Smaller Company or Company with Better Equipment

I think if you have the opportunity to go with a small company? I'd do that, if they have a good reputation...

 

.......................

 

I'll take a different tack on this one.
I'd go with a company that runs 2010 or older trucks at the moment.
Since moving inside operations, I've come to realize the incredible amount of downtime with the 2011 engines and newer. There are a lot of bugs still out there and it translates to downtime for the drivers and company.
Yes, the company may be footing the bill, but you, the driver are still sitting there waiting for Cummins to get that engine fixed. It's virtually always related to the DEF. Sensors, filters, etc.
I was speaking with our service department about this (thought it was my imagination) and they confirmed the downtime with the newer engines is more than six time greater than the older ones. The highest failure rate is between 225,000 and 350,000 miles.
They'll get this fixed eventually, but in the meantime, I'd look for a place where I can have a truck that's a bit older.
Think of it this way. If you're running an average of 400 miles per day (2800 per week) and you're down 15 extra days per year (that's VERY conservative, according to the Cummins rep), it translates to 6,000 miles per year. If you're at the lower end of the pay scale...0.30/m, that comes to $1,800. If you're at 0.40, it comes to $2,400!
Maybe a shiney new truck is worth that to you, but when I was driving, I was doing it to make money!

 

you can buy a plug in inverter that will run your laptop or small items. If you don't have an APU, you can idle.
If you take the fiberglass and doors of the rig, they're much the same....frame, engine, tranny.
I'm speaking of fleet trucks. Some have preferences like a more narrow cab in a 660 or W-900, but they have the same engines, trannys, etc.
Some companies will allow you to install an inverter up to 1500 watts. They may require the installation to be done by their shop (sometimes at a nominal fee). Just ask.
These are areas that smaller companies will often negotiate.

 

I work for a company that has new trucks, APU units and inverters and they aren't all that big but certainly not small. I love having the APU and BY THE WAY!!!! Lol. I have a 2012 KW t700. In almost 200,000 miles, I've not had an actual breakdown yet! Its a good truck. Be safe out there

 

I work for Lessors Inc out of Eagan,MN. Not a bad company at all bit seeing as you're new they aren't a option for you.