Companies That Run Southeast-West

Hey drivers,

I’m fairly new in the business (1Y/O) I’m thinking about switching from SE regional to OTR soon.

I would like to increase mileage and see more of the country. Not particularly interested in going to the Northern States but would like to run from my Home in ATL, GA to places like FL, LA, Texas, Cali, back East to SC, NC, GA, TN.

What Dry Van companies do you all recommend?

I’ve been thinking about checking out KLLM and Prime.

Any suggestions/ info is much appreciated. 🚚💨 #KeepTruckin

Thanks

Hey drivers,

I’m fairly new in the business (1Y/O) I’m thinking about switching from SE regional to OTR soon.

I would like to increase mileage and see more of the country. Not particularly interested in going to the Northern States but would like to run from my Home in ATL, GA to places like FL, LA, Texas, Cali, back East to SC, NC, GA, TN.

What Dry Van companies do you all recommend?

I’ve been thinking about checking out KLLM and Prime.

Any suggestions/ info is much appreciated. 🚚💨 #KeepTruckin

Thanks

Wolding runs southeast and west.

KLLM is an absolutely fantastic company, and if you're interested in that sort of thing they have hands-down one of the best lease-purchase programs in the industry. I had VERY few minor complaints in the four and a half years I drove for them. (Took some time off the road...would have gone back but my current company threw a whole bunch of money at me to come drive for them. )

Bear in mind that KLLM, like most companies, still has most of their freight in the east coast area but you do get out west fairly regularly (especially if you have a good relationship with your DM). I can't speak about other companies except Tribe Express (don't go to them except as a company driver. I do fairly well as one. Their lease program isn't terrible but they're not an efficiently-run company and it shows in the settlements).

Also, important to note is that KLLM is a reefer company. They get dry loads but are not a dry van company.

KLLM is an absolutely fantastic company, and if you're interested in that sort of thing they have hands-down one of the best lease-purchase programs in the industry.

Hands-down one of the best lease purchase programs? How so? I’m very skeptical whenever I hear something like this, especially when it applies to leasing.

Please when making a statement like this provide substance and first hand experience. Otherwise it’s just noise.

they have hands-down one of the best lease-purchase programs in the industry

That's about as good as having the softest block of granite. We don't believe there are any good lease purchase programs out there. The companies wouldn't create a lease system so that lease drivers could make more money than company drivers. Why would they? It's a suckers game for people who think they'll be the Big Boss Man, large and in charge.

We highly recommend people stay away from leasing.

Fact is - there are some longtime members here, that have leased and "done OK". But WHY would you want to JUST DO OK? And the minute number that have successfully completed a lease RAN FROM IT AFTERWARDS. Most FAIL and we NEVER HEAR FROM THEM AGAIN.

There are a MUCH LARGER NUMBER of folks that come here, we try to tell them THE TRUTH ABOUT LEASING - they get all insulted (like we're keeping them from fulfilling their lifes dream), and we NEVER HEAR FROM THEM AGAIN. And we NEVER HEAR about people that end up walking away with a 3-4 year old truck with their name on the title (and no lien).

I don't think - in my decade of being here, that ANY NEWBIE has come back and reported HUGE TAKE HOME (those that do are only marginally higher than an company driver running similar miles). What we do hear a lot of, is weeks IN THE HOLE (especially when you take home time), fighting about getting repair bills paid from maintenance accounts, and not getting back $$ from escrow accounts when turning in your lease truck.

Which is why we so VOCALLY DISSUADE people from leasing programs. And that applies ESPECIALLY TO NEWCOMERS, where your time should be spent learning the trade, how to be safe and efficient and NOT SPENT WORRYING IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE HOME ANY $$ THIS WEEK after your payment and escrows.

So, not that I'm doubting you JosephB - but in order to have a balanced conversation on this - we'd LOVE TO SEE what your numbers looked like. You have 4+ years on the road - 5+ on the forum.

Rick