Need advise regarding Pre-hire letters and initial applications

Starting the Pre-hire process as many of you have suggested.

I live in the Sacramento area. After researching the various companies
that work with new grads, I have narrowed the search. A couple of
important priorities for the long-haul.

1. I never ever will lease a truck or become an "owner-operator"

2.I know I need experience (1 to 3 yrs) OTR before moving to regional /intermodel in the
Northern CA area.

With the above in mind, I am starting the pre-hire/application process. I have a short list:

1. Central Refridgerated Freight: it appears that CRF is making the lease/owner a big priority; however,
the initial Training seems reasonalble.

2. Con-Way Freight (OTR): This new grad training appears to be the most comprehesive and the
company seems organized with many options after OTR training an 1-2ys experience.

3. Knight Trucking: Appears to have a interesting training program called "Squire".

4. U.S. Express: Appears to be a better than average training.

I would like your recomendations as to the better programs; also, you could list 1,2,3,4.

Please keep in mind that I never want to lease I do not want to be discriminated aganist by companies that
push the lease, if any. Your information is very much appreciated

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look in to Roehl as well. You do not think that CRF will push the lease hard? From the web-site the lease in #3 on their "Path to Success"; however, all of the comments regarding Central have been positive.

I thought that Con-way being large would have all of the other forms of transportation due to their size. If at all possible I would like to work and not have to change companies to get what I want;
hoever, that may be wishful thinking on my part. Please let me know if you have any further suggestions. Thank You!

 

I wil make sure to look and systemtrans. Their website does not list qualifications, perhaps I need to talk to the recruiters to get the full picture. They do seem to have good coverage in the SAC area.

I will also look at Roehl as well.

Initially I was leaning to Con-way just do the comments of other drivers(have seen very little negitive) and over all Con-way has been reccommend to many as a good "starter" company. Also comments have been made about the staff as being personable and professional. I do understand your advice about th e dry van vs. reefer especially here in CA there is do much food that needs refridgeration and transportation to the Mid-west and East. Miles would seem to be good.

I also suppose for a student driver the pay per mile is similar with all of the companies are about the same. I appreciate your response please give me direction if I am off track especially with Con-Way.