Newbie in need of advice

Make the most money possible? Are you at all interested in relocating? Williston, ND is hiring oilfield drivers at 80k-100k to start. If money is your #1 concern that would be an option. I don't know as much about the texas oilfields. I live in MT and that's all anyone that knows how to drive talks about. There are day trips out of billings (yes, that's right, home every night) that pay $250 a day for a trip to Williston and back (350-400 miles). So that is an option too if relocation is an option for you.

 

If you want to make a career out of trucking, i recomend geting a job pulling a van or a reefer, running in all 48 states, paper logs, manual transmission and get at least 1 if not 2-3 years with that company before you move on.


Now if you want money, good job, home every weekend, Call Epes Transport.

Watkins Shepard hires from there as well, but its a very physical job hand unloading the furniture not sure if your interested in that. But if you are you'll make $40K-$50K+ your first year. They are a very good company.


Once you get 6months exp look into Millis Transfer they hire new drivers but only from their school.


All 3 of those companies are your best 3 options and are all very good companies.


Personally i recomend you stick with dry vans, as there is allot of BS with reefers that you dont get paid for.





American Trucker

 

as always american trucker is spot on with the advice....

 

I'd say be flexable. If you're willing to stay out 2-3 weeks, VS having to be home every week, or more, you will have more chances at employment.
Team driving takes special people, being able to be stuck in a small box for weeks at a time definately takes it's toll. Team drivers usually have the chance to make more money, theoretically, they get paid for every mile the truck moves, whether you're driving, or sleeping.

 

American Trucker

 

i could not have said it better my self. so why try.

 

Only you can decide which company is best for you. I suggest you make a list of wants and goals. You've got to think outside the box because you know everyone is going the same route in getting a job. They go to school then listen to a recruiter and get hired on with a mega carrier because it's easy. That can be one way but never should be the ONLY way. Talk with recruiters, fillout on-line applications , and go out face to face. Don't let anyone tell you that you can not do your plan because they do not know. Most will tell you what happened to them and that is very limited. So you'll want to cover all your bases that you can. The better companies do not advertise like the mega carriers because they don't have to. And there's some that will take new hires. You'll never know unless you find out from them. I've seen guys get hired on into the gasoline business with no experience because at that time the company need a driver really bad. It's being at the right place at the right time. But you'll never know if all you do is apply from a desk. Use all want you can.

 

oh n by the way i love my reefer, only cause i can haul climate controlled for my semi dedicated runs or pick up an odd dry run like golf carts outta wisconson just to make a back haul less of a distance from drop to reload.

 

I agree with everything AT said except; "All 3 of those companies are your best 3 options". We cant possiably know what "his" best options are but AT, great advice anyway. I concur...