Question:
Greetings friends -
I've been lurking here for a while, picking up great information for a newbie, and would appreciate some personal input from drivers.
I am almost halfway through my 8 week, 300 hour, 500 mile CDL training program at South Georgia Tech College, and am quite pleased with the program. I'm halfway comfortable with backing to an offset dock, 45 and 90 degree offsets and am beginning the left and right paralell parking and the serpentine. I can't tell you how thankful I didn't try to be one of the 3 week CDL Mill wonders. Having read quite a few of the posts, while I won't delude myself to think 8 weeks will teach me to be a driver, I'll be a lot more comfortable than it sounds like a lot of the drivers are at their new company orientation.
I have been researching companies for the last month as I want to hit the ground running (and earning some money) once the class is over. I also don't want to be jumping companies every 6 months, but rather, do the research up front and make the best decision I can That's where I would appreciate your help.
I am 53, single, my boys are all grown, independant and self sufficient, and my ex is gone doing her thing - not to be replaced - 27 years was enough. Home time is not an issue for me as I am more interested in the $$$$. I want a company that runs the 48 and Canada (Alaska would be a bonus, but I understand that ain't gonna happen). I'm not interested in starting at $.24/mile no matter how many miles they tell me. -Covenent - it's not about the miles, it's about the money. I almost went with the Schneider training till I was told I would spend the first 3-6 months in a cabover. If I am going to live on the road most of the year - a good truck is an important priority for me and I'll trade off the home time for it.
I am also interested in a company that does not restrict passangers to immediate family as I would like to take a friend with me occasionally. I understand there will be a waiting period but it's one of those issues I want to address on the front end not have to change companies later.
Maybe this will change once I am out in the real world, but at this point I would like to run for 4-6 weeks then take a week off for a real break, and not necessarily in rural South Georgia but perhaps Seattle, Phoenix or another place I could explore for a future home.
Again, taking a long range perspective, the opportunity to become a trainer when that time comes, would be something I'd be interested in.
I'm assuming that the fringe benefits, health, 401 k are about the same for most companies. I don't need life insurance so that's not important but the others would be nice.
I was interested in Roehl till I was told I wouldn't be sent west of the Rockies for the first year.
At this point Gainey and USXpress (flatbead) are on my short list as they start out at $.29/mile and seem to have decent equipment. I'd love to hear from their drivers to learn what it's really like on the inside of those organizations.
Crete sounded good, but I don't think my college is on their approved list (how dumb but I don't make the rules) I've eliminated regional companies like TMC and am leaning towards flatbed or dry van as it would have to be a really special situation to get me tied up with the reefer hassles I have read about - unless the company has addressed the waiting issue to protect the drivers time and compensate them accordingly.
I've heard also that some companies save the long runs for their team drivers and if that's the case I want to know upfront if I'll be expected to be a frustrated local driver spending most of his time waiting - not a good idea for me.
I know I won't be able to make the PERFECT decision, but I want to make the wisest one I can for my situation, would gladly respond to any questions and appreciate any help you could give.
Thanks in advance -
Marc

Answer:
Has a flatbed division!!??
Sheesh I guess they wanted to try and cash in on that high dollar flatbed freight Covenant,Transport America,Overnite SSD!!!!! They will let anyone pull a skateboard huh??
Glad I got out
CD
If you think education is hard......try ignorance recovering dweller..........oilfield trash division

Answer:
Chilidawg -
I stand corrected about usx - I had it confused with Roehl which had been on my short list till I learned I would not be sent west of the Rockies till my second year. I'm curious about your adversion to flatbeds based on your esxperience. In the situation with ROEHL they offered and extra .02/mile over vans, and $ is my motivation in all this.
TIA
Marc

Answer:
In the situation with ROEHL they offered and extra .02/mile over vans, and $ is my motivation in all this
Although I've Never pulled flatbed...
I CAN say that You WILL definately WORK for that extra 2 cpm in the flatbed division....TARPING.
If you don't mind TARPING, then go the flatbed route.

Answer:
I.would stay away from them. i had a buddy that went to orentation in kansas city on the 5th of this month... they did nothing but lie to him...they sent them to jersy city nj..for a truck that would not run...when they finally found a truck for him in hanover pa..it was so dirty it took him awhile to clean it....than when he got his first trip to atlanta....his tranny went out within the first 20 miles....it was a 2002 international...just poorly taken care of....the mattress that was in the truck was stained...and they told hime they would not buy one on the road. he would have to get to grand rapids to get one...so finally after almost two weeks.....he said the hell with it and got on a bus back to iowa.....they were not very truthful..or he would never have wasted his time...

Answer:
Wow Cricket71 - what an ordeal!! They were one of my favorites but if these facts are true, I would be interested in hearing the companies side of the story. I can't imagine what they would come up with. ANY GAINEY DRIVERS OUT THERE WISH TO COMMENT OR SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE

Answer:
Ne'er mind...
Answer:
...ditto.