Recruiters! Are there any that work for the Driver instead of the Company?

I have been reading these forums for a couple weeks and have found alot of useful information. I am 41 and trying to make an informed decision to pursue my CDL. I already passed my permit test, DOT physical and pulled my MVR. I want to make sure there isn't anything that will trip me up. I may even rent a truck and get my CDL on my own, but will still need training.

I am contacting companies and schools, but I am wondering are there Recruiters that work for drivers and wannabe's to find the best fit, instead of just trying to recruit for individual companies?

Thanks in advance.

 

They're out there, but they might often "push" a driver towards a carrier that might not be the best fit for an additional $35. Just talk to a half dozen or so recruiters (independent or company) and you'll begin to get a sense of how they "operate". Don't tell them (the company recruiters) what you're looking for, because many will tell you what they think you want to hear. Let them "sell" you on their company. Then digest it all, think about your training options, then you'll be in a better position to begin the "shopping" phase again, with a better idea of what to ask, look for, avoid, and expect.

Keep your expectations (about the carrier and the job) reasonable and expect surprises, good and bad, once you get going. Give consideration to those with a maintenance terminal near your home town. Wether you want to roam 48 states and be out 3-4 weeks or need to run regional and have a bit more home time will affect your choices the most. Being in GA, you will not be limited in your options/choices.

I'd go to a truckstop and pick up several of the "trucking publication" (free) near the front door. They are full of full-page "help wanted" ads and will mention if they train and/or take new CDL holders.

 

Keep in mind youre earnings in youre first year will be terrible. If possible try and talk to a company driver that started out as a rookie for the company that you are researching, they can shoot you straight on money and what to expect. Recruiters that I have spoken too, even as an owner operator, tend to over estimate what you will earn. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the info.

Earnings are not as important right now as making a good decision on who to go with.

Does anyone have contact information for a independent recruiter that puts the driver's interests first?

 

Recruiters work for a company, and their company by god is the greatest to ever put tires on our interstates.

They're all worms. I fell for one, but stuck it out for a year to get where I needed to go. They promised the $30k job for the first year, but that turned into a $18k job once I turned down their lease program. They'll tell you that you'll be moving and earning money the entire time through your rookie year, but more often than not you'll be sitting at a TA earning 34 hour reset after a 30 hour work week. Just do your time and get out, best advice that I can give. After 6 months some dedicated jobs will be available depending on where you're living, after a year you can pretty much go to wherever you want to go.

Don't let these rookie recruiters fool you - the first year OTR sucks. They'll promise that you'll see places you've never seen in this country - what they fail to tell you is that you'll see them overnight during the winter and scream at you over the phone and qualcomm if you can't get to your destination on time. I went through it, you likely will to. Just be safe and make sure that you get to the end of your first year.

 

When I talked to the recruiter he didnt say anything about Vietnam.

 

The world is cruel, and trucking rates right up there. Good luck in your quest.

 

mine did !! lol oh, your trucking recruiters, sorry.

 

This is the easiest question we received!

Nope!

 

what a great business idea ......talk about double dipping .....company pays me 500 a head and then i charge you 100 to tell you it is the best place for you ...i ;ll even give you a money back garuntee if they don;t buy you lunch