Entry Company Reccomendations

MisterM · Feb 10, 2025

tscottme said: ↑

I took my pet with me in the truck for 2 or 3 years. It's is great. In case it's not obvious, after you get out of CDL school with all of your endorsements, you typically share a truck with a trainer for 1-2 months, each employer may vary. There is barely enough room for 2 adults in the truck. I don't know of any company that allows the pet of the student to ride along during the period with the trainer. So, you almost certainly will need to make arrangements for that training period. SOME companies, I think Prime is one, do not allow a passenger or pet in a newbie's truck for the first x days. I'm half-remembering 90 days. I don't know. Most companies don't have that policy. Once you have your solo truck, if the company has a pet policy, and your pet qualifies (breed, weight, vax, etc) then you are good to go. IMO, having a pet with you is ideal. Enough social interaction to stay human and happy-ish, but no arguments with a co-driver about ANYTHING. Under no circumstance consider sneaking a pet into a company truck without a pet policy. Seeing a pet in a truck of ABC Company DOES NOT mean they allow pets, just there is a pet in the truck of ABC Trucking. Many trucking companies and their insurance carriers consider sneaking a pet exactly the same as a hitch-hiker or unauthorized human passenger. Grounds for immediate termination on the spot. Start walking. "It doesn't have to make sense, it's trucking"

I think you are in good shape to get a good start in trucking. I wish you the best. Having a pet can make unexpected breakdowns, customer snafus, and layovers more complicated because not everyplace everywhere welcomes pets and your pet's breed is a problem for some places that do welcome other pets. I strongly advise something like a pump-up garden sprayer be carried. It allows you to wash off dirty feet or wash off the pet if he gets into something foul. I always clipped my pets leash on before opening the truck doors because I didn't ever want to find my pet half run over by a truck or car. I'm not really inviting an discussion about anyone else's pet and how using a leash signals terrible things about me or the pet or the Continental Congress. That's just what I did.
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Thank you. Yea, I'm not looking to skirt any rules. If it's no pets per policy then I will just keep looking for a good match for us. I understand if she can't be with be for the training aspect. I do have some family that she can stay with for up to a couple months. We used to live in a small sedan for awhile so I'm sure having a sleeper cab will be more than a luxury experience for us while driving. Thanks for the sprayer recommendation I'll be sure to add it to the list.

lual · Feb 10, 2025

Chinatown said: ↑

You're not a job hopper if you were working your way through school.
Explain to the trucking companies that was your situation.
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Correct -- I think your past job history makes you look resourceful -- & industrious.

Just the kind of person every worthwhile flatbed carrier is trying to find & hire.

-- L

Chinatown · Feb 10, 2025

Melton is a good choice for flatbed.
~
Paul Transportation, flatbed, is another one to consider and allows a dog.
Drivers Job
Interested drivers with no experience are also invited.

Chinatown · Feb 10, 2025

You can change your address to South Dakota without having to buy or rent a place to live. No state income taxes for residents of South Dakota. Just spend one night in a motel room and follow the instructions on this website:
Best SD Mail Forwarding | Top SD Residency Service | DakotaPost

DakotaPost supports US citizens without a permanent residence to become a resident of South Dakota and receive all the benefits and tax savings that come with it.

Chi Town Steers · Feb 10, 2025

MisterM said: ↑

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for recommendations for some companies that I could apply for when I finish my CDL training. I have looked around quite a lot already but I do have some necessary stipulations. I live in western, New York state.

- I want OTR coast to coast or a focus on the western 11 but I'm sure that's not possible with living in NY - no regional, no home daily, no dedicated routes
- I have a 60lb American Staffordshire Terrier that must be able to come with, per pet policy, I know a lot of companies are not a fan of the gentle creatures breed
- I have 1 Not at fault accident that happened in May 2024 where an individual swerved into my lane and hit me, not major, we both drove away, I did file a police report and insurance did side with me.
- I have no moving violations or anything of that sort, No DUI, no other driving incidents
- I have no criminal record and I had to be cleared to work by the Justice Department for my current job I will be transitioning out of once I finish my CDL hours
- I have a lot of jobs on my background check because I was a college student that obtained two degrees and had to switch jobs constantly to maintain my schedule for school. I do have references and have been at my current employer for over a year since graduating but I believe I have like 10-12 jobs on my history.
- I'm training on a manual truck, no restrictions, I will have all my endorsements when finished
- I would prefer flatbed work if possible but I'll take what I can get

The companies I'm considering so far are: May Trucking, Western Express, and Melton

I know May and Western Express don't have the best reputation but the most important aspect of this career is to be able to have my Staffordshire accompany me. It is not an option to leave her and yes she is very calm and is well traveled in vehicles.

Thank you and all the best,

M
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If you want to run out west you’ll need to move. Trucking companies don’t care where you WANT to run. They are bureaucratic. They will only care what the zip code on your license says. At least all the starter companies I’ve look into. Choosing your lanes is for owners and lucky leasers. Don’t worry too much about job hopping. Where do THINK that term came from? Corporations made it up! It’s true to some extent, but market conditions and your safety record is what is actually going to make a company say yes or no. There might be some obscure job offer down the line that requires you worked 2+ years with one carrier, but I doubt it.

tscottme · Feb 10, 2025

MisterM said: ↑

Yes, everything is clean then. I was concerned that all my jobs in my job history might make it difficult to land a company as I know "job hopping" is often discouraged. Melton would be my preference. I would say I'm in quite good physical shape. I walk about 6 miles a day currently and don't have an issue carrying 80lbs over my shoulders but can lift more if needed. I used to do roofing and was a National Ski Patroller. I am quite short though, just a couple inches over 5ft. I do like working outside, more so in cold temperatures but I can take the heat. Yes, I do like like getting dirty.

Thank you for the advice
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Being normal sized, like you and me is normal, unlike all those circus freaks above 5' 5".

Chi Town Steers · Feb 10, 2025

And don’t believe anything any recruiters tell you, from any company, ever.

They are paid to tell you what you want to hear.

Chinatown · Feb 10, 2025

Leonard's Express runs 48 states and allows a dog.
This is a refrigerated outfit.
Home - Leonard's Express

tscottme · Feb 10, 2025

MisterM said: ↑

I'm not sure exactly anymore. I don't have a partner or kids. I kind of would like to live in Washington, Oregon, or Montana but don't have the funds to purchase a home yet.
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Washington has no income tax. Oregon has no sales tax. Both govts are crazy far Left while the Eastern 2/3rds of the state are fiercely Right. Montana has both sales & income tax.

Chinatown · Feb 10, 2025

Prime Inc. has no restrictions on dogs.
Drive for Prime inc. | Start Your Career as a Truck Driver Today

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