Knowledge And Opinion Of These Companies?

Hello all. Thank you Brett for this great resource. I have narrowed down my school choices to Western Pacific in Modesto and Sage Technical in Kingman. Any thoughts and opinions? I will be visiting them over the next month. As far as companies, so far I'm liking as my job as a solo driver either regional or western OTR or dedicated these companies: Gordon Trucking, Schneider, and H O Wolding. Any thoughts and or opinions? Home time is of no concern, I single. Pay is no concern because I'm not doing this for the money. I have money. All I want is to drive a safe truck and one that has the most creature comforts for a newbie. Thank you to all who reads this and replies.

I don't know much about Gordon Trucking or H O Wolding but I do know about Schneider since I've been working there since I started driving 3 years go. Is a good company and they treat drivers very well. I believe they do have a Western 11 regional gig there for new drivers too. Since you live in the LA area (or at least that's what your profile say) you might be out of the Fontana terminal and your DBL (Drivers Business Leader) will be out of that terminal too. A DBL is the one you call when issues with load, pay, etc arise. That person do not dispatch you. Schneider is very good, treat the drivers well and respectfully and are really god taking it's drivers back for home time, of course as along as there's freight to connect you back home. Keep in mind that sometimes been at home on time might not be possible for many reasons but at Schneider I can only remember 2 times not been at home on time in 3 years. I'm a Independent Contractor now and I am able to dispatch myself so been home when I want to go is not a worry for me anymore. Talk to drivers from all companies you interested in and do not rely on any other forum about how companies are since they are all full of garbage and disgruntled drivers who 98% of the time left on bad terms because of their own fault and in their minds they did no wrong. All companies have their good and bad things but it all depend on the individual. Which company is best for you? You're the only one who know that answer.

Thank you Hockey Dreamer. I appreciate it. What about Schneider equipment when you first started out? Go Kings Go!!!

Talk to drivers from all companies you interested in and do not rely on any other forum about how companies are since they are all full of garbage and disgruntled drivers who 98% of the time left on bad terms because of their own fault and in their minds they did no wrong.

That is 100% true. And the last part is the part that always kills me. Lousy drivers don't seem to be aware of the fact that they're lousy drivers. They'll tell you their dispatcher is a jerk, the equipment is garbage, they don't get any miles, and everything else under the sun. But what they won't tell you is that they're late half the time, they pretend their sick half the time cuz they don't feel like running in the snow or going to New Jersey, and they scream and cuss at their dispatcher every other day.

We have some fantastic resources that will help you understand how to choose the right school for yourself and how to choose the right company to work for. You can find those here:

How To Choose A Truck Driving School

How To Choose The Right Truck Driving Job

Each of those links goes to a category of articles. Read through those and you'll have an excellent idea of what to look for and how to find the information you need.

Thanks Brett. I have already read EVERY article on EVERY link on your wonderful site. I am not kidding, researching this industry is my full time job I do 6 days a week, 7 hours per day!!!! Your site is the most positive, while being realistic, coming from a driver, you, than 99% of the other sites. I am trying to get info, opinions, etc. That's all. I know to take what I read with a grain of salt. All the articles I have read have provided good info, I am seeking "inside" info. And I know eventually, it will come down to my gut feeling as to which to choose. There are no "wrong" choices, just "more" choices. Oh, and thanks for replying to my email.

By far the best source of inside info comes from a company's current drivers, face to face. If you can get to a nearby truck stop, hang out near the entrance where you can see the fuel island. Speak with some drivers while they're fueling up or on their way into the truck stop. Most people will be more than happy to give you a couple of minutes of their time which is all you'll need to get some great information.

The guys and gals that are out there doing it day in and day out are the ones in the know. And speaking with someone face to face will give you far better results than any type of anonymous communication like in a forum or on the CB. I don't know what it is, but something about being anonymous brings out the absolute worst in people. The same person that will call you the filthiest, nastiest things imaginable on the CB will hold the door open for you, smile, and say hi on the way into the truck stop. It's really odd. I used to laugh about that to myself all the time. I'd be in my truck getting ready to go into the truck stop to get some dinner and I'd be listening to the most hateful, disgusting garbage imaginable being screamed over the airwaves. But in 10 minutes one of those same guys will likely be sitting next to me at the counter enjoying a nice dinner and being just as pleasant as can be.

From Rambo to Bambi in 5 minutes flat.

Thanks Brett. I will take your advice and check out the stops and talk to drivers as I make my way to Modesto and Kingman to check out the schools first hand. I will keep the forum posted!

Yeah, and the same exact thing applies to the schools. Go for a tour of the schools, but make sure you also get a chance to speak privately with some of the students - no staff around. Catch em either before school, at lunch, or after school and get their opinion of the place. When someone pays good money to attend a school they're going to be more than happy to give you their opinion on it. So see what the students think.

Will do, thanks much. You are providing such a GREAT service to wanna be's, newbies, rookies, etc. I hope and pray you are making money!!!!

I hope and pray you are making money!!!!

Thanks!!! Hopefully both of us praying for the same thing will get our request bumped to the front of the line!