Millis, Crete...etc

I called them today. They said they require you to go through their own school or "approved" school, or have at least 4-6 months experience to work for them. One was even very quick to hang up without saying goodbye or "thank you for considering us" or along those lines...and I'm always very polite and pleasant on the phone, SPECIALLY with a potential employer.

I called US Xpress and for the New England Regional run, they pay $490 for training 4 weeks, then you have to team up with another driver (not a trainer) and you only get .22/mile (.44 split)....ouch

That sounds pretty crummy, wage wise. I would look into Knight. They are a great beginner company and pay much better.

I am at Veriha. They are also totally awesome, I completely recommend them, but they only run in the upper midwest. I mostly run Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. But, they have gotten me home EVERY weekend so far.

Think about it. A 44 cpm split is pretty good for a new driver. USXpress does have people team in the beginning, however, you fill out a questionnaire online and they match you with someone compatible. You can also choose your own co-driver. Think about it. . The truck runs 20 hours a day and you get paid for ALL miles. If the truck runs 1000 miles per day, you've made $220 each.. now figure a week. $1100/wk is easily achieved as a brand new driver. Just something to think about. After that initial teaming period, you are free to go solo.

Yes, Crete is picky about the schools they hire from. Their trucks, their rules. So is Millis, but they are some of the top paying companies. They CAN be choosy.

I thinnk when it comes to team driving you need to think about the wages a little differently. I haven't done team, so correct me if I'm wrong.

On the surface -.22 cpm seems ridiculously low, but that truck is going to be turning double the amount of miles. I think it will average out in your favor most of the time. The truck is no longer confined to a 14 hour clock. I would try to think of it as you are getting paid .22 cpm bonus for miles you don't even drive or just think of it as you are getting the whole .44dcpm (since you should be turning double miles anyway)

OMG......didn't realize that you were getting paid driver or sleeper!! Oh, wow. Ok.

OMG......didn't realize that you were getting paid driver or sleeper!! Oh, wow. Ok.

Teaming seems to be not bad if you don't mind the other individual you're with. That's the way I would personally like to go.

I called them today. They said they require you to go through their own school or "approved" school, or have at least 4-6 months experience to work for them. One was even very quick to hang up without saying goodbye or "thank you for considering us" or along those lines...and I'm always very polite and pleasant on the phone, SPECIALLY with a potential employer.

I called US Xpress and for the New England Regional run, they pay $490 for training 4 weeks, then you have to team up with another driver (not a trainer) and you only get .22/mile (.44 split)....ouch

Crete is very picky, it'll even say right there on their website that they are not known to hire new drivers. But as one mentioned earlier their pay is pretty legit.

Yes, .44 cpm team rate is not poor pay at all. How long do they require you to team for? Teaming has its own set of extra challenges, so sometimes it isn't really worth it for drivers who would otherwise go solo.

Basically how teaming works, all miles are paid to the truck then evenly split between the two drivers. Some days you'll drive more, some days your partner will. Simply depends on loads/unloads and who is on duty, but yes, double the miles and you'll get your half of it all. It's actually a pretty sweet deal, providing you don't end up with a lazy co-driver.

Another plus side is when you're new, 2 heads can be better than 1. A little company and reassurance in those first months.

A downside would be finding your co-drivers skills or personality frightening. In this case, call and say personality differences and get off the truck as soon as they can pair you with a new .. victim.. I mean co-driver.

I knew USXpress did this, but it had slipped my mind. Despite the forced teaming period, I'd still consider them strongly, but that's my personal opinion. YMMV.

I am currently a new student with Crete. They pay $600 for 8 weeks of training. For 4 weeks the trainer is next to you the entire time helping and answering questions. Great starting pay as well, after the 8 weeks of training its between .34 and .36 per mile and then after a full 6 months solo it jumps to .44 to .46. I could me mistaken on that part by a cent or two but you get the idea. I live in Lincoln so I am real close to their terminal. I just completed week 4 of training. I believe next I start something called super solo. Not sure what that is yet but I look forward to some alone time up front.