Got It Narrowed Down To 2 Companies.....I Hope

Well I've narrowed it down to 2 companies. Got an app in with Mcelroy; just waiting to hear back from the recruiter. Also talked with a recruiter from Maverick but haven't done an official app yet. And I know NO company will have all 5 star reviews but I've seen more than my fair share of horror stories on Mcelroy (after my app). Well I come here for the truth. Are these horror stories mostly bs from disgruntled, lazy drivers or are there any truth to them? Is Maverick a better choice or are they pretty much the same as MTL? The tale of the tape is very similar with only a few differences. I do love how MTL drivers can park @ Lowe's seeing as how there's one 2 mins from my house but my main focus is choosing the better overall company. And of course @ the end of the day the decision is mine so I'm not looking for anybody to TELL me what to do; just trying to gather as much TRUTHFUL info as I can which is why I ask this forum.

Both are good companies. Maverick has one thing McElroy doesn’t. Different divisions.. I don’t know if that’s important too you or not, but something too consider. As far as parking at Lowe’s, I’m not sure what you are refering too. I park a tanker at them fairly often. I would be looking at which one can fit my needs the best, I.E. Getting me home for hometime, and their benift packages. Alot of folks foscus on pay and don’t pay much attention to benifits. That is huge!!! As far as company bashing goes, well it is normally disgruntled employee’s going on the internet doing the bashing. Those of us doing our jobs don’t have time for that. That’s why you see negative much more than positive. The ones complaing got terminated and have plenty of free time. Not to say there aren’t problems of some type in all companies, some just more than others. I only know of one large carrier that had real deep trouble because the CEO was crooked. That CEO resigned after alot of damage was done and that company is still 4 years later trying to rebuild its reputation. That is the extreme rare exception. Any experienced driver on here could walk into any carrier and be a star in very short order.

Both are good companies. Maverick has one thing McElroy doesn’t. Different divisions.. I don’t know if that’s important too you or not, but something too consider. As far as parking at Lowe’s, I’m not sure what you are refering too. I park a tanker at them fairly often. I would be looking at which one can fit my needs the best, I.E. Getting me home for hometime, and their benift packages. Alot of folks foscus on pay and don’t pay much attention to benifits. That is huge!!! As far as company bashing goes, well it is normally disgruntled employee’s going on the internet doing the bashing. Those of us doing our jobs don’t have time for that. That’s why you see negative much more than positive. The ones complaing got terminated and have plenty of free time. Not to say there aren’t problems of some type in all companies, some just more than others. I only know of one large carrier that had real deep trouble because the CEO was crooked. That CEO resigned after alot of damage was done and that company is still 4 years later trying to rebuild its reputation. That is the extreme rare exception. Any experienced driver on here could walk into any carrier and be a star in very short order.

Yeah I did see that Maverick has different divisions. That's not a MAJOR factor as I'm looking to get into flatbedding. I don't mind physical, hard work....doesn't bother me @ all. I'm very driven and motivated....MTL has an account with Lowe's and drivers are allowed to park there for free....like I said that's just a perk not something that would keep me from choosing a better company. Hometime and benefits are definitely @ the top of the list.......and yeah I'm not shocked to hear that about the complainers. That's why I wanted to get the scoop on here because I know I'll get the facts and not a buncha bs....thanks for the response.

There are very little if any difference between the two. You really can't go wrong with either one. We have forum members that drive for each company, and I can't recall ever hearing a bad word about either. The truth is like PJ said. Your success or failure depends on you. If you perform at a top level, you'll reap the rewards.

Forget about the driver-based reviews. They will only add to your indecision. Instead, base your decision on known tangibles that are important to you like types of freight, home time options, hiring area, benefits package, rider/pet policies etc.

I suggest getting an app in with Maverick also. Who knows, they may not be hiring from your area at the moment. You could be sweating this decision for nothing. Start the process now so you may better make a decision when the results come back.

Good luck and if you have any specific questions regarding either company, put em up here as a new topic. We have forum members who may be able to help. Good luck.

Your very welcome, just FYI Lowe’s stores don’t charge you to park. I did flatbed/stepdeck for about 18 months. It is very hard work. My hat’s off to those drivers. I’m not afraid of hard work, but the older I get the more comfortable I want to be... That’s one of the great things about this industry, there’s a niche for everyone

2 excellent choices to start off flatbedding. As far as which one is better, do you like red trucks or maroon? I don't believe there's a clear winner here, it depends on which suits you better. I was with maverick for 2.5 years, nothing bad to say about them. They're not perfect obviously but they did what the recruiter told me they would. I will mention that they have some of the nicest equipment for flatbed amongst the major players. Not sure how McElroys trucks and trailers are outfitted but Maverick had newer trucks and trailers. Everything will really depend on where SC you are. If you're close to the coast, home time will be an issue, with Maverick anyway. Parrot may be lurking sonewhere, he's the McElroy expert around here. I'll be glad to answer any questions when I can.

Thanks yall. Appreciate all the info.......@Turtle: Oh they're definitely hiring in my area. I honestly have a good feeling I wouldnt have a problem getting hired on after talking with a recruiter. Home time is 1 of the most important things to me. Mav said 90% wkends whereas MTL promises every Fri. Just wanna know how true that is. Mav has a higher pay scale but I'd forego the few cents difference to be home more wkends.

@PJ: Ok. Also good to know....Yeah I only plan on being OTR for a year to get the experience then go local anyway.

@CT: hmmmm. I do like maroon better lol....but seriously that's what I need to find out about Mcelroy. I've HEARD that their equipment is....not that good to say the least. But again I don't just run with everything I hear. I would love to hear from some drivers on THIS forum about who has the better equipment. Thanks for letting me know about Mav's equipment. And no I'm not by the coast. I'm more closer to the GA state line. Also do Mav trucks have dbl bunks or single sleepers? just wondering.

Also heard that there's not a lot of miles given w/MTL.....how are the miles w/Mav? I'm looking to run as much as I can (within my rookie limitations lol)

Close to the GA boarder you say? I used to stay by the boarder myself off 85. Hometime wasn't a problem. But let's clear one thing up, no recruiter can guarantee you anything. They're in an office behind a desk being paid to recruit you. I'm not saying the company won't try and deliver on those promises but nothing is written in stone when it comes to some things. As far as pay goes, I'm not sure how McElroys works so I can't say for sure, but Maverick has everything posted on their website. They have single bunk midroof sleepers for solo drivers and condos for trainers.