Question:
Ok I have put myself behind the 8 ball a bit, and am now looking for another company, after being let go by CFI, shucks. I have 2 non DOT reportable accidents, a month apart, and would like to find another quality company like CFI, who would give me a chance to redeem myself. Neither accident major, just stupid misstakes on my part.
Companies I am presently looking at in order of preference, from what I have found out about them so far are Crete, Transport America, J B Hunt, Arrow Trucking, and CRST Van Expedited.
Would prefer to hear from those of you who have actually driven for them, rather than what you have heard. Would like to know all the good things you can think of about the company, even if you didn't like them overall, and all the concerns you have experienced, even if you liked them overall. Am interested in are they driver friendly, safety, equipment/trans., upkeep, reimbursements, bonuses, tolls, and just anything else you can tell me about the company which will help me decide whether I keep them on my list or not. I have other companies I am looking at as well, but decided to limit to those listed, to hopefully cover enough, but not too many for this posting.
Again would really prefer those who have actually driven for any of these companies vs. heresay. Try and give an honest opinion, leaving personal feelings out of the equation as much as possible.
Thanks,
Tall Cool OneWork hard play hard and do your best

Answer:
First thing, what's on your DAC (USIS) report?
JB treated me well when I was with 'em.
Besides dry van, Arrow also has flat and specialized. BOL

Answer:
Well those "non reportable" accidents could mean nothing or they could meanm something. Did you run over a ladder, hit a short pole or actually bump a couple cars or trucks? The DOT may not have been notified but your DAC recortd will state what happened. Depending on the incident I wouldn't just brush it off as nothing. They could be very important.
Since your the only one who knows what happened you may have to look at companies that will take 2 recent accidents. JB Hunt comes to mind.

Answer:
For both responding posts, thanks for the info.. Where can I find what is on the DAC report? One accident I backed into a steel bumper, cracking a trailer door hinge, the other I caught a parked trailer corner with my trailer making a corner in a tight Pilot lot. CFI was told about both, with the last being run through their own insurance, and I let them know they were the result of a little too much overconfidence leading to stupid judgement errors on my part. I was told I was being let go due to insurance conciderations due to both accidents being only a month apart, and probably my inexperience level. Didn't like the decision, but understood. Did it to myself, what can I say.
I could use more information on experience with J B Hunt as well, along with approximate time period, if no longer with them.
Appreciate it, thanks guys
Vincent
Work hard play hard and do your best

Answer:
I thought you were headed to Roehl?

Answer:
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I suspect several others reading this post are thinking the same thing. So I'll just say it:
J.B.and these other carriers probably won't hire you. They will all view two "reportable accidents" in a short time during your initial probationary period as a determiner of future safety problems.
CFI in effect fired you for the accidents you haven't had yet, but probably will based on your record to date. Other carriers may compete with CFI and trash them to their drivers (etc) but they'll respect CFI's decision more than they'll be willing to hear your side of the story. They know CFI wouldn't have terminated you if they didn't feel there was a serious problem, and both of the incidents you describe are slam-dunk examples of taking unnecessary chances -- not getting out to look and dragging the trailer around a corner without being certain it will clear. It's not beginner's bad luck. It's careless operation of the equipment -- something all these carriers deal with in the same manner. They pay for the damage through their premiums, or in the case of those that qualify for self-insurance, directly out of their operational cash flow.
You can almost be certain CFI reported both incidents to DAC to officially document them in the event you went after them for improper termination. And even if they didn't, the accidents will be mentioned when your next employer calls for a reference -- the only reference you have now that your CDL is accumulating a safety record. You don't get a "do over" as if it's your first job again.
Since you can apply for any of these companys on-line, I'd suggest testing the waters. Apply on-line with a couple at the bottom of your list and see what comes back. Remember -- you're obligated to submit a truthful application by (among other things) describing these accidents. I'd also check your DAC. There are several instruction references on how to do this in the trucknet archives.
But ---- as much as I hate telling you this ---- I think it's doubtful any of the carriers you mention are going to touch you at this time. One way to get back on track is to work for a lesser mom-and-pop or bandit company to get some accident free miles for a year or so to rehabilitate your record.
Good luck to you. I hope this is helpful for other new drivers as well.
.

