I'm just about to graduate in Idaho, What company is the best to work for?

Central Ref is a pretty well rounded company. Not far from where you are. They run a lot though Boise. Central is large enough to keep you busy yet small enough to treat you like a human being. Maybe check out some of the Central threads on this website.

Also I think ACT is out by you and they are a pretty decent company.

 

The "best" company is the one that fits you best. Do your homework. Use the information you get on trucker forums, but don't make decisions based on what others say. Their experience might or might not help you.

I've been doing homework for months and it has helped me make a decision, though it is not final yet. And by "homework," I mean checking public records, the DOT's SMS site, calling recruiters, talking to other drivers at truck stops, reading everything I can here on TheTruckersReport.com, and balancing what I learn against my own needs, wants, and desires. And my own personality.

 

Denalidad is right! No matter what everyone says about this company or that company you need to find one that is going to best fit you. I may absolutely hate a company and not be making any money, but you may find you love it and are making great money!

It's like asking everyone what is the best fruit to eat!

Start by asking yourself if you would prefer working for a large company or smaller mom and pop company. Whatever answer you get from there gear yourself at looking through websites and such to find out more about those companies. Here are some sites that may help....

http://www.truckdrivingjobsin.com/

http://www.newtruckdrivingjobs.com/student_%20driving_%20job.php

 

Also, remember that you will begin your career at the bottom of the pile with a starter company, in a safety-related and highly regulated industry that just got new, very restrictive regulations from the DOT designed to enhance highway safety. You are not going to "make good money" until you have shown that you have learned the rules, policies, and procedures, can make your deliveries on time, drive safely, represent your employer properly, and can handle the crap thrown at you over time. Go into it with your eyes wide open and your mouth tightly closed except to learn and speak to your dispatcher or driver manager.

The largest trucking company, Swift Transportation, is a starter company that has low pay and many opportunities to advance and change. It also has an estimated 45% retention rate, meaning that less than half of the drivers that start go to retirement. More than half of the drivers who start with Swift go to other companies. Is that "good" or "bad?" It depends on you and what your career goals might be.

You must identify your goals before picking a company. Then do your homework. It's like chess. Learn the rules and how the play board is laid out, then practice, practice, practice, honing your skills. Nobody starts out as the world champion on Game #1, but eventually someone becomes the champion.

Eventually, you will "make good money," but not right away. Plot your path, bro!