Rolling The Dice | Which Company Is Best?

Hey there brothrens! First off want to thank all you all for taking the time to post on here about your experiences, and offering new advice to 'newbies'! Because of this I was able to stear clear of C1 and prevent myself from getting into the "signing your life away" racket! (Although, if this is the only way you can make it, it's better than no way!) However, thanks to your advice I checked out a CDL School near my area and found out they offer a free-ride scholarship/grant with no strings to those in need. I definitely qualified. So now I'm getting FREE training, a FREE CDL, and already pre-hired with no commitments to 2 companies. So here's my next questions guys:

When somebody mentions Valley Transport, Werner, of Swift do you think "Nice, great job!" or "Oh no, stay away!" . lol.​

 

I know nothing of Valley Transport. When I hear the word Werner, I shudder. When I see SWIFT, I think of all the comments I've seen on here and other transportation forums about how dangerous some of their drivers are. THAT BEING SAID. I have no personal experience with any of them...and I'm sure there are dumb and dangerous drivers at every company just as there are 4 million milers who are some of the safest drivers out there.

You have come to the right place to ask questions. Injun will give you the low down on SWIFT and seems to be a straight shooter. Most anyone here will likely steer you away from Werner. They are like a puppy mill that raises greyhounds. Of the three, seeing as how I know nothing about Valley and hate Werner...I'd have to choose SWIFT.

My advice not having an OTR experience myself and going by what I read across the interwebz...find a small mom and pop shop who's willing to give you a shot before committing to a large company like the ones you mentioned above. I wish you luck and much prosperity regardless of what decision you make.

 

I have never heard of Valley Transport, maybe perhaps someone else has.
As for the others, Swift/Werner, they may not be the greatest, but drivers and other's still work there. I would "investigate" more deeper into Valley Trans. first.

Good luck to you, and keep us up to date.

 

Is that the Valley Transport in Brownsville, TX? (or somewhere like that) I know no one there but see them around, and based on my PERCEPTIONS of the 3, I'd bet Valley would keep you moving better, and more miles. But more miles does not translate to more money if they pay poorly and offer few benefits. However, Valley (the one I'm thinking of) may have half their fleet dedicated to team operation and that may not be something you'd be interested in.

 

In my opinion, Schneider is an excellent company for new drivers. They will show you how to do it safely. They keep their trucks in excellent shape and if you do not go through their training school then there is no obligation.

 

I agree with the thought of finding a mom and pops company. Stay away from all lease programs. Look in to UPS. Maybe driving a day cab at first would benefit you in the long. Good luck..

 

So I looked into Valley Transport, apparently they are a small company located in Ashland, Ohio, they specialize in flatbed deliveries. It looks like they are only running about 35-50 trucks right now. According to a "recruiter" I talked too, they are a really good company...

Reference: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...05jDAg&usg=AFQjCNF4zfk7FyPcRzoDC3lc7Y1GeSn0nA

 

50 trucks and they need a recruiter?

 

Valley Transport is a small covered wagon compnay out of Ohio. I have 2 friends that have driven for them and both recommend them. They are far and way better then your typical OTR driver mills.

 

Im starting with valley on march 12th. They have 130 trucks and looking to expand but not by much. Jim seems like a straight shooter. From everybody i have talked to about the company.. outside of valley... they all have said there a good company. I talked to a couple of drivers i saw a truck stops and they had nothing but good things to say about them. They pay 25% of 100% and they do not skim off the top. You get paid 100% of the load itself. They haul steel and aluminun coils. The drivers said they have been home every weekend except maybe 2 or 3 a yr. If you want to stay out they wont argue. If you have a family issue they will get you home. The only downside is for the first 6 months you have to take the truck to the termanal. This is to make sure your keeping the upkeep of the rig and that your securing your loads right. They said if your doing that week after week then they can let you take your truck home sooner then 6 months. If you want to know anything else just let me know!