Where is the best place...

My suggestion to you Starr, is to try to gather your list of "preferred" companies, then prioritize them by the length of their training program. I think it's fair to assume, that the longer the training period, the better training you'll have at the end of it. Even if you go with a company that has you team as part of the training (generally frowned upon), if it's only past a certain point, you know you at least have someone to ask questions when needed and to help you back. I've heard of trainers letting their students do all the backing when teaming as well, although you can't count on that because it's illegal (HoS). You may be able to get the training length off the companies website, otherwise you should call up a recruiter and have a talk with them.

Speaking of teaming, maybe you wanna give that a shot. If you're worried about backing, bring a spotter with you. It's generally pretty good pay (US Xpress 48 CPM) as a new driver, if you can deal with driving teams (theres plenty of downsides to it).

 

Talk to companies that do teams. While I think it's a good idea if you'd like another person with you anyway, I'd only suggest doing them if they pay well enough, as in close to 50 CPM. I would not "bother" with teaming for 35 or so like some companies offer. Anyway, talk to the companies. All or most of them will have some kind of matching system for you, I know US Xpress does, as well as Schneider. One thing about teaming though, is that hometime will probably be tough, unless you are lucky enough to have them find you a partner that lives very close to you, don't expect to come home every other week. The point of doing teams is to drive hard, and that's what they're gonna have you do.

 

i've never drivern for,nor will i,a mega carrier.you ask for opinions so i'll offer mine-start at a small carrier by knocking on doors as opposed to calling and/or emailing.you just may be pleasantly greeted and offered a position and they will let you ride along w/a current employee to get you acclimated.

NEVER team unless it is out of pure necessity or you are married to your co-driver. i never had to but then when i started,i just started.you'll be fine alone behind the wheel.you newbies have enough restrictions on you as it is,as in qualcom,less than posted speed limit trucks,elogs,all that sheeit.why have some idiot trainer/co driver barking at you all day and night? for the most part,the idiot "trainer"has only been driving for a year longer than what you have been. want to pick up their perfect driving practices that they've aquired in that short time behind the wheel?

i'd like to think not.
you will be fine regardless so lose the appehension(s) as we all had to have the first time to deal with-

 

why assume that they will before you inquire? as i declared,you may just be pleasantly greeted and treated simply because you showed up in person as opposed to via an email or phone call.you are crippling your chances with that negative attitude man-

 

keep on knocking as it will pay off.especially knoock on the ones that you've already knocked on.if you truly want to work,make it happen.any company appreciates a go getter-

 

You should definitely try local companies, anyone here will tell you that, but if you already did that, there isn't much point in going and doing the rounds again... Also, I've never heard someone trash training time before. Get as much as you think you need, you have a lot of accountability on you, make sure you're comfortable. The "better" mega carriers have pretty good training programs, working for one for a year or 2 can't be that bad, it's just a launch point for you career. Even doing 6 months at one could change the minds of those local guys that want 1 year experience.