So Many Companies To Choose From, And I Can't Decide Where To Apply!

Topic 15389 | Page 1

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Joe Rayz's Comment
member avatar

Good Morning everyone,

This is my first post on the TT forums but I have been lurking...I mean studying on this site for almost a year to learn more about the industry and also using the HighRoad Program. smile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gif I have to say that I don't think I would have passed the Law exams if it weren't for the HighRoad tests that i took multiple times a day before I went and got my permit.

So, fast forward a few months and I have completed a 5 week private school and earned my CDL A last week! I am so excited to be finished with this step of the process and to now start looking for my first driving home. I know that every company won't take drivers that need training, but I am just overwhelmed with the amount of outfits to apply with. I don't want to make a bad choice because I plan on staying with this first company for at least a year. I am planning on going OTR for at least the first year. Is there any training program that you Road Wizards recommend? I say that because i have read a lot of posts and there are some very knowledgeable people on TT and I am glad I chose this site for my Trucking needs!

Thanks in advance,

Joe Rayz

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

OTR:

Over The Road

OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

If you've been hanging out here for any length of time, you know we have tons of material to help you with your company choice.

First, at school, did any company recruiters come by to tell you how great their company is? If you missed that, here a few things to help you with an important decision:

The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking

Trucking Company Reviews

And a job application tool:

Apply For Truck Driving Jobs

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

Joe Rayz's Comment
member avatar

Errol,

Thanks for the info! I guess what i was looking for was right in front of me on this site.

Trucker Kearsey 's Comment
member avatar

Things that were important to.me:

Training
Pay per mile
Pet policy

Decide what is important to you. If you want more hometime be sure to check out the compnay policies on that. If you care about equipment. .. area to run.. terminals... safety.. be sure to investigate.

I went to prime in sept and love it so much everyone here is tired of hearing about it. But.... if you click on my name and read my past comments you can get a real sense of prime and trucking in general.

Terminal:

A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.

Flatie C.'s Comment
member avatar

That is the hard part starting out is to choose what company to start your career. I was in your shoe also but I made a choice.

I went to Abilene Motors and I am very happy with them. Follow what Erol's said and choose whats the best for you. It is dif on every individual.

But goodluck on your choice.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

Sorry this is about food, but it's almost suppertime and this is what came to mind.

You can get a big hamburger at many national chains: McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, and many more. They're basically the same, but each one has its differences. "Secret Sauce", grilled, onions, lettuce, and so on.

Although these are all hamburgers, the source is different: the different recipes, building decor, price.

The same is true for trucking companies. You will get a job driving a truck, and the office people will be pretty much the same. Everybody gets late model equipment. There really is loads and miles for all drivers. Home time is mostly 1 day home for 1 week driving.

But what are the details you want with your job? Truck amenities, pet policy, regions, opportunities for different accounts/ assignments.

That's why we have a long list of List of Questions to ask a Recruiter

Joe Rayz's Comment
member avatar

Thanks to every one for their replies! I definitely have some choices to make, but i will consider all the info that has been presented. All that talk is now making me hungry!! I suppose the devil really is in the details of each company and not just the surface.

Brett Aquila's Comment
member avatar

Also, to be clear, there are no "bad choices" amongst the major carriers that hire student drivers but some companies will certainly suit your preferences better than others. Take some time to talk to a few recruiters and learn the details about different companies. Generally it comes down to the home time you're looking for, pay and benefits, and the type of freight you'd like to haul. Once you've narrowed down your choices based on those three options you'll have a much easier time choosing a company.

HOS:

Hours Of Service

HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

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