Newb and an Over Analyizer...So Many companies and looking for best fit - long

I am certain that this has been a topic that has been beaten to death, but I am going to ask my questions and hope for positive feedback from the experience found here on the forum.

My background; retired from the Navy, so being away from home is a norm for the family and I. I tried a few jobs before turning to a training course to obtain my CDL/Class A DL. I am the son of a trucker driver and have been around them all my life, so i understand the job and how tough it is.

I am in week three of training and have had a couple of companies come to the school and sell themselves to those of us in class. First company was WEINER and as attractive as they made things, my research has found that they are at the bottom of my list=JUST NOT worth the headaches. TRANS AM was the second company and they also had very nice equipment, seem to have a decent program, but still concerned from the numerous posts I have found here - negative ones that is. We are getting visits from CT and McELroy this week, but I am not really all that attracted to the flatbed community. Not ruling flatbed out, just not sure it is what I want to do. Also have have USX coming in for a visit, but I could hear the propaganda from all the companies and they are all going to make it out to be the best place to work, so I feel like I am moving in slow motion in my decision(s).
I really want to get some applications filled out and moving in the right direction, but again, I am having a challenge on who to go with.

A little about where I am located/my situation:

- I am in Johnsonville, SC (about 45 miles east of I-95 and 40 miles SE of Florence, SC).
- Willing to do what I have to for the first year, to get the experience under my belt.
- Prefer VANS and non-HAZMAT loads, but I am not opposed to HAZMAT or going reefer/flatbed/tanker. I am NOT going to entertain tandem trailers (two or more).
- Prefer an AUTO until I can build up stamina behind the wheel of a large vehicle (will drive straight drives without question, but I like the AUTO idea a lot). I am an excellent driver and can do it for hours, but driving these tractors is not a car/truck/van that is for sure! I have a much LARGER amount of respect for you long-haulers that have been doing this for years.
- Want a "take your rig home" situation. Do not want to have to pack/unpack a tractor every time I take any home time.
- Looking for a company that supports "HOME TIME" as that, HOME TIME, not their terminal, but my house. I hear and have read the HOME TIME nightmares, but as it is for most, it is VERY important for me to be home with my two little ones when I request the time off. Again, I am prepared for the worst, but what company is best for making sure your home time is executed as close to your request?
- NOT interested in any LEASE options!
- FINALLY...for newb drivers like myself, what companies are the best for wet behind the ear drivers?

Help me decide on a "HANDLE"

BIG SEXY
CHIEF
GATOR



I am a retired SUBMARINE Navy Chief, so maximizing small spaces is easy for me and to be honest, the more that is offered in the tractors the company provides is attractive to me. With my Navy Chief training, I am able to work with schedule changes and conflicts as they arise, but I want to feel like the company gives a "bleep" about their drivers.

Thanks for the time and sorry about the lengthy first post.

Micah

 

Thanks for your suggestions and post. We are going to be doing a lot more driving this week, so I will get a much better feel for the straight drive ten speed trans we are training with. Again, I am not ruling it out and I know there are pros and cons to both set ups.

I will look into Watkins Shepard.

I served on the SAND LANCE when it moved to Groton, CT and three boats out of Hawaii; OLYMPIA, LOS ANGELES, and LOUISVILLE.

I also served at HS-11 (helicopter squadron out of NAS JAX) and deployed to the Persian Gulf twice on the USS AMERICA (CV-66).

Micah

 

I think I maybe outside of their hiring area.

 

LOL! Gay remarks is all we know in the SUB FORCE. LMAO! Great point. I have been leaning on GATOR, but CHIEF is what I have been called for the last several years, so that maybe the one for me.

I really am torn on what company is the right one. There are so many and I seriously want to get a head start and get some pre-hires done.

 

Very sound advice and you make some very great points. Sort of my thinking as well, just hoped there'd be a gold path to awesomeness somewhere.

I am going to just apply; apply and apply. See what happens and make the the best of my opportunities.