Comments By Marcin M.

Great reading Old School. I was thinking to start with tankers but as you said there is enough problems waiting for beginners. Why jump into deep water if I don’t know how to swim? At this moment I am considering OTR with flat rate to start and learn trucking.

Cold shower for students with big expectations :)

Schools also put this dream of big $$$ right in our heads claiming to survive 3-6 months keeping CDL clear and then we can “write our own ticket”, negotiate, have upper hand amid drivers shortage. Unless something pops up thru connections, I will get a job with major carrier who is willing to take me straight out of school, do my job the best I can, swallow obstacles, tight my belt and get this experience, hoping good money will follow.

Thank you guys! I will skip on this “opportunity” from Werner. Schneider was offering regional intermodal option in my area even for beginners and this position did not last long until was fulfilled so probably was a better choice. OTR with major carriers is still on my mind and I am considering base pay position with Schneider ($980/week, 3rd week +$250, 4th +$400, $4k sign on bonus, $200/month school reimbursement) to start with. I am sure they would keep me running and I would not have to be worry about miles. I really like this forum, you guys are very helpful and I can get so much information before making any decisions.

Thank you PackRat,

Sounds like I should stay away from this account. It sounded to good to be truth and I was wondering why this “great” offer is directed to rookie and it is not filled by experienced drivers.

What should I pay attention to checking with major carriers? They look very similar to me. None of them has a terminal close to my home so I will end up dragging company truck to Brooklyn. When I ask them where can I park it in my area, they say it will be figure out after orientation. I like to have as many details as possible before making decision and don’t spend too much of reset time commuting to/from work.

Hello all,

Happy and safe New Year! I am still at the driving school but getting calls from Werner and Schneider already. I am considering to start with one of them, unless I will find something more interesting. I just spoke with someone from Werner who was trying to convince me to their regional Dollar account (I am based in NYC) promising great money straight out of the school. Does anyone have any experience with this company or even run on this account? To be honest I imagine myself getting my first miles and gaining experience thru OTR as I love to travel and sightseeing, hoping to visit all 48 mainland states at some point. Schneider has a job offer as OTR dedicated fleet position with flat base pay. It looks appearing to me because I don’t want to start chasing miles since the beginning, just focus on safe driving, keep my CDL A clean and put some time behind a wheel. Maybe I am wrong. I still have at least 3 weeks of practice before my first DMV road test attempt and then will need to make a decision about first employer.

Hi everyone,

I have a CDL A permit with Hazmat/Tank endorsements and I am still at driving school hoping to pass my road test in January. I am doing my research for first employer. We just had a recruiter from Werner and scheduled Schneider visit but I would like to reach out to truckers community for advice. Which company is good for beginners, what should I look for trying to get my first miles as a professional driver? I don't mind being away from home, I simple love to travel. I live in NYC but also consider to relocate.

Thank you in advance!