Need to make a decision.

Hello everyone. Excellent site, with loads of shared knowledge. I'm just starting off (retired military in 2011), currently in driving school (160 hr program). I will have both hazmat and tanker endorsements when I finish, and I live in near Detroit, Michigan. So far, I've applied with Werner, TMC, Maverick, Schneider, Trans-Am, Knight, and Falcon. I already have offers from Werner, TMC, and Trans-Am. I'd like honest info (from those that actually know) on which company you guys would recommend and which would be a good fit based on my region as well. Looking for decent home time (weekends or a little less is fine after I get through training, I am flexible), and I'm open to hauling whatever (I will have my tanker and hazmat endorsements). Thanks in advance for any info!

 

Go down to the local truck stops and count which ones you see most of.

Then try to talk to some of the drivers. They passing through? Delivering within 100 miles.


Find the local industrial or distribution centers and check the same things out.

 

Back in the day, TMC will run you to death. Werner keeps you constant. You better be a man to run flat bed. It's a hard job. Pays well tho. TMC has faster trucks. They want them kept spotless! Hard to do in winter.

 

Now days the best money is in Haz-mat and tanker (fuel)

 

Good luck finding a bulk hm company hiring 0 experience.

 

The best money is tanker/hazmat as Tony posted. Schneider has a tanker division. It will be hard to make good money & be home every weekend, unless you haul fuel or chemicals with tanker/hazmat. TMC & Maverick are both good companies for flatbed & decent pay though, but tanker/hazmat would be better pay wise.

Check Careerbuilder and Indeed websites for tanker companies in your area. Most will say they require experience, but apply anyway, because many will hire new CDL grads. Get a TWIC & passport so you can cross into Canada and also enter chemical plants and port facilities. This will increase your chances of good paying tanker employment.

I was OTR 48 states & Canada, tanker/hazmat hauling liquid & drybulk. I also did flatbed & reefer OTR, but made the best money with tanker/hazmat. I will admit, I loved flatbedding. Here is a list of a few of many good companies you can sift through; check their terminal locations on the websites.

Clean Harbors
Foodliner ( 3 tanker divsions)
trans-system (tanker/reefer/flatbed)
Miller Transporters
Tankstar
A&R Transport
Quality Distribution
Tribe Transport (tanker division)
Bulkmatic
Superior-Carriers
Groendyke

 

There have been several on here the past few months that got those jobs right out of school.. One hauls fuel for Loves truck stops & a few others haul chemicals. If you get the endorsements & TWIC, and bold enough to apply, it happens.

 

Especially true with 'retired military' on the resume. Says STABLE, DEPENDABLE, PROFESSIONAL, CLEAN CUT all over it. Huge selling points for an employer wanting to fill a tanker job.

 

I would recommend none of those companies you have listed in your OP. With your background and the fact you are getting your CDL on your own, there is no reason to have to start out with a mega "starter" company. Start with looking at smaller trucking companies in your area. Oftentimes they pay better and have better working conditions.


Don't assume just because you are a new driver that you have to "settle" for a starter company.

 

I just love it when a rookie that already knows everything chimes in....It may be hard, but there are companies that hire tanker drivers right out of school.