Question:
Hi there.
Just got my CDL last week thru a city college in Chicago. I was going to the p.m. class because currently i have a job. I was not able to talk to some of the recruits that came to the school due to me working during the day. I did get some applications from the counselor so i can get the ball rollin'. I have also been doing alot of research on companies,getting feedback from this site as well as others and it is frustrating to say the least. I mean, i don't expect to get paid the big loot right off the top but DAMN! When i was younger(34 now) i worked as bike messenger and it seems to be the samething but on a larger scale. Have tenure with a company, get in good with the dispatcher so you can get the good runs and be home at decent time. I am and will get with one of these companies so i can get experience but i just want do my time, get paid decently, be home,good equipment,nice friendly coworkers/dispatcher I know i am asking for much. We will see. p.s. sorry for the b!tching and moaning.

Answer:
It can be very discouraging for newbies, because most have no real idea what being a Truckdriver is all about. For many once they find out that it's not what was portrayed to them by recruiters (school and company), they already have to much time and money invested to turn back, so they are just out here now looking for ways to get out of trucking and hating every minute they spend holding a steering wheel.
Others can be turned off by bad experiences with companies that they start off with.
For the majority,If you took the names off the sides of trucks there would be very little to distinguish one company from the other. One companies bad point might be a good point for another. One company might have slow trucks, but they have regional loads that get you home often.
One company has fast trucks, but they only pay 25cpm. one has fast trucks, pays 40cpm but goes to NYC every week. one doesn't go to NYC but expects you to stay out 3-4 wks at a time. There is a horror story out there from every company. It's all about what "you" feel is best for you, and that may not work for the next person.
Just out of school, your options are limited, and the company you choose to start with may not suit you. Try to use that time while gaining experience to learn what it is that you need to make it as a Truckdriver, and then look for the company that fits the profile, and remember that your dispatcher is always right.
FEDERAL FRANCE-BASHING STANDARDS & GUIDELINES
http://www.whitehouse.org/news/2003/022503.asp
Answer:
Just be smart and don't start at the bottom. Look for the better companies and start there. You will only be guessing to begin with having no actual experience and little idea what it is really like as a driver. So take your best guess and don't settle for one of the big training companies just because you can get in easily.
All companies seem to have equal or near the same benefits. Pay can really vary, a couple cents per mile can be alot at the end of a year. What do you need and want and do you qualify for companies that offer those things and a better chance. If so go for the best right from the start.
"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of all who threaten it"

Answer:
I see that you are from Chicago. That means you have all kinds of opportunities. You have LTL, railyards, and the OTR stuff. I drive in Chicago almost everyday. Write to me if you want to.

Answer:
I worked for Schneider which has an operating center at Gary Indiana. You may want to contact them.
If being home is extremely important to you, trucking may not be your best career move.

Answer:
You wanted the name of the company I had talked about. You said to email it to you brickhead but you have no email in your profile. Email me brickhead and I will get you the info. The company out of Lasalle, IL. is the one I had mentioned. Great company to start with and even stay with . I almost regret leaving them myself but like alot of things in trucking,the grass always looks greener on the other side. I went from reefer and Van to flatbed and this is my second job. I don't regret going flatbed because I like to get out and get some good hard physical work. To hang on to a job anyone has to be able to get the job done to the company's liking or you
will be looking for another job. This job is not for alot of people. I myself knew somewhat what I was getting into because my Dad drives and I grew up around it a bit. I still did not fully know what it consisted of until I was the one in charge of operating the truck. Its different even
just being around it and watching what goes on then actually doing it and having to be the one responsible. Just a few views for other Newbies who are reading this post. Alot of new drivers will work out well and thats good for the industry. You have to find what "you" want and works for you. 10-4 drivers. Good luck brickhead.
"The best way to get on your feet is to get off your ***"