Averitt Express

I am embarrassed to say this, but I practically live at Averitt terminals untill I get west of Texas. They are usually right off the highway with spaces galore. And they aren't scummy and full of terminal rats. They're actually pretty nice and low key. On the weekends when I reset, I usually have the whole place to myself. We have very few drop yards. 99% are nice, paved terminals with good parking. Some are in areas where parking is nonexistent like Orlando, Chicago, and parts of Mississippi. I've only driven out of my way for a terminal once but that was because I got a wild hair and decided I want to spend the weekend in New Orleans. I had a craving for Beignets, what can I say?

Renegade, You have many, many options. Both Averitt and Schneider are really good companies. In response to your post I want to offer my observations and suggestions.

For starters many trucking companies promote from within, and many also require their operations people (like driver managers) to have at least a year of seat time in a truck. This way, they are better able to support and maximize the performance of their drivers. Every DM I work with at Swift and one planner, still drives from time-to-time on the same Dedicated account I am assigned to. Makes it a whole lot easier to communicate because they have "lived-it". So internal promotion, "in-and-of-itself" shouldn't be a determining factor.

The numerous terminals benefit I believe is somewhat overrated. Granted that's my opinion. Most drivers that I know, prefer to steer clear (no pun intended) of terminals. Although you are among fellow employees of your company, many of these places are ridiculously crowded with limited facilities and yes, limited parking. Furthermore you cannot assume a terminal is accessible on the route your are taking while under a dispatched load, might be miles out of the way. Can't be counted on. Sooner or later you'll need to back your wagon into a tight spot next to "Big Daddy Super-Trucker", with his custom long nose Pete precariously close to your trailer. Unavoidable. You might want to dig a little deeper on the Averitt terminals, and determine if all 100 have similar driver amenities (as previously mentioned by Steve L).

Quite frankly the playing field for carriers willing to hire entry level drivers is rather level, all of them enabling a first year driver an opportunity to be successful. Some pay a little more, some a little less, all told you will make about 40k your first year regardless of your choice due to training time and the subsequent learning curve. Checkout this link: Trucking Company Reviews.

So I would turn your thoughts to schooling and follow-on road training. Neither of the two companies you mentioned offer Paid CDL Training Programs so to be hired for either Schneider or Averitt you will need your "hot off the press" CDL and 160 hours of schooling under your belt in order to be pre-qualified. This would require you to attend a private Truck Driving School and pay a substantial amount of money out of pocket for your training. Both paths have their benefits and trade-offs.

Also, not sure if you have looked at these three links:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

The first two provide a good base of knowledge designed to establish a realistic set of expectations. Far too many people enter this profession with no clue what to expect, lofty expectations, and make a quick exit once they realize, it's nothing like they thought it would be. The third link in this grouping is Trucking Truth's cornerstone training program. Designed to assist with passing the CDL permit tests and jump starting the knowledge base required to complete schooling, we believe it's essential for everyone considering a truck driving career. Hope this information helps with your decision making process.

Good luck and welcome.