I get the chance to get out that way. That was nice of you, I owe you one. Thanks again.

    John
     
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