I'm a student, what company do I apply and go to?

I graduate finally in a few weeks and am wondering what company would suit me best. I live in Lakeland Fl, and I do not care whether or not I go local or regional or otr or whatever..lol. I want to make as much money as possible. Thanks to Chompi I have a great list of companies he sent me in Dec. but I'm wondering what company hires students and which ones would treat me decent..any info would be great.

 

Depends on what you want to pull (in terms of trailer) van, tanker, flat, oil/gas etc. I know alot of flatbed companies that will take you after you graduate like TMC, BTC, Maverick etc. However because technically you're still a student they will require additional training 4-6 weeks to make sure the skills are up to par. Hopefully this helps!

 

i know chompi, and if he sent you a list, go thru that list and check out the websites, each will say students or no students. i mean, YOU GIT the list, not us...right..???

 

Yea the list is a little old but its a great starting point. I've been filling out apps from that list then calling to see if they hire students out of central Fl. Also I've been applying to pretty much everyone, including the companys that dont get to many praises. Right now I have some interest from US Xpress, Trans Am, Covenent. Also, hoping to hear from Knight Transportation as well. So who knows where I will end up. Quick question....from the companies I've just listed who are the best to work for...overall?

 

Congrats man!!! Just do some updated research. Don't waste a lot of time though because most companies don't want to see a lot of time between when you graduate and when you start driving. Out of your choices above I would go with Knight but that is just a personal choice. You need to choose what is going to suit your needs best. Hell, I don't like Swift but they maybe perfect for you. Have you checked with Central Ref? Sometimes they have hiring freezes in Fl. US Express and Covenant have those regional dollar store type deals but it is hard work. Not sure if they let newbies do those runs though. Store to store delivering can really test your driving skills. I have heard good news about US Express that they are going to manual trucks. That's a plus! Scan through Craigslist too. Good luck man, keep in touch!

 

hey chompi, is there anyway you can send me a list of some companies? I am a student also

 

I live in Ft Myers and have been doing research on all the 'starter' companies that will hire me out of my area. Just do your research and read up on what other people have said about the companies you are most interested in.

Being in Lakeland you have more choices then I do. Don't forget CRST, Conway, Werner, Wil Trans, Crete, Prime...

 

Conway hires students?

 

Chances are you will need to do some OTR, so find the company that suits your needs. Just remember they will all say they are better than the rest. Also look into KLLM, I do not know if they hire out of FLA but there starting pay was better than average when I was just starting, lol, I have not yet finished my 1st year myself, but have 90 days on my new job it is local and I drive the city route ( Chicago) since I am the new guy . I only did about 6 months OTR got some o.k. miles and was persistent as hell with the local companies, a lot of LTL and it aint all dock to dock but I am home everynite and that is what I wanted. Point is find a company you can deal with for awhile and take your lumps and always be learning. If you go USEXPRESS stay away from the Dollar Store dedicated, to much to worry about this early in the game. Good luck

 

Awesome thanks for the info. The thing is though I am 29 years old, I have no family and I dont mind staying out and seeing the country. I rode with a friend of mine for 2 months and fell in love with the open rd. We really live in a beautiful country and I want to experience it.

Also, I don't care what kind of driving I do, whether its Dry Van, Reefer, Flat bed, LTL, Whatever, I dont care. I just want to do whats best for me and make the most money as possible.

I also want to learn this business inside and out and one day get my own truck or two. My goal is two years once I start out. I've read to stay away from these lease programs and I think I will unless one really interest me, but I highly doubt that. I've owned a small business since 2007 and have done pretty decent, but its more of a hobby then a career....so I want to do something I enjoy doing.

I'm going to fill out for every company that hires students out of Florida, and get my year in...then If I decide to move onto a better company then I shall....but all this is for is so eventually I can get my own trucking business going. I have family that will help me out if need be, and I myself am pretty savvy when it comes to keeping books and stuff.

Then eventually I would like to have someone else run the business and drive the truck or trucks and finish up my flying career and do that until I retire, or just flight instruct and live the life..lol