Question:
I should get my A CDL this week. Sure was/is alot harder than getting my B. But anyways, I have prehires from, and I know prehires doesnt mean anything..But I am running out of time as I want to stop working where I am at by November 14th.
Warner
Roehl
Swift
CRT
CRST
USA
Schnider
And
England
I have a very good work record, and driving record.
I am leaning toward Roehl because of all that I have read here on them. But the pay durning training I can find nothing firm about. I need to find a place that will pay me what I make a week now starting out..which is about 350 a week. Yes I know Va Beach does not pay its employees very well. If I can't make that starting I might as well stay where I am at.
Things I need in a company. A way for my children to contact me if they need to..other than my cell phone (which doesnt get the best reception even at my home area. Decent insurance benefits that start as soon as possible (i take daily meds). Home time..is important but not a vital thing. I mean as long as I can get home if I am really needed, in a reasonable time also need to find someplace that if for some reason I bomb out of orientation that they will send me back home. I dont care how,as long as I can get back home. I also for at least a few months need a company that I can take the truck home with me till I can get a 2nd car. I do not want to run team, so that pretty much leaves CRST out ..correct?
Does anyone have any inside as in drive for information on the above companies. I have done a search on all of the above and search other websites and also the companies websites if they had one. I am also checking into local with CCC on my instructors recommendation. I am really leaning toward Roehl as I said before but also am thinking hard about Warner...and have no idea why I am thinking so about them.
Thank you to anyone who maybe able to say the 1 thing that makes up my mind.
Bearbell

Answer:
I can only tell you what I know about Werner:
The pay during training is in the 325-350 range.
The insurance is Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and starts 30 days after hire.
You will get 1 day home for every week out.
Your family can contact you via QualComm. They call the terminal and the terminal relays the message to you, then you call home.
They have good equipment, well maintained, and run 65 MPH.
They have regional, dedicated, and OTR fleets. Regional or dedicated will get you home weekly.
Pay isn't the greatest, around 23-24cpm, but you will stay busy.
I was with thyem and had no real complaints. My fleet manager was easy to reach and quite helpful.
They will initially put you on the "90 day" board, which is where they put the newbies so they can help ease you into the world of OTR trucking.
I'd look seriously at them.
Good luck.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane.
Waylon Jennings

Answer:
Thank you ..is the 90 day board like 90 day probation? If so thats not a biggie. I wish the decision was easier to who to go with.
Thanks for your time and the info. It will be used..
Bearbell

Answer:
Just about every company out there, regardless of how they figure it, will pay you around 350-400 per week while in training. This is pretty much industry standard any more with any of the larger companies.
When I say "regardless how they figure it" what I mean is that while most companies pay a flat rate during training there are a few that pay the student a per mile rate that at the end of the week ends up being the same or close to it as the flat rate.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
best of luck to you.

Answer:
Do yourself a favor, and scratch USA Truck off that list.
If you want to know what I mean, click on my name and search through my "posts"---a very clear and precise conversation on them can be found.
_________________________
Cover Your Cans People!!!It's apparent this place is never going to change....then again; why should it? It gets the clientel it deserves.
Bette Midler

Answer:
I start with Roehl next Monday. Training pay is $55 a day while with the trainer and $65 a day while with another student. Each training period is 20 working days long. Benefits start after 3 months and you can take your truck home. You have your choice of days out depending on where you live and availibility, National fleet only requires a minimum of 7 days out!! I looked at all the companies that would take newbies and Roehl was by far the best choice for me. With an industry standard turnover ratio of 120% and Roehl is at 90% that tells me alot. Covenant is around 300% and Swift and Werner are not far behind!!!! For more information go to www. Roehl.net. Remember one thing. It will most likely be worth giving up a few things in the short run to be more satisfied in the long run. Good luck Bearbell, hope to see you on the road.

Answer:
Thanks all for the help I really appreciate it. Also many thanks for the well wishes!!
I think I have narrowed it down to 3 and 2 arent even on the list.
Roehl
Givens
or CCC
I can appreciate all that has been said on here regarding Roehl and the fact that there has been really nothing negative said about them. So they are still a big consideration.
Givens wont talk to me till CDL is in hand. They are just about 20 minutes from me, so that is a plus. Also ex b/f works for them and he is happy with them. All though I do have to say I was NOT happy with his lack of home time. But then I realized even though he wanted to be home he did not refuse runs to be home. So they have been a thought all the way along.
CCC beer division they are in Newport News Va so about 45 minutes or so from me. The job I was told about is delivering beer at night and home durning the day. All drop and hook I believe. Get a percentage of the load. Not 100% sure of that one. I believe the instructor that told me about it said it had the potential for good money. But then I am not sure on it either.
Gee..one of these days soon I have to make up my mind which way I want to go. But then.. I have not talked to Givens and have a live in person interview with CCC on Friday. So they may not even want me. Or I may not pass my test this week. To many factors that has got to happen before I start really wondering about which company.
Again thanks alot guys!
Bearbell

Answer:
KLLM just entered the picture. But after reading some of the archives and all here. I don't think so. All though the web site and the recruiter said all the things I wanted to hear. Funny how they know just what you want to hear.
I sit here laughing as I realize I never knew I couldnt make decisions. Really I can but this one is one of the more tougher ones I've had to make in a long while.