Then who would do it?

I am honest person and render what my experience is both good and bad. I still refer every company I have worked for to date. The one thing that absolutely makes me want to puke is the arrogant Cheerleaders that want you to believe their company's poo poo don't stink. All poo poo stinks.

 

Where do you live? Perhaps some of us can steer you towards a decent company. And Large Trucking companies will be similar to the military in terms of excessive policies and inflexibility. So you'll do OK. Most ex-military adapt well to trucking. When folks tell you that you are just a number on a computer screen, they ain't lying.

 

What city/state will you live in after the service?
The reason I'm asking is so we know the hiring area you will be in. Each company sets their own hiring area.
Consider attending a community college CDL school; they are just as good as the private CDL schools. Your veterans benefits will pay for either school. If you plan to pay out of pocket, the community college schools are cheaper. The main issue is to ensure the school is 160 hrs. or longer.

 

Yes, you listed 2 of my favorites, Millis Transfer and Watkins & Shepard.
Here's some more; it's not too early to start a list for yourself:

SVTN
Schneider Bulk (tanker)
Superior Carriers
CTL Transportation
Melton Truck Lines
Keim TS
System Transport

 

Get tanker experience. I listed 4 tanker companies in the other post that hire new CDL graduates. There are oil field tanker companies that sometimes hire new CDL grads; perhaps someone can give you some names.

 

People are far more likely to complain than praise. That doesn't mean all the complaints are bogus though. There's good and bad in just about everything in life. Some people complain about things that they should have known about before they went to work for the company. I think some people go into it without understanding what it's about. They think cool I get to drive a big truck and don't have a boss or annoying coworkers to deal with every day. Then they learn how much waiting is involved at shippers/receivers, how it's not always easy to find a place to park your truck etc. It can be stressful. I think some people also go into it almost as a last resort type job. They might be in debt and have a nagging wife with a few kids etc. Now in that case time away from home can just make things worse.

Trucking recruiters are the cousins of your USMC recruiters. They want you to sign up and will promise the moon to do it, don't believe all the hype. You found a good site though. There are some companies that most would agree to steer clear of. CR England comes to mind. Finally you should know that I'm not a driver yet, I don't even have a CDL. I do have some trucker friends and have been a long time lurker of this site. The closest I've came to driving a truck is in Euro Truck Simulator 2 lol, good game btw.

 

You will need a TWIC identification. Google for nearest TWIC office. TWIC is for entering chemical plants, seaports, some military bases.