Question:
I have just completed cdl school and have been offered 3 positions as an otr driver. US Xpress, Werner and USA Truck have all offered me a position but being new to the industry, I have no clue who to go with. Any comments about those companies...good or bad...would be appreciated.

Answer:
I guess the biggest question is do you want to be an OTR truckdriver? There are other options besides truckload carrier. I have no experience with those companies except for talking to some of their drivers. Have heard good and bad about both.

Answer:
OTR is probably my best option at this point to get the experience I need in order for me to be comfortable with my driving abilities. Dedicated or regional would be nice but i don't think that just comming out of school will open those doors just yet.

Answer:
because you do have alot of other options if you really look I wouldn't go to anyof them. But USX wouldn't be a bad choice if you mus punish yourself to reach some greater mystical goal.
I think I would really start looking hard and check out every web site for every company that might hire in your area. Those 3 probably came from apps while you were in school. Thers is a whole lot more out there..
"There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."

Answer:
try a look at millis transfer maybe?? what i've seen on there site looks ok.

Answer:
you can forget about Millis, as they require you to attend their school to hire in as a newbie.
Living in the KC area I would suggest you look at Trans AM. (You will need to hire on within 30 days of grad with them)
Also if you are wanting something more local I suggest you give Swift a call. At one time anyway they had lots of dedicated out and back shuttle runs (home daily), and also had Kmart dedicated that would probably get you home 3 out of 4 weekends. I dont know if any of these are still available but it might be something to look into.
Also be sure to look at the Sunday edition of your local papers.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
What makes you think that OTR will open opportunities for local jobs later? There are local and regional jobs that you could get right now. Many companies don't want drivers with previous OTR experience for their local jobs. They've had plenty Billy Bigriggers come and go and tend to shy away from them.

Answer:
Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it.

Answer:
You should take a week and check out Springfield, Mo.. Hundreds of trucking companies and I do mean -hundreds of trucking companies- are based out of Springfield, Mo.. Don't know anyone there? Don't have the money for a motel for a week? Then stay at the Salvation Army or something like that; after all, your next move will only effect the rest of your life.

Answer:
werner is right there in town and 1/3 of their fleet is dedicated to accounts now,meaning the drivers haul for the same customers all the time
which one will get you home all the time after awhile,look towards the future.You most likely will tire of 3 weeks on the road after awhile
ask them what they have to offer you in the future as far as good home time.
Without knowing what you want out of trucking,it's a tough question to answer.Some people want every last cent they can make and could care less if they ever see home,others want a reasonable amount of money and some home time,some people don't want to run hard,meaning they want to truck 8 to 5 and sleep at night and the money ain't on the top of their list of needs.
Crete and JB Hunt also have terminals in town,go visit them also.
depending on your past work history and what your like,you maybe able to land all sorts of jobs besides the companies that accept newbies.If you think you have a decent past history go visit some companies in person.
one guy posted here that he went to driving school after 20 years in the service and saw an add for a tanker driver.help wanted 2 years experiance needed,they hired him right out of school because he got in his car and went over to the company to ask for the job.
If your young,go check out the local trucking companies that have loading docks and work your way up to driver.
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Kerry
"I never voted against a tax increase"
Answer:
Thanks for all the input guys...I probably should have mentioned that I'm moving back to tennessee soon and then plan on making a move to Florida. A friend of mine of 20 yrs drives for star and wants me to check them out too. Werner will be at our school in the morning and then US Xpress on monday. Will let ya'll know what i find out and the direction that I finally end up going in. Thanks again for the help. Keep em rollin...

Answer:
plan on making a move to Florida
That changes everything. Make sure whom ever you choose knows this.
Florida is a hard one---not much freight, and a lot of companies avoid Florida because of just that.
You've got some tough homework ahead of you.
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