Question:
I am going to go to school here in SW lower michigan. I have looked into many companies online but I would like some input from those of you who have any info on some good companies. Pros and cons and anything else i might need to know. Thanks

Answer:
The one that meets your needs and will hire you. BOL

Answer:
Welcome to the TruckNet Drivers Roundtable forums Teamdotson.
Do you have a preference to the type of freight you are most interested in hauling? Is that an area of the States you prefer to run in or an area you want to steer clear of? How long are you willing to stay out? Are you looking more towards local, regional or OTR? Answers to these questions will help.

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I am looking for something local or that will get me home at least every weekend. I have been thinking of TMC but of course i only know what they say on there website. Is it better to drive boxor flatbeds? Also what is the difference between mileage pay and percentage pay? What exactly is per diem?

Answer:
Try JDC LOGISTICS out of Milwaukee Wi. If you're in the SE Michigan area they'll be perfect for U. THey haul
auto freight throughout the MIDWEST. AND get U home every weekend. www.jdclogistics.com
SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR U. I'M OUT
RNB/ THA DRIVERS' DRIVERDONNY SCHNEIDER TOLD ME THAT.

Answer:
How about Maverick, Maverick
Do you like excercise often for little pay. If so then flats is a good place to start. My nickles worth, flats can lead to other opportunities such as oversize and specialty hauling. Box's lead to more box's and a few more pennies a mile.
Mileage pay is where your paid per routed miles. If a load pays 1000 miles that is what you'll be paid for taking it. If you drive over that number as you will with almost every load and often by 10% or more you won't be paid for it. Percentage is where you given a percentage of the money your company is paid to haul the load. It is often 25% or less for new people. The catch is, it is common for companies to not tell you exactly what the load is paying them. They may give you a smaller number and pay you off from that. Since you don't know you can't argue it. Percentage can be good if your working for a company that only takes high dollar loads and it can be very bad if your working for companies that take whatever they can get. Most big companies take what they can get.
A rip off. The company will pay you a certain dollar amount each day in addition to your regular pay. Right now I believe it's $52.00 a day. It is paid tax free and is for you daily meal allowance. Often companies that pay per diem give you a smaller percentage pay or mileage pay claiming the great benefits of the tax free money. the first thing it does is lower your income level since it cannot be claimed as income when applying for loans of any sort. The second thing it does is removes your ability to file for OTR tax credits. You can't claim your time away from home and take the tax deductions for it because the company has paid you for it. The company on the other hand gets to file it and take all the deductions for themselves. You accept less pay than an equal job with a different employer, your income level is lower because your pay rate has been lowered and the per diem pay doesn't show on your tax return and you have no tax advantages. It's a win win for the company and a loser for you. Although some claim it's the best thing since sliced bread.
HTH

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I looked into JDC and their website was not helpful. tried calling and was on hold for ahwile then called back again and was never able to talk to anybody. Maverick looks good. Will definetly get haold of them for more info.
Stuffs: Thanks for the info. Helped out alot. Of course i still dont know everything but I apprecaite getting answers.

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Try Maverick or TMC that will be your best bet more than likely for starting out. Most van guys will tell you flatbed is a waste of time, but like Stuffs said it opens up a lot more opportunities for you in the future, BOL.
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Like what? Driving truck for another carrier? Start on the bottom rung,no way off the ladder.
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We'll probably start you at 26cpm
Disclaimer:Pick too ugly to post at this time,LOL.