Going into second week of Trucking School......Any Advice would be appreciated.

TMC if you have a good work ethic, appreciate challenges and don't mind getting a little dirty and can follow rules and can earn the respect that can be gained there

 

Pretty good list you have:
Maybe this list can also help some of those in your class that aren't getting replies or very few replies.

TMC
Melton Truck Lines
CTL Transportation
Schneider Bulk (tanker)
SVTN
Superior Carriers
Trimac
Tidewater Transit
Howard Transportation

Refrigerated:

HO Wolding
WEL
Navajo
Midwest-Coast Transport
Benny Whitehead Trucking

 

doing it for percentage is not a bad way to go. I run flat bed and make out pretty well, I do get dead headed for 150-300 mi. but those loads usually end up being worth it, and some company's will throw dead head pay your way, just ask, I know systems transport and twt hire out of school and the otr pays millage and they do well also, I can get you more info on them if you would like, just send me a PM, flat beding to me at lease is better than dry or refer. good luck ether way you go and be safe.

 

The mileage pay at most flatbed places that also pay percentage us generally inadequate in the end. A load that requires a long bounce is generally rated accordingly because anybody else would have to bounce the same distance and they couldn't attract quality carriers with a lousy or mediocre rate offering. Every now and then you will get a multi-stop load that just seems "too cheap" but typically mileage pay would not have made you any better off, either. And for every load you get that seems "cheap" and/or had a longer bounce, you'll get an easy one that pays better then you'd expect. Don't be afraid of a percentage pay system at a reputable carrier like TMC and Maverick and others is what I'm trying to say. I was concerned about it too initially.

 

To be frank I did flatbed for almost all my career and I enjoyed it until the DOT shut our company down for HOS violations. They didn't actually shut us down, they put us on mandatory e-logs and the owner decided he couldn't make a profit so he sold the equipment and closed shop. The winters and outside work flatbedding were getting to me and it became clear to me that 100% legal on HOS and e-logs were here to stay so I went with a van company that ran that way. If I had stayed in flatbedding, though, I would have gone with TMC. Everything I heard about them was they are a first class outfit and they darn&d sure have good equipment. The only reason I didn't go with them when I started was because even back then they ran legal and just to be honest back then I could make more money with a company that let you fudge your logs. If it wasn't for me deciding to get a more winter friendly gig I would have totally gone with TMC when my last company closed shop. From everything I've seen and heard they really have their act together.

 

Im a veteran driver of over 30 years. Ive been driving big trucks since 2003 after attending truck driving school myself. After school l went to TMC because l too was impressed by them as well. I ended up only staying for 13 months because l just wasnt making the money l wanted. I went to a local company in my home town called Pro Fleet Transport out of Elkhart, In. I spent the next 6 years with them until a medical condition forced me to leave. After recovery l did dry freight for 1 year before l ran across and ad for PMTG out of Okemos, Mi. Ive been there ever since and absolutely love it. Aside from them having older trucks that do break down from time to time. I have made more money here than any where else lve been. Benefits are good too. The only regret l have is that l wish l would have started doing car hauling earlier in my career because lm 53 now. I hope this helps. Good luck with school and in your new career.