Answer:
I hate those steel bumpers. If your talking about the ones that stick out from a dock and your suppose to go between them. I bumped one myself as I'm sure alot of drivers have. The dock guy where I bumped one said drivers did it all the time. Half the time you can't even see the dam things so. It's doubtful that one will work against you in any big way or that it will be reported as an accident. Most likely an incident or some such thing. But hitting a parked trailer is not in your favor at all. Thats an accident.
I wouldn't give up hope and i would do just the opposit of whats been mentioned. I would start with the top companies and work my way down the list. If your lucky some one before the bottom may pick you up. If you start at the bottom you'll stay there and never know who else might have taken you. I would not take JBHunt off the list. There has been a few around here working for them with more problems than you have. Their all worth a try because all they can say is no.

Answer:
Hey bandit how ya doin? Yes I was headed to Roehl, but one of my meds, despite DOT approval with a Drs. approval, was in their opinion to much of a safety concern, so that fell through.
Since I am a real optimists, I have to go along with the advise of trying the larger companies rather than the mom and pop right off the bat. I sure understand everything that was mentioned otherwise, and agree with it 100%, I just don't want to have to settle for a second rate company if I don't have too. I am just as safety minded as, despite the very stupid misstakes I made, CFI or any other company out there that is very safety oriented, and want to get on with a company with those kinds of attitudes.
I have a lot of confidence in myself, that one day I will be a good, and hopefully a great driver. I do have to get my head screwed on straighter than what it is right now, and am working towards making sure that happens.
Trucknet archives was mentioned for the DAC report. I'll try and find that, but if I can't figure it out, someone might give me a road map to finding that report.
Hopefully those who read my request for information won't stop from giving their experience, with the companies I listed, just because they feel I couldn't get on with them. I still need the information for making choices on who to at least consider trying.
Bandit, if memory serves me right, you live in Derby. I'm home for at least a week researching companies, next weekend if you have some free time, and would like to do some fishing, let me know. I'm going out today, to set up my deer feeder with my bro, and do some fishing.
Guys I appreciate you input outside of company specifics, but I know that I really screwed up, and am up against a wall, but the more threads folks tend to read through before putting in their own the less likely they are to write at all. So could I politely ask for just company information to be posted.
Thanks anyway for your honest views, as I know you are just trying to help.
Vincent
Work hard play hard and do your best

Answer:

Fishing, huh?
Gee, I seem to remember that!
Some three to four years ago!
I'll have to take a rain check on that! Still trying to get caught back up after the month long strike!
Then came back, only to be put on third! 21 days straight now, still trying to figure out how to get restful sleep!
Wish you well in your quest for a new driving job!!
bandit58......

Answer:
HI Folks, I seem to be getting a lot of views, but no responses. My question is why. This forum has been a real help in the past, so I am curious. If you read this post and could help out in answering my questions about the companies I listed I would really appreciate all the help I could get in figuring out who I would be intererested in applying to. I've already grabbed information off the various web sites for these companies, just need live bodies responses on just how these companies shape up in comparison to what they say.
Thanks Drivers. Work hard play hard and do your best

Answer:
Vincent, many carriers utilize USIS / DAC services for their Driver screening requirements. As such, you need to see what CFI (and any other previous carriers) have placed on your DAC file in order to know what you are facing in your new carrier search. Here's a link to a thread which tells you how to obtain your USIS / DAC report:
How to obtain your USIS / DAC report
It is not required for a carrier to inform you why they did not hire you, however, do to the large number of carrier who do use USIS / DAC, it is in your best interest to see what they are seeing. There's always the possibility you may find some erroneous information there, others have on theirs.