New Graduate!

Hey guys!

I'm going to be graduating from CDL school in the next week or so and was wondering if anyone could give pointers on companies that are good to join for OTR work. Bonus points if they go to Canada and Alaska! So far we've had recruiters from Stevens Transport, Fleetmaster, Schneider, Cooke Transport, and Werner come to talk to us but I know there are a ton more companies out there.

I've started researching companies but the issue I've run into is that if you look at reviews and what people say on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor, you come away with the impression ALL companies are horrible. That's why I'm hoping some of you all will give your opinions on companies you've worked for / are working for.

I know I would like OTR work but wouldn't be opposed to regional work (no local!). I don't really mind being away from home for a few weeks (no kids or husband). I prefer solo driving if possible as well as the ability to have someone ride along (or a pet ride along). I have no areas I won't drive to other than into cities (can I yes, would I want to, uh no. LOL). I do have an X endorsement and am not opposed to hazard hauling!

Sorry for the super long post, any suggestions, comments, etc on companies or what to ask/look for would be HUGELY appreciated!

Hey guys!

I'm going to be graduating from CDL school in the next week or so and was wondering if anyone could give pointers on companies that are good to join for OTR work. Bonus points if they go to Canada and Alaska! So far we've had recruiters from Stevens Transport, Fleetmaster, Schneider, Cooke Transport, and Werner come to talk to us but I know there are a ton more companies out there.

I've started researching companies but the issue I've run into is that if you look at reviews and what people say on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor, you come away with the impression ALL companies are horrible. That's why I'm hoping some of you all will give your opinions on companies you've worked for / are working for.

I know I would like OTR work but wouldn't be opposed to regional work (no local!). I don't really mind being away from home for a few weeks (no kids or husband). I prefer solo driving if possible as well as the ability to have someone ride along (or a pet ride along). I have no areas I won't drive to other than into cities (can I yes, would I want to, uh no. LOL). I do have an X endorsement and am not opposed to hazard hauling!

Sorry for the super long post, any suggestions, comments, etc on companies or what to ask/look for would be HUGELY appreciated!

Hi, Jessica!

Welcome to Trucking Truth!!!! :)

There are SO many good companies represented RIGHT HERE in our forum; I'd suggest you go to our 'diaries' area, and read all you can!

We have many drivers for Knight, both dry van and flatbed. Read Davy A.'s and Old School's stuff, for starters. Millis, too. Big Scott is our CFI guy. Texas Tim and Mountain Matt are running for Wilson. Victor is with Melton. You'll just have to delve in to our diaries section, haha!

Prime drivers; too many to list; here's a great link tho! Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs.

And our very own, Kearsey, is a mod here & driver/trainer for Prime: Truckin' Along with Kearsey

I hope the above helps a bit!

~ Anne ~

Hi Jessica. Forget about Alaska and Canada. Not going to happen . You need to get your feet wet in the lower states. Most, if not all companies, won’t send you into NYC or other places that are not rookie friendly. That would be like sending a new recruit into a combat zone. Just ease yourself into driving and let whatever company you go to work for teach you the baby steps. And good luck!

Jessica wrote:

I've started researching companies but the issue I've run into is that if you look at reviews and what people say on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor, you come away with the impression ALL companies are horrible.

Welcome Jessica.

Indeed and Glassdoor are NOT reliable sources for truthful and accurate information. Typically the drivers posting the venom, are former (fired) disgruntled drivers who for a variety of reasons failed and chose to hold their company accountable and sidestep personal responsibility.

Trucking is unforgiving, only a low percentage of entry level drivers reach 1 year of driving service. The company name on the door has little to do with this, the integrity and determination of the driver occupying the 1st seat can command their own success. Your employer will enable your success, not guarantee it. It’s all about what yiu make of it.

Don’t dismay. Trucking Truth has numerous top performing drivers working for the companies you mentioned.

Good luck.

Welcome.

CFI would give you a good run of the 48. After a while they may work you up to Canada. Will need a passport. You will also run into Texas and Georgia.

I got them to run me east coast to west coast a few times. I enjoyed my time there. Got my one year ring with them. Good equipment and good people too.

Good luck wherever you go.

You won't run Alaska..

What G-Town said about Indeed and Glassdoor not being reliable holds alot of truth, not just in the truck driving industry but in every industry. People have different experiences, attitudes, expectations etc. Whenever I am home I take my family to a little Mom and Pop waffle house, it is our favorite place to go. I have nothing but good things to say about the quality of food, service, cleanliness, hospitality etc however they have quite a few bad reviews on Yelp, the same things goes for every trucking company in America

What G-Town said about Indeed and Glassdoor not being reliable holds alot of truth, not just in the truck driving industry but in every industry. People have different experiences, attitudes, expectations etc. Whenever I am home I take my family to a little Mom and Pop waffle house, it is our favorite place to go. I have nothing but good things to say about the quality of food, service, cleanliness, hospitality etc however they have quite a few bad reviews on Yelp, the same things goes for every trucking company in America

Well said, Zach. It's a dang SHAME that people only get up on Yelp! etc....when they have something to holler about. I've been known to call my local UPS 'and' USPS ... and commend my driver(s) when they go above and beyond. The C/S managers that take the calls, are usually ASTONISHED.

I've even shouted out 'thank you's' and great reviews to our LAWYER. She said, "Anne, you don't know how good that makes me (us) feel. We never hear anything, unless it's a complaint!"

Sadly, THIS ^^^ has become the norm. Sadly.

GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU, ZACH! How are things going with YOU? Who are ya with, nowadays? Stop back!

~ Anne ~

What G-Town said about Indeed and Glassdoor not being reliable holds alot of truth, not just in the truck driving industry but in every industry. People have different experiences, attitudes, expectations etc. Whenever I am home I take my family to a little Mom and Pop waffle house, it is our favorite place to go. I have nothing but good things to say about the quality of food, service, cleanliness, hospitality etc however they have quite a few bad reviews on Yelp, the same things goes for every trucking company in America

Well, obviously Jessica never DID come back; imagine (DRAGONS/grasshoppers) that!

How IS Zach doing these days, anyway ?!?!?! That was a great post, to reiterate for all.

Just wonder, sometimes. We know, you went thru some stuff, but you sure have been thru some..also.

Hope all is well, good sir! Stop in & say hi!

~ Anne ~

You could always just move up here to Alaska and get a job right out of trucking school.

You could always just move up here to Alaska and get a job right out of trucking school.

Just like the Lower 48?