Comments By Matthew B.

I've narrowed it down to "2" company based schools, thanks to this site, countless other ones and YouTube videos from drivers. My question is besides what I've read and watched is there anything else I should be aware of when making a life changing decision like this. My 1st school is Prime Inc and my second school is Knight Transportation, both schools are compared to be very close to each other in what they offer. But my ultimate goal is to drive for a company that only operates flat bed, then maybe move into heavy hauling. There's a local trucking company where I live that just requires two years over the road to work for them and they do heavy hauling. But would it benefit me to have flatbed experience? I know one big question that will be asked is do I have a family, etc. I am not married, no kids and presently living at home with family. I been down that road with being married and don't plan to head down it again unless I am forced at gun point aka "shotgun wedding". Are there' any driver that work for either company that could give me advice?

No luck with reaching anyone at knight, but i did receive and email from a recruiter. But i think she may of thought i had experience, cause the email said experienced drivers. I thought about going to a local school here in Charleston, we have two of them, but i know there's no guarantee of a job and one of the schools only offers a certificate. I have looked into other companies and i know there's a first year clause.

As far as the handling the outdoor and tarping my own load, i don't think that will be an issue for me. I used to work for the airlines for 10 years, working my way up from a ramp agent to a manager. I got burned out with all the change overs and trust me when i tell you, if you think trucking companies change things fast, they are nothing compared to and airline. Any who before to ramble on, i would appreciate any advice with helping me choose a good company. I've heard Melton, TMC and Maverick are also good companies but they only take students from a recent school. There's also a height issue for me, i know most truckers aren't super tall, but i am 6'5" and i just wanna make sure that i'll be able to fit in the sleeper. Most YouTube videos I've watched say that some trucks are really tiny and that's one reason why I've been hesitating on hurrying up my CDL permit test taking.

Any input is awesome, i know there's lot of experience on here..

OK well thanks to Brett and his site, I've done my research as well as talked to a friend or two who drives a truck for a living. One thing for sure is that I know the the two companies that I want to join on with as far as a Company sponsored school, but I haven't had much luck getting a hold of knight and prime is sorta calling me nonstop. I'd rather join on with knight considering all the positive things on the forums here I've been reading, but also thought of prime and heard they have flatbed and tankers which really interests me.

I guess what I am asking is; should I go with a dry van or refrigerated company until my school dues are paid and then switch to a flatbed or tanker carrier. Or should I just suck it up and try my luck with Prime, who offers all that already.