Question for truckers.?

Question

Which trucking company would be a good one to start with for a guy who just got a CDL,as far as money I know a rookie will be looking at appr. $35,000 a year.

I just like to find a company who won't push you to run illegal and has decent equipment.

Oh and could you tell me which type of hauling y'all prefer vans or flats and the reasons why.

Answer 1

Dreamer

Answer 2

In terms of pay range and benefits, most of the companies that hire rookie drivers are basically the same.  

Most of the larger companies won't push you to do much that's not 'by the book' since they're under much tougher scrutiny by the DOT.  JB Hunt and Werner are 2 that are very much "by the book"....Werner has electronic logbooks and JB Hunt's on board satellite system will record your location & every time you set the brakes.  You still do your logbook on paper, but the company requires that you match everything within 15 minutes of what the company says.  

JB Hunt drivers get paid higher per mile, but they average fewer miles per week- so the pay's about the same.  Anytime you see a company that hires rookies, offering WAY higher mileage pay than normal, ask a few drivers how many miles they average in a week.  Chances are, it'll be less than most companies, so the weekly pay comes out the same.  

Equipment with the bigger companies is going to be relatively new- very few run trucks that are more than 3 years old.  Us Xpress, Werner, JB Hunt, Schneider and Swift all seem to replace their old equipment regularly, and have terminals all over the country where you can have repairs and maintenance done.  With most of these companies, if you are persistent about reporting any mechanical or safety issues with your truck, you will get them fixed in a timely manner.  

A good friend of mine works for Trans Am....been there 7 years and makes good money.  They hire newbies, you might want to check them out too.

As for vans vs flats....I used to haul cars and that's a lot of fun, but I doubt I'd really like flatbedding.  It's more labor intensive, more heavy lifting....easier to strain your back.  Those tarps get dirty and you'll often get dirty while tarping.  Try tarping when it's really windy out, and you'll feel like a sailboat, LOL.  Plus, just like with car hauling you've got to get out and tarp, strap, chain, whatever....even if it's raining, snowing, or 20 below outside.  That's kind of a bummer!  With vans, a lot of companies are drop and hook, or you just bump a dock, set your brakes and take a nap.  Its easier, but it can get boring at times...and it makes it easier to gain weight.  Flatbedding is harder, but some guys like it, it's a challenge, it's good exercise, it makes you use your brain and "think" in ways you wouldn't normally....so if you enjoy that sort of thing, it might be a good idea.  There is probably a little more money in flatbedding too.  

TMC is a flatbed company in Iowa, pretty sure they hire rookies and I have heard a lot of good things about them...nice equipment too.