Wilson Logistics Vs Maverick For New Driver

Two years ago I decided that I wanted to give trucking a shot. However, I let my family talk me out of it. Recently I lost my job at a local bank and decided it’s now or never. I’m a few months away from age 40 so I know my time is limited. I have two applications out: One to Maverick in North Little Rock, Arkansas and the other to Wilson Logistics based in Springfield, MO and Missoula. I wonder if anyone on here has first hand knowledge of either? The things I like about Maverick are it’s based 90 minutes from my home, I’ll be home almost every weekend, and their new driver training seems very thorough. What makes me nervous is starting out in flatbed as a new driver. What I like about Wilson is the recruiter seems very honest and keeps in touch. I also like the fact I’ll get to see more of the country than I would for Maverick (I’d be driving regional.) Negatives are I would be out on the road at least three weeks at a time and I’d be spending months on the road with a trainer. Any thoughts or experiences?

John. I have never worked for either but maverick was one of my first choices so I did quite a bit of research on them. Unfortunately I came into trucking when Covid was at its peak and they weren’t hiring. From what I have been told their training is top notch and you will do all the driving with the trainer being Shotgun the whole time. They have a reputation for coming through with what they say. Home most weekends, but paid more I’d hung out. Con is that flatbed freight can be slow but that can happen with any freight. I’ve never heard anything bad about Wilson but don’t know if they are a home weekly company. The only perk of being close to the maverick being that close is that if you get tired of being in the road , once you get some seniority it’s possible to work in the securement training center or another job at the terminal. Good luck with your decision, I know it’s a big one! No matter which you pick, try your best and be open to new things. Don’t let pride get in the way of learning. It will be a totally different experience than anything you are used to I can assure you. Roll with it, learn, and be the best driver you can be!

I started out flatbed when I was 59 its not that big a deal if your semi fit and healthy

Thanks guys. Who did you end up going with, Papa?

John s. I went with Werner doing their dollar general dedicated. I like my job but DONT suggest going this route right away. Lol

Ill temporarily emerge from the shadows and recommend maverick 100%. Never worked for Wilson so nothing against them. I did however work for maverick for almost 3 years before I left. Only reason I left is so I could be home daily where I am now. They have top notch training, facilities and equipment. I'm not just saying that, they really do. Also not to mention they pay very well even for new drivers. I was making over 60 com when I left, not too shabby. Youre close to the home base in NLR so you could drive your personal car and park there when youre on the road, not to mention drive yourself to class every morning, a huge plus. Definitely give them a good look, you wont regret it. Also I was a brand new driver and did just fine with flatbed. Its crazy at first but you'll get more confidence the more you do it. Best of luck

Thanks C.T. have you guys heard anything about the agility test? I heard something about climbing on top of a six foot box? I guess it can’t be terribly hard. I know a lot of guys that are in there 50’s pass.

Sorry for late reply didnt see your question. The agility test was fairly straight forward. If you can move around decently you shouldn't have a problem. And yes you'll have to climb up on a dummy lumber load in front of the examiners and other classmates. Its not too bad. When I was there we had a really big guy get up there. He was easily 400lbs or more but he got it done. You'll also have to lift a folded tarp onto the deck of the trailer. This was about 4 years ago so things may have changed.