Hello,
I am an Army veteran with very little experience driving trucks. I have my full GI Bill to use. I have a clean driving record, criminal record and don't take any drugs. I am healthy and ready to work.
I live in Boise, Idaho and am currently getting most/all of my endorsements prior to signing for any companies.
My question is what is my best route into trucking? Should I sign with Prime and suck it up for the experience and jump to a more respectable company or are there trucking companies that make exceptions for veterans that I am better off starting in?
Trying to make an informed decision so I am not stuck with a subpar carrier if I could land a job at a better carrier or have a better option I am overlooking. Currently I am looking at Prime just due to their geographic location and they seem to have good equipment and pay well for starters, they also seem to have less horror stories.
I do not have my CDL yet but have a school that has accepted me if I don't find a carrier I like that trains.
I appreciate you all!
Edit: I would preferably like to stay in the western 11 if at all possible.
[PNW][Veteran] What are my options?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Latteralus, Feb 12, 2020.
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Do some research on these companies before hiring on. Many, such as Prime, England, and CRST, are embroiled in driver pay lawsuits year in and year out.
Swift, Werner, and Schneider aren't much better, but they don't require indentured servitude.
Other bad apples to avoid are Pam and USA Trucking. Again with the multiple and continuous class action lawsuits over non payment to drivers.
FFE offers no-cost training. Looks like no strings attached.
FFE > Drivers > Student Driver > Need Training?
Should you be hired on as a trucker somewhere, hold on to that job for at least one year. Once you have one years experience, you can just about pick and choose the company you want to work for.
I like Sunrise, Rich Thompson, and Giltner tanks out of Jerome if you really want to stay close to Boise.Last edited: Feb 12, 2020
Latteralus and OldeSkool Thank this. -
I work for Wilson Logistics in the PNW (heavy haul) division. You could try going through Wilson, I believe they train in Montana somewhere (you think I would know the details, but honestly, I haven't bothered finding out any details, since it's been 27 years since I had to concern myself with driving school). They have 11 Western as well, I believe. As heavy haul, were limited to five states.
autopaint, Latteralus, Chinatown and 1 other person Thank this. -
Please investigate further. Tagging the resident expert on companies to work for...cue the music
@ChinatownLatteralus and OldeSkool Thank this. -
This company also offers Western 11 states running. Pretty sure Wilson has the Veterans Program also.
Training is in Missoula, Montana.
Wilson Logistics
https://www.wilsonlogistics.comautopaint and Latteralus Thank this. -
You might give May Trucking a call. They are a "training" company. Meaning they'll hire you right out of CDL school. They have a yard in Payette, ID. I started my trucking career with them in 2009. Put in my time and moved on. They always treated me fairly.
Last edited: Feb 12, 2020
rachi and Latteralus Thank this. -
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- What is the training process like? Is it mileage based or hours based to A-seat?
- How is pay in orientation/training?
- Do you wait a lot or are you moving?
- How is pay after training? I am looking to go solo.
- Any other info that might be helpful?
Thank you! -
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I am going to start contacting recruiters next week and getting the process going.
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