Need Advice. New Driver. Can't Decide.

Hi there. Have had my CDL for over two years but haven't used it and was offered a job with either Werner (dry van) or Navajo Express (Reefer). I wasn't sure for a rookie which one would be best to start off with? Navajo Express do have nicer trucks (kenworths), elogs (blue tree not qualcomm) APUs , etc but the downside to that company is from what I've heard bad management/favorites type environment, wait times/late drives because of reefer work, and in a way are a second chance company from what I've read elsewhere, very few terminals also.

With Werner I actually like the brand, like the work culture and like that it's a big freight company where you are less under micromanaging but the lack of truck amenities is annoying but I realize I am starting my first year off doing this and want it to be a positive experience. My gut sort of tells me to go with Werner but just wanted to ask you all. Thank you.

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.

Elog:

Electronic Onboard Recorder

Electronic Logbook

A device which records the amount of time a vehicle has been driven. If the vehicle is not being driven, the operator will manually input whether or not he/she is on duty or not.

Elogs:

Electronic Onboard Recorder

Electronic Logbook

A device which records the amount of time a vehicle has been driven. If the vehicle is not being driven, the operator will manually input whether or not he/she is on duty or not.

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.

Qualcomm:

Omnitracs (a.k.a. Qualcomm) is a satellite-based messaging system with built-in GPS capabilities built by Qualcomm. It has a small computer screen and keyboard and is tied into the truck’s computer. It allows trucking companies to track where the driver is at, monitor the truck, and send and receive messages with the driver – similar to email.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APUs:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

First, welcome to the TT forum.

The best advise I/we can give you is, go with company that best fits your needs/wants.

Also, check out this link Trucking Company Reviews

Because you haven't used your CDL recently, most likely you will be required to take some refresher training at most if not all large companies. So with that in mind, check out this link as well Paid CDL Training Programs

The 2 trucking companies you listed aren't the only ones out there. Most of the big companies have such a large hiring area, it for the most part doesn't matter where you live, you will find someone that will hire you most likely.

If you need anything else, or advise, don't hesitate to come back and ask your questions. We have such a large & diverse group here on TT that I'm sure we can help.

Ernie

Reefer gets a bad rap. I get plenty of hooks, and the time down can count as my break so no big deal.

As for "favorite types of things", you WILL get favoritism in every company. This is a performance driven business. Which means the top drivers get the best miles, more favors, less grief from dispatch I met a driver telling me " our FM has favorites, they get all the good loads". Then he went on to say "I won't drive nights or run the northeast at all. I don't so Texas, and even if the appointments are tight be sure to take some time off in between for your personal stuff. Don't let them run your truck".

Yeah okay dude...that is why he was getting 1500 miles per week and I got 2600 my first week.

When you make life easy for dispatch by always being early, communicating problems ASAP, not complaining about loads, and managing your clock.,.you get a lot more rewards and a lot less micro managing.

Heck...I didn't talk to my FM for like six weeks once. I called him to tell him I missed him lol.

SCroller wrote:

Hi there. Have had my CDL for over two years but haven't used it and was offered a job with either Werner (dry van) or Navajo Express (Reefer). I wasn't sure for a rookie which one would be best to start off with? Navajo Express do have nicer trucks (kenworths), elogs (blue tree not qualcomm) APUs , etc but the downside to that company is from what I've heard bad management/favorites type environment, wait times/late drives because of reefer work, and in a way are a second chance company from what I've read elsewhere, very few terminals also.

With Werner I actually like the brand, like the work culture and like that it's a big freight company where you are less under micromanaging but the lack of truck amenities is annoying but I realize I am starting my first year off doing this and want it to be a positive experience. My gut sort of tells me to go with Werner but just wanted to ask you all. Thank you.

