Question:
Ok, I know most "training companies" are where a lot of newbies start for their first year. My question is: Who among you are or know of companies that are good to start with and STAY with(if any)....Sorry, this poat was meant for the newbie forum but I can't seem to figure out how to move it!

Answer:
Actually, I haven't called them in a while....so I'm Not sure if they are accepting students at this time or not.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.cfidrive.com/ -->

Answer:
Although, CFI, is MY Personal Fav....
There is Not One carrier that is "RIGHT" for everyone.
Some people may feel that Werner , is the Greatest carrier....while others will hold fast with Swift...or...U.S.Express.
Bottom line is....
Each person has to Evaluate Their Own Situation & figure out Who/What works for THEM.
One of the ways to do that is to Figure out YOUR Priorities & Needs & try to find a carrier that meets(or comes close) to Your Needs/Priorities.
Example=
I'm single with No kids...therefore hometime is No big deal to Me.(although, I live in the OKC, area, which happens to be an EXCELLENT location for nearly any carrier as far as home time goes.)
One the other hand....
Hometime may be one of YOUR Top Priorities/Needs.
Medical Insurance=
Most carriers will Pay for the DRVR'S Insurance...
Therefore, I pay little to nothing for Insurance.(since I do Not have a family...Family coverage is No big deal to ME.)
On the other hand...
If YOU have a Family, you may pay $100/wk for Family coverage.
***I know absolutely NOTHING about family plans....this is ONLY a FICTIONAL EXAMPLE.***
Fuel Stops=
Some carriers supply the Drvr with an authorized fuel list & perfers that the Drvr use fuel stops from THAT list.
Some carriers supply Drvrs with an authorized fuel list & they DEMAND that the Drvr use fuel stops on that list.
Since I'm the type of person that likes to fuel when & Where I want....I perfer to drv for carriers that will allow me to fuel anywhere that accepts our fuel card.
I don't like being Told WHERE to fuel & I definately do like being told How Much fuel to put in.(Covenant, Used to tell drvrs How much fuel to put in at each fuel stop....I'm not sure if they still do that or not.)
On the other hand....
YOU may Not think it is a big deal to be told Where to fuel & How much fuel to put in.
Routing=
Some carriers will Route your trip for you(usually on a lot of back roads going thru a lot of little towns.)
I like to do My Own Routing.(therefore, I try to drv for carriers that will allow me to do my own routing.)
On the other hand...
YOU may like the fact that carriers do the routing for you.(therefore, it is Not a big deal to YOU if the carrier does the routing.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
This is just a list of some of the smaller things that are on some drvr's priority lists.(aside from a few other things....CPM,401k, bonouses, rider policy, pet policy, load/unload pay, layover pay, etc.)

Answer:
THANKS for moving my post! Yeah, I guess it really depends on the driver's needs. I for one want good equipment, decent pay i.e., .30/mile after no more than 2 years and home every 3-4 weeks with a decent retirement plan. Oh yeah, either 95%+ no touch freight or at least decent compensation for loading/unloading. I don't ask a lot for home time or unrealistic pay but the truck can't suck!( I know I won't start out with the best but I figure with high general turnover, if I stay with a company over 1 year I'll be up for a nice rig....they gotta have that though). If I get at least part of this I'll be golden!

Answer:
In entry level companies like chocolate sunday said, you get seniority real fast. But don't count on being able to pick the best long-term career compant for you on your first job out.
Many company's steal new drivers from other companys after they've got some experience, instead of training their own. It's cheaper for them that way.
So maybe the best thing to do is -- lots of research, make the best decision and treat it like your last job. But you might want to refine your priorities after a year and reconsider your options. Many excelent career drivers change employers after a year or two anyway -- if only to test out something else. Most of the mega carriers will let you come back if you change your mind, so long as you left them in good standing. Either way, I guess I'd just suggest making this "second-look" part of your plan up-front, cause that's how it'll come down anyway.

Answer:
Thanks, all of this I am doing now is research. Yeah, there are a few really good companies I could drive for but need 6 months to a year experience to join them. May, Knight, KKW, Market, Gordon, Interstate to name a few. I'll just figure that entire first year as a "learning-training" year.

Answer:
Werner has a terminal in Wilsonville, from what I hear they are a good outfit, starting pay is 32cents. Haven’t heard a good thing about May or Market
Curmudgeon