I just got my class a CDL Friday, and I am looking for any info on companies that hire new drivers in the Florence SC area. Also, any advice on endorsements to get, or any info I need as a new driver, thanks !
How old are you? Companies have minimum age requirements. Did you graduate from cdl school? It's good to have hazmat endorsement with any company. If you have a clean record, no criminal record, get a passport or passport card for Canada runs. I can give you names of several companies to choose from.
Freymiller - good refrigerated company. They put new cdl grads through their "Restore Program" so apply for that; it's on the website. Abilene Motor Express - dry van and some refrigerated. Trucks run 72 mph. Titan Transfer - dry van. Trucks governed at 65 until you have been there 12 mos. then they turn it up to 70 mph. Magnum Ltd. - refrigerated trucking. East-West Inc. - www.goeastwestinc.com - dry van - you and your trainer will be running to California and back. Butler Transport - refrigerated trucking. Tyson Foods - refrigerated trucking.
Chinatown, I have read a little about specialized loads and some of the pros and cons but am very new to all of this still. I can imagine that the hazmat endorsement makes one more marketable. The Canada passport is a good idea. I am curious, do the refrigerated loads usually pay more per load than dry van or flat bed?
The pay is pretty much the same for company drivers; refrigerated, dry van, flat bed. Can't give you an answer for owner-operators. Definitely get the hazmat endorsement and a passport card. Unless you plan to travel overseas, you don't need a full passport, just the passport card for Canada.
I am 48, with just one small incident on my 10 year driving record, and my background check is clear back to 1998. I have one more week of cdl class.
You're in a good position then. Submit applications right now; don't wait any longer. Take the best offer or the company most appealing to you. You'll have a job the day you graduate.
