What is the best trucking company for a "newbie" in trucking to start out in?

[faithloveseternally]

I've driven dump trucks a lot but hadn't driven a tractor trailer until I entered a 320 hour truck driver training program through a local community college. I graduated and have my CDL Class A, and have checked with numerous trucking companies that are willing to accept new drivers who have graduated from a truck driving school. Still, I can't decide which of the companies are the best for new drivers who really want a "career" in trucking and not just a "job". If any of you know a lot about Truck Driving and can advise me on some top companies for newbies, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks.

 

["Tree"]

that question cannot be answered by anyone but yourself

each trucking firm has different pros and cons. look into each one and pick the one that best fits want you want. if you don't have a family and wouldn't mind being on the road for 3 or more weeks at a time, you can pick Company A. if you have a family and want to be home every weekend, you can pick Company B. if you want to be home daily, can you try to get into an LTL (less-then-truckload) company such as UPS Freight, FedEx Freight, Con-Way Freight.

 

[Bull dog]

I would certainly try to get on for a petrolleum company. Great incentives. However, the best thing to look for is the pay, thats what its goin to break down too. You want the best pay with the greatest abiltiy to take time off. I work personally with a bunch of trucking companys and would refer some to you if you wanted to move to oklahoma.

 

[Mom2B11/09]

Well my dad and brother both are in the trucking business. My dad works for Conway and my brother for Southeastern. Either one of those are great, but when first starting out you have to work on the dock a lot!!! while training. Good Luck!

 

[bigpipe99]

It has been several years since I have been on the road, at least 12 years now, but I would suggest that you check out C.R. England, J.B. Hunt, CCC, U.S Express,
Barr Nunn,CRST,Swift. Remember it's not just the company but what you put into to it. Being a OTR (Over the Road Driver) is a good job, but again it is what you make of it.
Hope this helps you.

 

[be happier own a pitbull]

I prefer to work for smaller companies, where not just a number and they treat you like a human. While the ones listed above me are good for new drivers, I personally don't feel like it's a place that you will stay as a career. First off you need to figure out what type of trailer you want to haul. I prefer reefers. Some like flat others like van etc. Then you need to weight your options with each company you check into. I've heard better things about US Express or Saturn than the other ones. So, if I had to go to a larger company than that is the first one I would check into. I wish you the best of luck choosing a company.