It's About More Than Cpm

Many people focus on how much $ they'll make. While that's why You may consider this job, you may want to consider some other things.

Today was able to stop in one of our centers where I can do laundry, shower and get DOT physical done...all free.

I've been routed through our centers three other times this year to visit with friends and attend a wedding.

All of this while they get me 10,000 miles per month on average.

This only happens if the company cares about their drivers and is big enough to have the freight.

So when some recruiter is spouting off about the company having no debt or fancy trucks you might want to ask them about their support facilities.

DRIVE ON!

You live and Florida and get good freight miles?

I smell a troll!

You make excellent points.

See, this is one of those lessons you really learn with experience. Like I've worked for every size company imaginable including 2 trucks, 5 trucks, 11 trucks, and all the way up to over 5,000 trucks. What I've found is that the larger companies have tons of perks that give you more opportunities and make your everyday life out there a lot easier. Things like:

• Newer trucks with better technologies built in
• National accounts for tires, repairs, and towing
• A larger pool of freight and a larger variety of freight
• Opportunities in various divisions including local runs, dedicated fleets, and regional runs
• And special perks like
  • free health hotlines open 24/7
  • travel & hotel discounts
  • big recreational facilities with large screen tv's, cafeterias, laundry, and showers

I cringe when I hear people use the phrase "starter companies" to describe the major companies, as if they're nothing but a stepping stone to better jobs. That's complete baloney. The entire second half of my career I stayed at US Xpress and they were amazing. Everything they offered their drivers and the way they ran their operations was all first class. Great company, great place to work.

I totally agree that there's a lot more to consider than CPM. I'll give you another example - Prime. We send long lines of drivers to that company because they have the highest starting CPM for new drivers. But they also require you to run team for months after completing your initial training period. Most companies start at a lower CPM than Prime but they may give better raises than Prime. After running several months of team at Prime and then getting smaller raises you may find you make the same your first year there as you would have at most companies but you had to run team quite a bit longer to do it.

Is that a better deal? It depends on the individual, really. Some people would prefer that, others would rather train with Schneider because they'll have you running solo within like two weeks of starting with them. When I was new to driving I started with Gainey and ran two weeks with a trainer before going solo. I was more than ready to get my own truck. Many people are more comfortable running team with a mentor longer and that's perfectly fine also.

So in the end the company you choose is a very individual choice. Any company can be a complete dream or a total nightmare depending on how well they suit your preferences. But definitely take a look at a lot more than just what they pay. There's a lot to consider.

Once you decide, stick with that first company for a year and then you'll be able to handle that rig really well, you'll understand the industry a thousand times better, and you'll know what you're looking for in a company. You may find you're at the perfect company already where you've built a great reputation for yourself, you've had several pay raises along the way, and you're enjoying your career exactly as it is. On the other hand you may find you're ready to try something new and no one would blame you for that. There's a ton of opportunities and a lot of variety in this industry.

When I was new to driving I started with Gainey and ran two weeks with a trainer before going solo.

I am originally from Michigan, and drove by Gainey HQ many times. They were one of the companies that I would hear terrible things about, but I had several friends drive for them, and love it. It is sad that Wachovia took them, and a few other non industry businesses down with them, when they went belly up. At least they are still running as Super Service, now.

You live and Florida and get good freight miles?

I smell a troll!

Nope. I wanted to write more, but basically just wanted to get the point across because so many people come here and just ask how much they'll make.

And yeah, if you consider 10,000+ miles a month good, I get good miles. But I live in the part of Florida that is closer to New Orleans than it is to Mickey Mouse.