Coming back

Since I made the recent decision to put my notice in at the desk job I took to leave trucking in the first place the better half of a decade ago, I have read hundreds of posts here. I've followed TTR for years, because the desk was always misery. I finally woke up and decided to go back to what I love, and stop worrying about all money all the time.

With all that being said, I have read a lot of what people have had to say about soooooo many companies, then I realize a lot of the stuff I read is from 2010-2014. I have a top 4 for each type of freight for newbies since I have to go back to get my CDL again. Please share your opinions. I am still under a long resignation so I have months to do my research and pick right the first time. I want to stay away from the job hopping.

Dry Van:
ABF (they said they have a mentor program)
Western Express
Knight
Decker

Tankers:
Superior Carriers
Trimac
Coastal
Groendyke

Flatbed:
The Waggoners
Western Express
Maverick
TMC

Just a little more info...I live near Beaumont, TX. I have 3 kids, 11-14. I would like at least to get home weekly....but I am willing to put in the grind to get to a good dedicated or regional position that I could trust. I appreciate any replies I can get from you guys.

 

Thanks Chinatown. It seems like it could be real easy to be lured in 15 different directions now days. I live less than a mile from SVTN terminal. I think my uncle drove for them before he died, but I didn't get to talk to him much about the dynamics of the company.

 

Also, did Groendyke stop accepting "top graduates"?

 

Hey @Chinatown I was hoping you might be able to give me a small list of flatbed companies that hire around my area of Texas that train recent grads. I liked the tanker list a lot, but recently my family has done all but beg me not to go tankers. I am not bothered by it, but especially my late uncle's wife. She swears the lung problems that killed him had something to do with "pulling tankers for 25 years and breathing in all those chemicals". I am interested in flatbed though. I hauled vans my first time in trucking. Yes, it is still something I will do if necessary, but I just want something that might keep me in better shape. Thanks in advance.

 

You named a couple I haven't heard of. I knew to ask you. Thank you!