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Retired veteran pursuing a change

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ShortRound77, Jan 22, 2015.

  1. Jan 22, 2015 #1
    ShortRound77

    ShortRound77 Bobtail Member

    21
    12
    Jan 1, 2009
    Sumter, SC
    0
    It's been over 5 years since I've posted here, but I am finally able to pursue a career in trucking. For any who read my previous posts, I was able to save my Air Force career and made it to retirement in August. Since then I have been working in manufacturing, and I am not really satisfied with it.

    I will be attending a private CDL school starting Feb. 16th (provided all my Post 9/11 GI Bill paperwork is completed). I have contacted/applied with Roehl and was told that I should receive a pre-hire letter by next week. While Roehl is, so far, my first choice I'm looking to get several pre-hires prior to going to school so I have more options. I am currently living in South Carolina, but my wife is wanting to move to Kentucky to be closer to her mom. I'm looking for a company that has both rider and pet policies (I know Roehl does not allow pets :biggrin_2552:), and preferably a company that has an apprenticeship program for veterans with the GI Bill. I would like to start out driving van or reefer, and possibly move up to tankers after a bit of experience. Not really interested in flatbedding, but would consider curtainside if there is enough demand for them to get decent miles. The companies I'm looking at in adition to Roehl are:


    US Xpress
    Prime
    Schnieder
    KLLM
    Earl L Henderson
    Con-Way
    Celadon
    Superior Carriers

    I know that not all these companies meet everything I'm looking for, but I'm willing to compromise if the pay/mileage is worth it. Any advice anyone may have about the companies I've listed (or any others I may not have considered) would be greatly appreciated.

    I'm sure I have probably forgotten something, but I guess I can post later as questions come up.

    Thank You
     
    ShortRound77, Jan 22, 2015
    ShortRound77, Jan 22, 2015
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Jan 22, 2015 #2
    G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    Dec 10, 2014
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    Con-Way (truck load/OTR) can be a good option for a reason or two. If there is a Conway LTL terminal near you, you might be able to park your rig on the property, something of which where to park a rig on home-time is never considered or thought of by newbies. Also being a Con-Way driver and if you tire of the road, you (I would think) could easily slide into a local job at the Conway terminal as a city or line haul driver? So in other words, your foot would have been in the door faster than anyone else?
     
    G.Anthony, Jan 22, 2015
    G.Anthony, Jan 22, 2015
    #2
  4. Jan 22, 2015 #3
    TNMT

    TNMT Light Load Member

    226
    229
    Nov 11, 2008
    Front of keyboard
    0
    US Xpress NO
    Prime ??
    Schnieder Would be a good choice for tanker training
    KLLM NO
    Earl L Henderson Don't know anything about them.
    Con-Way ???
    Celadon NO
    Superior Carriers ???
     
    TNMT, Jan 22, 2015
    TNMT, Jan 22, 2015
    #3
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  5. Jan 22, 2015 #4
    Snowshoes

    Snowshoes Heavy Load Member

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    664
    Sep 23, 2012
    Pleasant Grove, Utah
    0
    I was contacted by Con-way. They seemed okay from what I was told by their recruiter. I did not accept the offer because I would have to go out with a trainer for the entire training time, I cannot remember how long they said, but it was awhile, like starting brand new. (I had a break in my drive time due to Military commitment).

    I was offered a dedicated route with Pride so I am going with them instead. I will still have to go out for an evaluation period of 2 weeks.
     
    Snowshoes, Jan 22, 2015
    Snowshoes, Jan 22, 2015
    #4
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  7. Jan 22, 2015 #5
    ArmyMP

    ArmyMP Light Load Member

    82
    21
    Dec 15, 2014
    Watertown, NY
    0
    I also retire from the Military later this year.

    right now my #1 choice is TMC. Also considering US Xpress mainly because of their higher entry pay for veterans. My friend (also a vet) drives for Covenant and loves it!
     
    ArmyMP, Jan 22, 2015
    ArmyMP, Jan 22, 2015
    #5
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  8. Jan 23, 2015 #6
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    170,039
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Rider/pet policy:

    Navajo Express
    Total Transportation
    H.O. Wolding
    Pride Transport

    I'm sure there's others, but of those on this list I would flip a coin between Navajo Express and Pride Transport. Navajo Express has HVAC APU and inverter installed. Pride Transport has XM radio, satellite TV, refrigerator installed.

    If you plan to take a pet or rider, I wouldn't deal with any company that wants you on accounts that driver unloads such as Dollar General or some garbage account like that.
     
    Chinatown, Jan 23, 2015
    Chinatown, Jan 23, 2015
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    Snowshoes Thanks this.
  9. Jan 23, 2015 #7
    White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

    3,161
    3,807
    Feb 11, 2008
    Iowa
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    Stick with Roehl...they are just as good or better than anyone else on that list, and you're already in process with them.
     
    White Dog, Jan 23, 2015
    White Dog, Jan 23, 2015
    #7
    123456 Thanks this.
  10. Jan 23, 2015 #8
    Moon_beam

    Moon_beam Heavy Load Member

    885
    1,285
    Aug 29, 2012
    0
    ABF Freight has a Veteran policy and according to their web site they have openings in Lexington and Louisville KY. SC has openings in Duncan, Anderson, Florence and Columbia.

    http://careers.abffreight.jobs/search-results

    This is LTL so you would be driving day cabs but possibly working at night and sleeping in the daytime.
     
    Moon_beam, Jan 23, 2015
    Moon_beam, Jan 23, 2015
    #8
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