Profile For Kurt K.

Just started orientation Monday, got on the road to train right now. So far everythings good. From what ive seen, Roehl has a pretty solid training program. I definitly suggest new cdl drivers to check them out!,

Agreed. I think Roehl and Schneider have the best orientation and training. Definitely consider them. They are tough but fair.

I'll toss in my .02 about Schneider. I just left Schneider after spending about a year with them. The reason for leaving was to take what I hope will be a better job with JB Hunt. (For details on that job check out my post "JB Hunt PPG dedicated account") I enjoyed working for Schneider. Here are some reasons why:

Training: I believe their training is excellent. I was prepared well for my first trucking job. Their close maneuvering course got me out of a couple sticky situations. You will spend about 5 days in an intense classroom and field course. Then go out with a training engineer for about 5 days. After that about 3-4 more days in the classroom and on the road. Then of to your new to you truck.

Trucks: I am a non smoker so I turned down my first truck because it smelled like an ashtray. My second truck was trashed and had no right to be on the road. I also said no to this one. My third truck was a very nice 2011 Freightliner Cascadia with 385,000 miles. My point is hold out for a decent vehicle. You live in that more than you live in your house.

People: Everyone was friendly and helpful. My DBL and I hit it off right away and had a great working relationship.

Pay: When I started I was at .31 per mile. When I left I was at .34 per mile. If I had stayed for a full year I would be at .36 per mile. The money for a first year driver was pretty good. I averaged about $750 a week.

Bottom line it's a great company to get your feet wet. and there are many opportunities within the company. I know some driver that have been with them for many years and are very happy. My personal goal was to advance my career more rapidly.

Hope this helps.

I will be going to orientation in East Brunswick NJ next week for a dedicated PPG account out of Buffalo NY. Just wondering if anyone is familiar with this account? Recruiter has told me .42 per mile, average 2200 miles per week, $53k per year, 11 on 3 0ff, 60-70% hazmat, $20 per hazmat load. Does this sound about right? The math seems to work out.

Thanks Brett, I just filled out a Schneider app and will call them tomorrow.

Thanks Dave, that helps a lot.

Hi, I am a new poster to the forum. I first want to thank everyone for the honest feedback that is given. It's nice to read a trucking forum that is not primarily negative. Also, love the new layout.

I have a dilemma that I was hoping some of you might lend your experience to. I have recently graduated from a private driving school and have my CDL A. I have multiple pre-hires and have narrowed it down to four companies. Swift, Roehl, Werner and Western Express. Because of family health reasons I wanted to get the most home time possible (I know wrong business for that). Roehl says 11-14 out 3 days HT, Werner; 1 day for every week out min. 10-12 out, Swift no guarantee on NE regional (I live in Rochester NY) but I could probably get it which would be 6-9 days out 2 home (maybe he means 34 hr reset), Western express guarantees NE regional home weekly for my 34 hr reset. Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

One other question: What are peoples general impression of Western Express. I have done some research and their FMCSA scores are terrible and their Standard and Poor's rating was dropped from stable to negative with a CCC+ in April of 2012. My concern is the stability of the company and its ability to pay its employees. They already have no tuition reimbursement and have lousy training pay. I could overlook those two things if I could trust the company.