Michigan drivers!!

NTB takes students, decent hometime (sometimes every couple days,) assigned a truck but if your on hometime and they need it they will put a driver in it so you may not see it for a few weeks, havent heard the drivers complaining.

 

I don't know much about any of those companies. I work for a small mom & pop shop. We've just added a couple of new accounts that are fairly large so we're actively looking for more drivers at the moment. But they require 2 years of experience so that's not going to work for students.

However if anyone else is in SW Michigan and is interested, send me a PM and I'll get you the contact info.

 

The CRST you see are drivers with no loads to go anywhere cuz CRST has no freight to move them!!!!

 

Payooper, how do u know that about CRST? I mean if they don't have freight then how are they still in business? I don't work for them, but just want to know what facts you have to backup your post.

 

I'm still working there, D.A. And -DUH- SITTING 5 DAYS!!!!!!!

 

Not trying to burst your bubble but those mega-carriers use stuff like regional runs and dedicated runs to get you to sign up with them. Most of the time those runs are reserved for those who have seniority with the company. Not saying it won't happen but I would just take it with a grain of salt. Unless they put it in writing (which is highly unlikely) then I really wouldn't count on it.

With that said, if you are planning on going over the road and spending the time and money to get into this career I would be fully prepared to expect to stay out there ffor 6-8 weeks at a time. When you see those advertisements that say you can make $40g's trucking its those who put in the time out there that are making the money. Doing 7-10 or even 14 day runs isn't going to cut the mustard. Also if you are wanting more home time your dispatcher is going to utilize you for making everyone else's pick ups and deliveries and they give the good miles and runs to those who stay out. Its a big pain in the butt for a dispatcher to arrange home time for a driver so you definitely won't make their favorite list!

There is money to be made out there as long as you go about it right and like I said, are willing to do the time. Also when you do get some seniority you will be able to move up to a dedicated or regional position within the company and be home a little more often.

I would personally strongly recommend you try and find a smaller company and try to avoid the mega-carriers. Your chances of success will be much greater and you will be more apt to be treated like a human being instead of a number. Take the time and do your research. The companies that have the lower turn over rates don't advertise as much and are harder to find. Don't you personally find it strange that a company has to spend millions of dollars in advertising to get YOU to work for THEM?!

Good luck....