Jumpin' In The Deep End....

I would suggest, maybe you already have, you read everything you can on this web site on good and bad companies. But, just because one person has a bad experience with a company, doesn't mean it will be bad for you. I would try and find a few drivers with more than 5 years at that company to get their views.
I don't and have never done OTR, so what do I know. My first job was in a concrete truck. At least you are paid for all the hours you work and ot over 40.

 

If you have income and time then you can go out and search for your own company. You will be in a good position with your CDL and not commited to any company.

You might be able to down load a long list of companies in your area the you can start your research on each company. I would stay away from companies with recruiters. They need recruiters for a reason. If you have a backgroud you can make up a resume and attach that to your applications, it doesn't hurt. You 'll just have to get out and look. You should exhaust this method IMHO before you sign on with the bigger companies that you see recruiting all the time. You never know until you look and you have a better chance on finding a good company instead of just going to the bad 5 or 10 because there're easy.

If you find a really good company go and talk with them, EVEN IF THEY SAY THEY DON'T HIRE NEW DRIVERS. Tell them you're looking at their company and you'll do what it takes to drive for them. If they require a couple of years OTR then tell them you go off and do that but you want to work for them. Then after you put your application in go back once a month or so and check with them. We've hired drivers that do this because it showed us they really wanted to work for us. Keep track on who you've applied with so you can change you application if any of your information changes.

If you're strapped for money then you're kind of forced to go to trucking mills. Then you should try your best to seek out the better of those companies. But expect anything from them because most of them have a high turn over rates. Once you get your eyes on a company then maybe someone here can give you better advice on that company. But if you find one on your own then you'll need to go out and talk with those drivers. And please just don't take one driver's word for the information. Good luck and let us know how it goes.