Soon To Be A Rookie Driver.
Topic 22030 | Page 1
The best companies are the ones that will take a chance on a rookie driver.
This is a difficult question to answer. Prime is one of the best paying for rookie drivers but also requires you to stay out I believe 4 weeks before taking hometime. Roehl has a variety of hometime including a 7 days on 7 off, 14 on 7 off. When the wheels ain't turning you ain't earning any money. What kind of hometime are you realistically looking for?
Makes sense PackRat. If anyone else would like to chime in, I’m in North GA by the way.
Rob I’m sure the first year will be rough being a rookie as far as home time. I would like to be home on weekends if possible, but would be willing to do 14/7 if it made enough money.
Prime does pay well, and yes they prefer OTR drivers stay out 3-4 weeks at a time. However, there are many regional or dedicated gigs within Prime that can get you home quite often. A guy I went through orientation with came right out of training into a dedicated account that got him home several days a week.
I'm sure many other carriers offer the same opportunities, provided you are in the right area at the right time for a particular account.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
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.
I love CFI. As far as pay, I post mine here. Hometime with CFI you don't lose the days you earn. You can take as many days off as you want as long as you have the days built up. As with most OTR companies you earn one day for every 7 you are out. I am currently using 3 days of home time and 4 of vacation for a total of 7 days days off. I am very happy here and feel I am treated well by everyone. They also offer tuition reimbursement up to $4000.00. Good luck.
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.
My friend lives in atlanta. she runs a southeast regional from FL to GA and into TN. shes home weekends and only runs days. She drives for Marten, but not sure if they train. Look into it. couldnt hurt.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
Jody, yes, your question is often asked here. In fact, we have a set of links to help you answer this question for yourself:
- 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"
Generally, "all major carriers" that hire recent grads are good for rookies. What you need to do is look at the things that matter to you, like home time, pet/ rider policies, and so on. The "convenient" location of a terminal is almost not important. When you're heading home with your truck, they'll get you there.
Yes, many TT members will chime in, mostly pumping their company. So, in that respect, I've worked for Swift for three years and have no reason to change. Feel free to ask your questions here about anything.
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.
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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Ok guys, I know this question has been asked a thousand times, but also I feel the answer can change year to year. What company’s are best for rookies? Home time is important and of course money as well. Thanks for the answers!