Trying To Decide Who To Go With?

hi I don't know if anybody can answer this one for me but here it goes. I am currently 47 years old married with 2 girls. I had lost my job where I worked at for 21 years back in December of 2015. I am currently collecting unemployment benefits but I do not want to stay on unemployment. I explain to my wife that I was going to get my cdl and my wife was ok with it so Back in February I went to a local trucking school it was a 200 hour course and I got my cdl back in march paid for it with my own money. here is where everything goes south on me? I called every trucking company that I can think of (pam transport, Roehl trucking, stevens transport, us-xpress, prime trucking, team hardinger etc.) I even checked some local companies. From what the recruiters tell me over the phone that I would start off at .30 cents per mile or more ok, I would have to go to there main terminal or main office ok, spend 6 weeks or more with a trainer ok, not a problem until I check the background or do a review on the companies that I want to go with. So far I had spent so much time trying to figure out who to go with that I don't know who to go with? and I know sometimes the recruiters can tell a lie just to get you and there quota for the week and also the longer I wait the harder it is going to be. I had decided to with Roehl trucking but one problem I would have to sign contract if I wanted to get a tuition reimbursement (and I hate contracts) I would have to drive 75000 miles for a total reimbursement. And also the recruiter told me that I would be with a trainer for two weeks which sounded odd because I though they would have a trainer for six to eight weeks before going solo or being on one of there dedicated routes. I had explained to the recruiter that I need to make the miles to get a paycheck due to bills and also that I do not want to be sitting waiting for a load. So as you can see I am more confused than ever trying to make a decision for myself as to who to go with I am aware that I would need to be on the road for at least a year if not two years if I want to find anything local in my own area I even explained this to my wife and kids. my wife told me she is ok with it even though she told me it was going to be hard for her with me being away. so if anybody can help I would appreciate it thank you.

1. Get over your disdain for contracts. You want them to give you money? Make a commitment to them. 2. 75,000 miles should be done in about 9-10 months OTR. 3. Narrow your list to 3 Rock-solid choices and then decide.

Btw: if the only thing keeping you from Roehl is the contract...I say go there. I drive for Schneider. I get tuition reimbursement and I have been very happy. BUT, the job is what I thought it was and they kept every promise the recruiter made.

You're probably very smart. That's why you lasted 21 years at your job. You'll make a good decision.

I hope this helps.

I just started my first month solo with Roehl. I did have to sign that contract (75,000m) But I was okay with it due to me having a 2 year gap in my employment in the past 3 years. So I figured I will need to put in my time anyway to be more "hireable" down the road. I had several Trucking companies reject me due to my employment gap.....I'm also in my mid-forties.....Graduated CDL school last December.... Yes OTR Training is 2 weeks but by no means do they hold firm on that. If you feel you're not ready to go solo after 2 weeks, they will give you another week. I decided to go solo after my 2 weeks, Was I ready, eh!? Probably not. But I'm the type that needs to learn by figuring things out on my own....I would learn more if there wasn't anybody else around to kind of "hold" my hand... The pay is like in the mid 30 cents CPM......There is plenty of loads and miles from what I can tell (NE Regional) so Give it shot.....Dont worry about the contract....Just get your experience.....Trust me as a Newbie, myself you'll need every single mile of that 75, 000 miles to learn the trucking job.

Welcome William.

So here is the deal, if a company is going to invest in schooling and training you they need a return on their investment, thus the contract and the obligation to either work for them a set period of time or pay them for training you.

My suggestion is to take a look at these threads to better assist in making an informed decision on schooling options.

Company-Sponsored Training Programs

Truck Driving School Listings

• Article Category: Choosing A Truck Driving School
• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing A Truck Driving School
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Truck Driving School"

The other important piece of information for you to take a way is the first year, relevant to income. Basically you are not going to make a ton of money the first year due to many factors the least of which is overcoming a very steep and at times unforgiving learning curve. Trucking Truth has a myriad of informational works to help a potential student like yourself realistically set expectations and build an initial knowledge base to help guide you through the CDL permit tests, pre-qualifications, and training phases of this career path. As follows:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road Training Program

In case you need more information Trucking Company Reviews will help provide a really good look at all of the companies that could be potential employers.

Good luck. Let us know how else we can help.

From everything I have read and from talking to recruiters Roehl is an excellent company to drive for. They were my top pick but I couldn't have a rider for 6 months so I didn't go with them. They have great options as far as home time and regional routes right off the bat. The 4-8 week training is not standard. I'm only doing 11-18 days with TransAm. There is always the option of requesting more time with your trainer if you feel you need it.

What exactly is knocking the other companies out of contention? If it's the initial miles, that is going to be anywhere you go. As with any other job, there is a period where you have to prove to people that you can handle the work and make deliveries on time and manage your time properly before you start running higher miles. You are at the bottom of the totem pole here and can't expect to run with the big dogs right away.

I agree with Steve here. Make a list of the companies pros and cons and pick what works best for you and your situation. You are probably going to have to compromise on something like the contract or such.

Just be willing to get out there, tough out the first few months, and prove yourself as a dependable, safe driver and the miles and money will follow!

Honestly anywhere you go you will get miles. Im with roehl otr and I stay out 3 weeks at a time and I finished my 75000 miles in 7 months. I have a buddy that is with Schneider and he is regional and he gets around 2000 miles a week. I will add that the 30 cpm is only to start. I run reefer and I started at 32 cpm and I make 40 now. As long as you are willing to run and are on time they will keep you moving. When I talk to the guys that don't get many miles it's always because they are late a lot or because they don't want to work.

Check out Epes out of Greensboro Nc. Not sure where you are from but there training is quick and they say they get you home weekly during training.