Best companies for new drivers?
Posted by LilCondo@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 7 comments
I know this question probably gets posted a million times - but in your personal experiences what are the best companies for a new driver and what should I be looking for?
I’m getting my class A soon out of NJ but I’m open to OTR. I know I most likely will have to do OTR to start and get some experience. What should I be looking for when I’m researching companies to work for?
RoadStocks@reddit
Not always. I used to think the same. Turns out I could’ve started local from the get go. I made the mistake of rolling OTR 3 times and every time Ive almost left trucking lol.
Fact is you can def get the money without a mega ever touching you.
Far as companies go it all depends on what “you” find local to you. I say that because you say OTR in a way where it kind of shows youd rather not if you dont have to. And nothing wrong with that.
Just for some context, It usually takes me from either one day to 3 months to find a “good” local job. When people get impatient and anxious (happens to us all) is when those crummy mega jobs start looking good. Every, single, day, m-f pull up indeed. Type CDL within 50 miles and adjust the filter to “last 24 hours” and see what you can find over a few weeks.
As a noobie youll prob hit 90% unqualified. 7% ignore you. 2% call then ghost you and 1 gives you a gig. All you need is one bud. If you dont wanna OTR, dont 👍
LilCondo@reddit (OP)
Thank you for this - I’ve always been told I need to do OTR to start but you’ve given me hope that maybe I don’t. I do need money in a pinch - would you suggest getting my TWIC and trying to do port? I’m also going to get my tanker endorsement but not HAZMAT yet
JankyMark@reddit
I wish I would’ve went local instead of otr but I’m regional right now
RoadStocks@reddit
At least that. Regional is decent, at worst you’re home for a reset. Resets in the truck drove me insane lol
JankyMark@reddit
Yeah I just know it’s more money in local that paid by the mile is such bullshit
ashaggyone@reddit
Are you considering benefits? How long will a mega require you to mentor for? Hazmat? LCV? What do you want out of trucking? I did well with Heartland Express after PAM Transport sponsored my CDL training in Indiana. A decade later I have a takeaway gig in my bed every night. With my wife. With a pension. Chasing the clock and turning miles is where you will make your money. You ain't earnin if wheels ain't turnin. I have logged more than a million safe miles. In NJ for a bunch. I have my banal suburban life. What do you want to achieve?
Defiant_Network_3069@reddit
At this point with the freight rates being down and carriers being picky. It's whoever is willing to hire you. Get everything in writing the recruiter tells you.