What Carriers To Consider?
Topic 26118 | Page 1
Hey Stephen.
In our opinion, all of the major carriers that hire new drivers are fantastic places to work. Those carriers are the elite players in the industry. They're the largest, they have the most money behind them, the best variety of opportunities, great pay and benefits, a ton of perks, and beautiful equipment. You can't go wrong with any of them.
We recommend Paid CDL Training Programs as the best way to get started in trucking. I wrote an article explaining why:
Why I Prefer Paid CDL Training Over Private Training
I always recommend that people apply to as many of these programs as possible, see who offers you an opportunity, and if there's more than one you can choose the one that fits you best. Don't waste your time researching a bunch of companies if no one has even offered you a position. People assume they can work anywhere they like. You're not going to get offers from most of the carriers, though you might get a few.
You can apply for training to several companies right through our website:
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.
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.
I have sleep apnea and require a machine (can truckers use sleep apnea machines in the trucks?).
Yes there are many drivers who use their CPAP in the truck. The usage requirement is atleast 4 consecutive hours atleast 21 of every 30 days.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Yes there are many drivers who use their CPAP in the truck. The usage requirement is at least 4 consecutive hours at least 21 of every 30 days.
And it would be REALLY HELPFUL if you got yourself a machine NOW - and start using it and logging. Most companies use machines that are "logging compliant" and use modems to upload the usage data.
If you're already working now, have insurance, and have been diagnosed with OSA - then getting 30 days of compliance data in BEFORE you show up - that will make it easier to get on the road once you get there.
Otherwise - most large companies will send you for a sleep study (which they pay for, and charge you back in payroll deductions), and sell you a CPAP machine that is compliant (which they will also advance the $$, and deduct from your payroll). While a decent option for those who cannot afford to buy one outright (or have insurance that will cover the cost of the study & machine) - it also puts you a couple of grand "in the hole", right out of the starting gate.
We have a member here - that ended up getting sent home, because he couldn't get into compliance (the machine takes a little getting used to). This could end up being a "make or break condition" for your driving career - so if you can get it remedied BEFORE you get to a company, you're that much further ahead of the game...
Rick
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Hi Stephen, I was with Schneider and had to go into a sleep study and then had to use the CPAP machine in order to keep driving. I was getting into compliance but another medication issue disqualified me medically. I was given a 30 day medical leave, but other issues came up, so I took an extended leave but have a rehire option with Schneider. Rick was giving you good advice to start your CPAP machine use ASAP (If you can afford it) It takes some getting use to for some of us. At your height and weight, you will definitely be required to get a sleep study and almost certain to have to use the machine. I think most, if not all companies will require you to use the machine. Schneider uses a company in Texas that administers their CPAP program. You get lots of coaching from them to get things right, and there is a ton of info on this site you can search and study. Many drivers here use the machine very successfully and you can do it too. Don't let the sleep apnea issue discourage you from driving. If you can get on an aggressive weight loss program like I'm on, the issue may only be temporary. Good luck and welcome to the forum!
SAP:
Substance Abuse Professional
The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.New Reply:
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Hi everyone, I'm new here and am still in the pre cdl school phase and looking to get direction. I see that schnieder and swift are a popular go to for new company drivers. Wondering what some other popular carriers are that I should consider. A few things about me that may be relevant ...
I am 34, 5'11" and 300 pounds although I am working to bring that number down with lifestyle changes. I have sleep apnea and require a machine (can truckers use sleep apnea machines in the trucks?). I have no accidents on my driving record in the last 10 years although I did get one ticket last year for an illegal u-turn (I didnt see the no u-turn sign).
I'm hoping to find a carrier that fits well and looking for the best direction incan get. I'm thinking otr for the first few years and then see what happens from there. From the little research I've done it seems reefer will probably be a good fit for me.
Any ideas of any mega carriers or carriers in general that take on newbies? Currently, schnieder seems like the way to go. Please tell me why I'm right or wrong. Thanks for the help! - Stephen
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
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.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.