Getting CDL, good starter company?

Ok, I have my learners permit and will be getting my CDL in 3 weeks (30th of Oct). I am looking for a good starter company. Here is what I am looking for-

- Decent pay
- Pet policy for a pet that's about 40-50lbs
- Will give the miles to hard working employees.

I am retired Army. Been there, done that with the hard work. Was Infantry my entire career and used to getting the short end of the stick. Looking to clear at least $2,000 a month starting out. I am crossing my fingers for the 2,000 - 2,500 miles a week range. I know things fluctuate, but if I can average in this bracket, I will be happy.

My dog being my copilot is a MUST! She's my buddy and can't stand being out of my sight. So far, I am finding that this is the hardest thing to find.

The thing holding me back from some companies is that I have a DWI that is only 8.5 years old. I know it's not the norm, but for the better starting out companies, they require no DWI less than 10 years old.

I am already studying for my HAZMAT endorsement and REALLY want to get some other endorsements before even stepping out into a company.

ANY quality advice or direction is greatly appreciated. I don't like things sugarcoated and I do know this is a "thankless job" (probably what I like most about it).

Thank you for your time!

Travo

 

CTL Transportation has pet policy. (first choice)
Melton Truck Lines (2nd choice)
Halvor Lines
National Carriers
Navajo Express
WEL
H.O. Wolding
Con-way
FFE
Southern Refrigerated Transport

Maybe others can come up with a better list.
Many companies limit pets weight to 30 lbs. or whatever; you're dog weighs whatever! Swing by the house to get the dog after orientation.
Ignore what any website has about DWI and apply anyway; never know what could happen.

 

Paschall Truck Lines has a pet policy for anything under 100lbs. You have anything bigger than that then you don't have a dog my friend you have a Moose. FedEx does allow dogs, but they are like Panther in regards that they slap their company name on the trucks, but the trucks are actually owned by fleet owners who sets the rules. Some fleet owners allow pets some don't. You can hop on craigslist and see if they are advertising in your area.

 

Good info; Paschall will probably hire you with the DWI also.

 

Does'nt FedEx require exp?

 

Everybody wants a good starter company but in reality I doubt you'll find one that meets all your ecspectations.But the pet policy, that you'll find with some companies.

 

No they are starting students fresh out of CDL school at .40cpm and then bump them up to .50. Latest ad I saw said training is around 6 months though before you can go solo.

 

Tyson Foods says no DWI within last 8 years.
Depending on where you live in Texas, they sometimes go a little outside their hiring area.
Not sure about pets; probably not, but worth a phone call.

 

Thank you guys. I am going to app with all of these and see what I get. I never knew Fedex hired grad students! Going to look into them for sure! I'll post up here what happens and what I receive.

Thank you for your help,

Travo

 

Applied to all those jobs except FedEx. I will call them tomorrow and see if they can send me to the correct website for a general Class A job. I appreciate all your help! So far I have applied at:

Werner
Melton
Celadon
Covenant
Henderson Trucking
TMC
National Carriers
Halvor Lines
CTL Transport
Con-Way
FFE
Southern Refrigerated Transport

Still have a few more to go. I know that some of those companies don't have what I'm looking for, but I would rather apply to 40 companies and have a bigger list to choose from than only apply at 5 and not have many options.

Travo