What are some GOOD starter companies?

I started driving two years ago my first job was with U.S. Express. Their not a bad company to work they have great equipment the just want you to run teams in order to get the miles. If your solo you will sit a lot unless your on a dedicated like Dollar General or Dollar Tree then you do pretty good. Only problem on the dedicated accounts is you have to unload the truck. But, overall it wasn't a bad experience. I actually enjoyed the road just didn't like sitting.

 

Starter companies are only as good as you are.

 

There is no "Rookie Hazing". This is a Profession made up entirely of adults.

Most companies that hire Rookies do so because Rookies will work cheap. As a company grows they start adding people to the payroll that do not bring revenue into the company. Everyone of those people subtract from your paycheck. Mega Companies also compete with each other and undercut on price until there is very little leftover for the driver. Those companies need to mess around with your DAC as they need a continual stream of new drivers.

You need to put in two years before you can get the really good jobs in trucking. If you have an accident in those two years it does not ruin your career as that is the time accidents are most likely to happen. You are suppose to learn as much as you can in those first two years. Driving down the interstate at 70 miles and hour during the summer is probably something you know how to do. What you need is to go with a company that puts you into as many learning opportunities as you can. That means you what to drive solo and make shorter runs so that you have more backing. You want to run all 48 states to experience the ups and downs of mountain driving. You want to stay out on the road 3 weeks at a time to get the full experience of what it means to live in a truck. You want to drive in all kinds of weather. Learn to chain up.

What is the best companies for that? They all are. Which company will pay you the most and give you plenty of home time? None of them. Just go with any company that will hire you. Keep your nose clean and ask for help from other drivers anytime you need it. I still ask for help with blindside backing. I have yet to have a driver say to me that they would rather I hit their trailer then help me pull in.

You are new. We get that. Any company that hands you a set of keys is handing you a job that once you become an Owner Operator could pay you $250,000 a year. Even CR England is doing you a favor by hiring you. Do your best for whatever company is dumb enough to hire you.

 

One thing you don't say is where you live. Some companies have hiring areas. Are you going van or flatbed with Western Express? Stay away from their van division as that is what is hurting their CSA. Give Sally at Abilene Motor Express a call.

 

Where is home? That helps us , help you .

 

Western Express flatbed is as good as any to get back on the road.
Every company has a few jerk drivers; just put them in their place right off to shut them up. If they're so smart they would be at corporate level. You're there to get back on the road and dealing with some jerk isn't part of that process.
There's other companies that will work with you also:

Schneider Bulk
Pride Transport
Paschall Truck Lines
Super Service

Out of all these I would pick Schneider Bulk if you have the tanker/hazmat endorsements.