Newbie in Need of Advice

I appreciate all the feedback. As mentioned in my initial post, my CDL road test was scheduled for yesterday morning. Unfortunately, I was unable to test due to a thunderstorm. The Examiner gave me the dreadful spill, “For safety reasons, the DMV does not test in lightning.” So, I rescheduled for the next available test day… which is two weeks out. That’s the closest date between two DMVs! So now I’m waiting on a call back from both DMVs trying to get a closer test date.

Anyhow, I spoke with Superior-Carriers and like @I'm not a robot said I don’t meet their qualifications. I’m being told that I need experience. I spoke to a few additional companies yesterday and was told the same thing.

Also, I spoke to another Schneider recruiter, this time in person. I was told, Schneider pays tankers 39 CPM loaded and empty, accessorial pay (stop-offs, detention, layover, training $79/day, short-haul w/ premium, hazmat), and bonuses. Three pay raises in the first year. Hazmat 1/3 of loads. Drivers average around 1800-2000 miles/week.

All while CTL pays 45 CPM loaded and empty, accessorial pay (stops, detention, breakdown, layover, training $100/day, short-haul, hazmat), and bonuses. Two pay raises in the first year: 48 cents @ 6 months, 50 cents @ 1 yr. Have to double check drivers’ average miles/week. I know it’s more than Schneider but don’t have the exact number at the moment. CTL also has more hazmat loads.

So, I’m leaning heavily towards CTL over Schneider.

I spoke to a TransAm recruiter in person a few weeks ago, the pay wasn’t there. A buddy of mine started there last week. He’s an old timer with a lot of experience, rightfully making much more than what they’re offering new cdl grads.

@Chinatown @Traveling Fool looking into Crete, Shaffer and Watkins-Shepard.

 

Long lost twin! I have read your thread, it was very informative! Don't know why I didn't think to tag you. But hey your here now. Small world! Miller Motte was my school of choice but ended up going a different route... I thought they would be more accepted by companies but I guess not. Anyhow, I appreciate the info.

 

I'm not opposed to the training process, I'm a newbie I want all of the training I can get. I'm just trying to avoid companies that overtly prolong the process. But at the end of the day, I'm just looking for the "right" company. If it takes 2 months of otr training to drive for that "right" company then so be it. Consider it done.