Question:
Just wondering..........would like to start with a company that started you out in a decent tractor........what companies do?
[This message was edited by LATTIMER on January 15, 2003 at 14:56.]

Answer:
Priorities, priorities, priorities. A Peterbilt is not one of mine. A decent tractor is one that gets you from point A to B without breaking down. There's nothing wrong with a new Century, FLD or Volvo. As a fact they are a lot easier to drive and back than a Peterbilt.
When your talking Peterbilt your only talking looks. Most are the same under the hood. I've seen FLD's with a 600 cat engine and a 13 speed in them that move right down the road as well as almost every other type of truck.
I to wanted a big nose Pete when I started but trained in a new FLD. That was a very good truck. Lots of inside room and comfy. It was a little windy around the doors but otherwise nice. Not meaning to rag on you but there are a lot more important things to worry about than make of truck. My truck preference is a newer model and clean. Not much more to ask for except for good horsepower.
Good Stuff
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
Thanks STUFF for the reply.......now that I think about it, I too just want a nice, comfy truck, with enough power.I guess power is my main concern as I just got back from a run from Austin,Texas to Los Angeles,Ca and back and one thing I noticed was on that pull out of Indio,Ca on I-10, alot of trucks had trouble pulling that hill. What companies will start their drivers out in a nice truck that has adequate power? One truck i kept seeing with trouble was the JB Hunt trucks.........

Answer:
Thses NewBreeds that are coming up want a new 379,a W900 or a StarCar.When I started out i drove a 73'COE Pete told the boss man i got to drive that he then pointed to a Freight-Shaker COE and or that one or don't have a job i tokk the Pete and it run like a scolded dog piece of crap as far as looks go had a 350 cumalong with a 13 speed .

Answer:
I know they gote a lot of Petes if that is what you are looking to drive? 475 Cat's, w/ 10 speeds.I don't know a lot about them but what I've heard on the CB, can anyone else throw in any others??
When you think you've reached the end of your rope.. Tie a knot and hang on!

Answer:
What other companies start there drivers out in decent trucks? (good powers, and rather nice)

Answer:
Most companies have decent trucks. Keep in mind that as a newbie you will most likely get one of the older trucks in the fleet. Usually these are well maintained. When I started my first truck had 475,000 miles, but it was clean and dependable.

Answer:
I think Cypress put new drivers in Petes after OTR training. BOL

Answer:
There is a reason Pete's cost so much, they are
simply the best Truck on the road. You get what you pay for.
The steering wheel angle and size is much better than a Freighliners.
Stay with the best.
Go getum.

Answer:
I bet your lookin for a company that STARTS you out at .45 - .50 cpm also..

Answer:
sunrunner--
no, I was thinking around .25 a mile......

Answer:
You have to pay your dues. If your a newbie fresh out of truck driving school, your chances of getting a Peterbilt truck or any truck to your liking is pretty low. In most fleets you will have to prove yourself in order to drive a good tractor. You will start out in junk, a few years old and than graduate up to newer, better looking equipment.
Alot of your small fleets will have Peterbilts. Not necessarily 379 models though.


Answer:
the only thing a Pete's got going for them is looks. I'll take my Freightliner condo everyday of the week over a 379 or W900. Deciding factor: I enjoy having room in my sleeper instead of little more than a box with hardly any usuable space. To each their own...
"Pain is weakness leaving the body."
"Nobody ever drowned in their own sweat."

Answer:
I use to have the idea it had to be a W900 or 379 but not any longer since I bought my new WESTERN STAR and finally have a good looking truck with ROOM INSIDE.

Answer:
do what everyone else says, don't go for the pete, that big nose looks cool, but you seen the drivers do tight manuevers?that's right, you haven't, because the truck can't. get a centry or columbia, something that turns good, then after some experience you can look for the pretty trucks, which in my experience ride nice, go fast, lotsa power, but that costs money, so then you don't get paid so well if it's owned by a medium to major size carrier.
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people