Rookie Ready For 'next'

So i went against the advice here and started my driving career in Sept 2022 on a 'Dollar account' with a big carrier. The CDL school I went to had an influence in that decision, but I'm the one who pulled the trigger on it. Guess im one of those people who just have to figure things out the hard way... (note to new drivers considering Dollar accounts --- every word of warning found on TT is accurate)

Anyway. The aforementioned big carrier has no other openings in my area (Kansas City) for solo drivers. Im on a few wait lists for different accounts, but not holding my breath.

I've decided to stick this out for a few months, so i can start a new job as 'experienced' and not have to do the extended time with a trainer all over again.

Looking for input on some of the companies ive talked to and am considering moving forward with.

Roehl. Knight. ACT (american central transport). Butler. Hirschbach. Are the ones I have talked to. Anybody driving for any of them and could give me some pros and cons ? Would be extra helpful if anybody from the KC area could chime in. I know there are company reviews on here but most of them seem to be from several years ago.

Also, if there are other companies that others would recommend...

Despite going against the advice earlier (lesson learned), i actually do respect the advice and experience of drivers on TT. Thanks in advance for any replies.

What about any and all companies that hire? Why limit yourself to only a few? How long are you planning to stay with your current "mystery employer"? A minimum of a year is recommended, especially with your first driving job.

Does it have to be OVR? I did my year over the road with a mega but so glad to be local now. Home daily, weekends off and more money than I ever made on the road. To each their own.

"What about any and all companies that hire? Why limit yourself to only a few? How long are you planning to stay with your current "mystery employer"? A minimum of a year is recommended, especially with your first driving job." Appreciate the reply PackRat. Im not really limiting myself to those few that i mentioned. Those are just the ones i have been in contact with and feel like good possibilities. Was just looking for anyone with experience with those companies. Im open to anywhere that is going to be a better fit for me. Ill turn 50 in march, and would like to find a job / company that feels like it can be 'home' for the next several years.

The 'mystery company' is Werner. Didnt think the name was important or made a difference in my question. Planning to stay up to 6 months to build experience. Maybe longer if one of the wait lists open up in that time. But i would prefer a place where when i call in with questions or for help, i dont have to give some random employee number. Id like to feel like a more valuable piece to the puzzle than that. Thats just a personal preference. Maybe thats an unrealistic expectation?

Does it have to be OVR? I did my year over the road with a mega but so glad to be local now. Home daily, weekends off and more money than I ever made on the road. To each their own.

Thanks Klutch. Id be good with home daily. Ive read and heard a lot (here and other places) that you pretty much have to do a year otr before home daily becomes a real option. Im home weekly now which isnt bad, and my family is adapting to it pretty well. Being out any longer than that would be a stretch and strain on home life for sure.

We recommend company sponsored schools, never go local as a rookie, and to stay driving with the first company for at least a year (preferably OTR where the most experience will be achieved). Those dollar store recruiters are good salesmen because most drivers don't survive either physically or driving on these tough accounts, especially any new drivers. I would enjoy knowing what the turnover numbers are.

It appears to me that you are looking for a regional position which is what you are on now with Werner.

We recommend company sponsored schools, never go local as a rookie, and to stay driving with the first company for at least a year (preferably OTR where the most experience will be achieved). Those dollar store recruiters are good salesmen because most drivers don't survive either physically or driving on these tough accounts, especially any new drivers. I would enjoy knowing what the turnover numbers are.

It appears to me that you are looking for a regional position which is what you are on now with Werner.

Currently driving dollar general for werner. It is what it is, and ill stick it out until the timing and situation is right to move on. With or without werner. Not in love with either dollar general or werner. Just looking at options for a different way of doing things.

Turnover... ?? day 1 they told a group of us... Half the drivers on the account have less than 3 months experience. People quit after 3 days. 3 weeks. Or 3 months. Most people who last past that time become trainers for the never-ending supply of replacement recruits.

Unloading the freight is brutal physical work and the nature of the account comes with a lot of additional expectations for a new driver. All of which is discussed in other posts.

I knew on day 1 with my trainer in September that id be looking for something different as soon as it made sense to. Just made this post today to share my situation and see if anybody has any suggestions along those lines.

All you shared above is precisely why we attempt to steer those with no experience away from these accounts because it is generally a recipe for failure. As a new driver, it can actually be a career ending decision. For what?

For anyone thinking about driving local or regional on one of these "dollar accounts", think long and hard before buying a sales pitch from a recruiter that needs to fill a seat in a truck. Look up the many discussions on here over the years in the Search Bar at the top of the page by typing in "Dollar Accounts".

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