Looking to choose the right company...looking for some advice

Greetings from Houston Texas!

I've been seriously considering a carreer change and becoming a OTR trucker. I've read a lot of the comments already. Some of it is encouraging, others....well, not so much.

I want to thank all of you who took the time to write what you did. I am getting an education about life as a driver. This i'm pretty sure was not available to new drivers like me even a few years ago. This forum is a wonderful service to someone like me trying to learn what the industry and life as a driver is all about.

Now at least when I make a decision, it won't be with rose colored glasses on. The struggles of one's first year are very apparent.I suppose some call those struggles "paying your dues".

Anyway, my situation is this. It seems to me the companies the have a drivers training program that I am looking for, such as Roehl or PAM are based in the Mid-west. Being in Houston, I would think they would not have an interest in me, being that I live in Texas. For me, keeping busy is a prority.My question is this...being based in Tx, is it more likely that I would see less runs? IOW, is being from Texas a disadvantage to me with any of these two companies?

If so, which company would be best for me to consider being from Texas and in need of training?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Dan

 

Btw, I also contacted SWIFT. I would appreciate any feedback and or impressions you have of them....

Thanks.

 

My advice is to find a community college in your area that offers a CDL program. Get your CDL through them that way you can choose whatever company you want to drive for. If you go through a trucking company to get your CDL, then they will own you for quite a while.

Once you get your CDL, take a look at Transport America, Crete, Roehl, and May.

I have heard good things about Millis. They have a training program. That would probably be the only trucking company that I would suggest you look at training through.

 

HEY!! A fellow Brett Favre fan/Packer fan who lives in Houston? Well, I live in Galveston, atleast I did until Ike, don't know if I still have a home or not kind of doubt it.
I went to school through Sage School down at the Brazosport College but they are no longer in business so thats out. If you have the money, surely pay for it yourself, I think there is a Roadmaster school in San Antonio, or as the above poster stated check into community colleges, pretty sure San Jacinto has a good program. Try to find a school that takes you out on the road one on one, you and the trainer. Too many schools put 3-4 students in a truck and let each one drive 2-3 hours, then give them all credit for 8-10 hours of driving......watching is not the same as driving.
Now, if out of your pocket is not an option and you want miles and stability, I would say to hop in with Swift. Sure, I'll get bashed now, but I've been with Swift for 18 months, the Houston terminal has a couple great guys.....Denny and Wes are super driver friendly, they are happy to help. I only know about my DM but I sure have no complaints. He is honest and keeps me moving. Miles are getting harder and harder to come by but they keep me rolling. You can catch a bus, or drive yourself up to Lancaster, south of Dallas, go through school and have your own truck 6 weeks later. I don't think they run a school out of the Houston terminal.
I figure it is what you make of it......come in with a positive attitude and be responsible with your truck and they'll keep you busy.
I'll check back in a day or two so if you have any questions feel free to ask away, I'm in Boise on my way up toward Tacoma then a couple days off. Good luck to you whatever you choose,
hope I helped