Averitt Express

The more I look at possible trucking companies the more Averitt Express stands out. Southern and midwest lanes with occasional northeast runs having NYC as optional only. Over 100 terminals to safely park at with security, wellness centers, and decent cpm for rookies. They also promote within the company, so maybe a few years on the road, and then a possible cushy management job. Can anybody name a few more companies that compare to Averitt that may be similar in amenities? I'd like to check out as many companies as possible before pulling the trigger.

, so maybe a few years on the road, and then a possible cushy management job.

I don't think there is such a thing unless you are a Senator or Congressman!

You're probably right Tractor Man but how about all of the other incentives? I kind of like the idea of having a terminal to pull in to and not have to fight other drives from other companies for parking spots or showers. I'm not saying Averitt is who I'm going to drive for but it sure does look appealing.

Renegade, the multiple terminals is one of the reasons I like driving for Schneider. Free laundry facilities, showers, tv lounges, ice machines, company car use to go get groceries or just something different to eat. All of this in addition to not worrying about a parking spot late in the day.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

I hear ya Steve. Schneider is actually one of the companies that I'm taking a really close look at. I hear they have a pretty good tanker division as well. I listen to what Old School and Brett say about choosing the company that best suits your interests and lifestyle so that's why I'm trying to find as many companies like Averitt and Schneider to choose from.

Renegade, You have many, many options. Both Averitt and Schneider are really good companies. In response to your post I want to offer my observations and suggestions.

For starters many trucking companies promote from within, and many also require their operations people (like driver managers) to have at least a year of seat time in a truck. This way, they are better able to support and maximize the performance of their drivers. Every DM I work with at Swift and one planner, still drives from time-to-time on the same Dedicated account I am assigned to. Makes it a whole lot easier to communicate because they have "lived-it". So internal promotion, "in-and-of-itself" shouldn't be a determining factor.

The numerous terminals benefit I believe is somewhat overrated. Granted that's my opinion. Most drivers that I know, prefer to steer clear (no pun intended) of terminals. Although you are among fellow employees of your company, many of these places are ridiculously crowded with limited facilities and yes, limited parking. Furthermore you cannot assume a terminal is accessible on the route your are taking while under a dispatched load, might be miles out of the way. Can't be counted on. Sooner or later you'll need to back your wagon into a tight spot next to "Big Daddy Super-Trucker", with his custom long nose Pete precariously close to your trailer. Unavoidable. You might want to dig a little deeper on the Averitt terminals, and determine if all 100 have similar driver amenities (as previously mentioned by Steve L).

Quite frankly the playing field for carriers willing to hire entry level drivers is rather level, all of them enabling a first year driver an opportunity to be successful. Some pay a little more, some a little less, all told you will make about 40k your first year regardless of your choice due to training time and the subsequent learning curve. Checkout this link: Trucking Company Reviews.

So I would turn your thoughts to schooling and follow-on road training. Neither of the two companies you mentioned offer Paid CDL Training Programs so to be hired for either Schneider or Averitt you will need your "hot off the press" CDL and 160 hours of schooling under your belt in order to be pre-qualified. This would require you to attend a private Truck Driving School and pay a substantial amount of money out of pocket for your training. Both paths have their benefits and trade-offs.

Also, not sure if you have looked at these three links:

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

The first two provide a good base of knowledge designed to establish a realistic set of expectations. Far too many people enter this profession with no clue what to expect, lofty expectations, and make a quick exit once they realize, it's nothing like they thought it would be. The third link in this grouping is Trucking Truth's cornerstone training program. Designed to assist with passing the CDL permit tests and jump starting the knowledge base required to complete schooling, we believe it's essential for everyone considering a truck driving career. Hope this information helps with your decision making process.

Good luck and welcome.

I was a Truckload driver for Averitt for a while and it is nice to route yourself to a terminal for fuel, rest, sleep etc. I had no problem finding a parking spot in each one, but G-Town made a good point, there are several times during the week where I was not near a service center (as they call it) so you parked where you could. I still drive for Averitt but do intermodel now. They are a good company so do check them out more...

I've worked for Averitt for the past year started as a student driver. Many of the things you stated are reason I chose Averitt myself. Not all the service centers have showers or a gym, but a large majority do have a shower. In my past year I've worked 2 weekends that I didn't ask for, but sometimes freight or your truck doesn't allow you to get home that weekend. But both times they allowed me to get home early the next week. Northeast I've heard drivers say they have gone into Connecticut Massachusetts etc but I haven't personally. Been to New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey but never near NYC.

Also Averitt always has dedicated city shuttle and Corp jobs available. There's even an On Tour division that does music tours and festivals during the summer so there's plenty of stuff you can do

I've worked for Averitt for the past year started as a student driver. Many of the things you stated are reason I chose Averitt myself. Not all the service centers have showers or a gym, but a large majority do have a shower. In my past year I've worked 2 weekends that I didn't ask for, but sometimes freight or your truck doesn't allow you to get home that weekend. But both times they allowed me to get home early the next week. Northeast I've heard drivers say they have gone into Connecticut Massachusetts etc but I haven't personally. Been to New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey but never near NYC.

Also Averitt always has dedicated city shuttle and Corp jobs available. There's even an On Tour division that does music tours and festivals during the summer so there's plenty of stuff you can do

Yeah...I've heard that is a really great company to work for. I've never heard anything negative about Averitt Express and they are one of my top choices.

Averitt isn't perfect but based on all the horror stories I've heard about other companies I'm still so happy I got hired. There's good weeks and bad ones but that's any job. I do like my fleet manager he's a good guy. Honest friendly and easy to talk to if o have problem or question. If I'm gonna be late or have a problem of some sort I just send a message on my QC. Then he normally calls and talks to me. Never once yelled been rude or anything other than pleasant even when I drove over a chain link fense lol