Question:
Hi, this is my first post, so forgive me in advance if I make any mistakes. Currently, I am looking at joining either Arrow or MCT. I obtained my CDL in May (2004) and opted to go 'local' driving delivery trucks for Lowe’s Home Improvement. Unfortunately, the job is not what I expected. I go into the store and run around (like a chicken with my head cut-off) for 3-4 hours trying to find and 'pull' all the daily deliveries, load the truck, print and check the 'tickets', check out with a manager, and finally go out on deliveries.
On delivery, we are expected to not only move the stuff wherever the customer wants it, but also hook it up, take away any old units, and generally act as a 'moving service (all for a $35.00 delivery fee!). The other day I found myself moving an old freezer (400 lbs at least) out of a basement that I swear the customer was keeping live animals in (sheep I think!). We finally had to get planks to move it up the stairs ( i.e. slide it up) as the dolly would not fit to pull it up.
I am not adverse to hard work, but I am hoping that if I go to either of these companies, I will not have to run around the shipper's facility to find my load etc. It would be just fine to load the truck as long as the freight is on the dock.
I am a bit concerned about my driving skills. The good news is that I have learned to drive different types of manual transmissions from 9 to 5 speed and to 'float' gears. Obviously, I have had to back some of these trucks in some tight places, so I am getting used to the sight picture one sees in both mirrors and how to use it more effectively. However, I wish that I had more time backing a combination vehicle. I know I have much to learn, but I have a good attitude about taking advice and criticism. I hope that when I enter the 'big trucking' industry these carriers will give me a few weeks to become acclimated to backing etc when I go through orientation and training.
Any advice or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John k

Answer:
john,
For starters any carrier that will hire you at this point will be a training carrier and you will be spending 4-6 weeks out on the road with a trainer (well at least you should be). As far as OTR companies go you are a totally inexperienced driver.
Answer:
Welcome to TruckNet!
Use the search feature under the TruckNet logo near the center of each page (don't use the one at the very top of the page, that one sucks ).
Type in whatever companies you're considering and go check out the results.

Answer:
I'd opt for MCT. They'll probably shoot you through the refresher course, up to one week long, then out with a trainer for 50,000 miles. Very safe company. Good people to work with. I used to train for them and they are serious about the training aspect. Do yourself a favor and look at several owners to work for. Different owners have different policies and a wide range of equipment. It all has to be in good working order or it won't be dispatched. If you have any questions about them feel free to e-mail me at cruzinusa777@hotmail.com and I will be glad to answer any questions. BTW, I get nothing out of this, I'm not even there any more, but I was there long enough to know the program.