SCroller your post contains several references to what you have "heard" or likely "read" on the internet about both companies. Please ask yourself these questions. Is the source of this information credible, can it be trusted? Do you know the back-story supporting the information (a former, disgruntled employee blaming the company for their failure)? These are rather rhetorical questions that can only be answered with; "I don't really know." Placing credence in most anything you have heard or read has limited benefit, and should be taken with a "grain-of-salt". That said, there is no possible way to draw the conclusions (such as) "Werner has a work culture you like" or that "Navajo has bad management/micromanagement".

There are some basic elements you should consider with any company you are considering:

- First and foremost how do they intend to train you? Considering your lack of experience and 2 year gap from graduating CDL school, you are likely in need of a refresher (as Ernie indicated) before you will begin any road training. I'd get an answer on that and determine how each company road trains student drivers. Both of these companies have been at this for a long time, and know what they are doing. Go into either opportunity with an open mind, void of any internet trash you've read.

- Second try to realize favoritism is based on your performance as a truck driver, good or bad, you will be treated accordingly no matter what company you drive for. I see it every day...every day the same drivers are passed over, while the dependable, top-performing drivers are given the challenging and more lucrative routes.

- And finally, the notion of desiring a positive experience is dependent on you and your ability to learn, focus on safety, and understand truck driving is a highly competitive profession requiring a level headed, pragmatic individual with a positive can-do attitude and work ethic. Cut your own path, your employer only enables your success.

If you haven't already read this; Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving, I highly recommend investing some time with this e-book. It will dispel potential false and unrealistic expectations that has been the downfall of many a rookie driver.

Good luck.

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.

Elog:

Electronic Onboard Recorder

Electronic Logbook

A device which records the amount of time a vehicle has been driven. If the vehicle is not being driven, the operator will manually input whether or not he/she is on duty or not.

Elogs:

Electronic Onboard Recorder

Electronic Logbook

A device which records the amount of time a vehicle has been driven. If the vehicle is not being driven, the operator will manually input whether or not he/she is on duty or not.

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.

Qualcomm:

Omnitracs (a.k.a. Qualcomm) is a satellite-based messaging system with built-in GPS capabilities built by Qualcomm. It has a small computer screen and keyboard and is tied into the truck’s computer. It allows trucking companies to track where the driver is at, monitor the truck, and send and receive messages with the driver – similar to email.

Dry Van:

A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.

Reefer:

A refrigerated trailer.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

APUs:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.

GREETINGS SCroller,

WELCOME ABOARD!!

2 YEARS since getting your CDL?

What are you awaiting?

Jump In, The Water's Fine!!

I suggest Schneider yet never drove for them, however one RARELY reads about Accidents, Crashes, Wrecks in Schneider equipment.

All Mega Carriers have been and will be around for a long time.

-->MY opinion<-- Reefer is good if you prefer a lawnmower behind the sleeper and stringent Rules/Requirements at Shipper/Receivers. Seems many Students travel that route.

I prefer Dry Van , yet every option has Good and Bad bits, so No Worries Mate. There's also Flatbed (Skateboards), Tanker, RGN/Bulk, Heavy Haul, Containers, Car Haulers (Parking Lots), so choices vary.

Do a THOROUGH SEARCH of all Companies of interest and go to Truck Stops and ask Drivers of Companies their opinions and be prepared for some wild responses. Just remember: At EVERY COMPANY there are Drivers that have been up to and beyond 10-20 years, so something's working for them.

GOOD LUCK Mate. "Ain't No Feelin' Like 40 Ton Wheelin'!! KEEP US UPDATED! CHEERS!!

Reefer is good if you prefer a lawnmower behind the sleeper and stringent Rules/Requirements at Shipper/Receivers.

That's all you can offer about refrigerated?

How about the best opportunity for seeing the entire country coast to coast when compared with any other type of freight?

How about having the longest average length of haul per load of any type of freight?

How about averaging the greatest number of miles per week of any type of freight?

There's a lot to love about refrigerated freight. There's a lot to love about all of them, but they're all different.

I wrote a series of eight articles about choosing the right trucking company to work for and several of them compare different types of freight to each other. Check out these links. My series of articles is in the second link in the list. Scroll down the page a bit and you'll see all 8 of them:

• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"