Help Finding The Right Trucking Company!

Hi everyone! This is a little different as my husband is the driver in our family, not me. He was able to get his CDL through a trucking school and was working with PGT trucking when he was injured and needed shoulder surgery. Shortly after the surgery he was diagnosed type 2 diabetic. PGT let him go because of it. Long story short it turned out it was all caused by dormant issues with his gallbladder attacking his pancreas. Since his gall bladder was removed, he was almost immediately was cured of the diabetes!

It’s been a few years since he has driven for a trucking company. He’s currently driving a box truck for a local organic food company. We are looking to get him back on the road but he didn’t make it to 2 years before his original injury so it’s harder to find a new company. We would prefer to find one that would allow me to go on the road with him.

If anyone could give some advice on companies to look into, it would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!!

- Nikki

Welcome Nikki!

All the major trucking companies have policies allowing a rider to come along. That shouldn't be an issue at all.

You guys will probably find that every company you look into will want your husband to go through truck driving school again. Too much time has gone by since he's drivin a combination vehicle. The easiest way to do that is to apply at companies that offer Paid CDL Training Programs. More than likely he will get fast-tracked through the program and be on the road as a solo driver in a matter of weeks. Prime would be the exception. They require a longer training period if you come with a CDL already in hand. They also offer the highest starting pay compared to most companies.

Stay in touch with us and ask as many questions as arise. Don't get yourself involved in reading all those ridiculous company reviews online. They are a total waste of time, and will only make your head spin. They are not written by professional drivers. They are mostly written by the people who failed at trucking. Don't get your Career Advice From All The Wrong People.

Thank you Old School, I appreciate the warm welcome as well as the info! I know from when he was driving before that we should stay away from Swift but are there any other companies you WOULD recommend? I will check out Prime though! :)

Nikki, you could try Schneider. They run a lot of freight in PA. They have a policy of 6 months incident free driving before allowing a rider. Other companies may be more lenient. I certainly hope you find something that works for you both. Good luck to you both!

What's wrong with Swift? There are guys running dedicated routes for Swift making 80k a year without touching freight.

Nikki wants her husband to stay away from Swift...

Thank you Old School, I appreciate the warm welcome as well as the info! I know from when he was driving before that we should stay away from Swift but are there any other companies you WOULD recommend? I will check out Prime though! :)

Why?

Nikki...don’t believe everything you hear or read. I’ve been driving for Swift on a Dedicated Walmart Account for 6+ years. “Banks” who also replied to your post, actually rode with me for a day about a year ago...

The vast majority of Swift haters know absolutely nothing about them. Many successful Swift drivers on this forum.

If he has his CDL but hasn’t been driving an 18 wheeler in a few years Roehl would be a great company. I drive for them and they do a great job of keeping me moving and my pay had only increased. If you live in Pennsylvania he can easily get hired since lots of freight goes there. They too have a 6 month requirement for him to be solo driving before you can go with then past that it’s 15 dollars a month for you to go with just for insurance and you would need to sign the waiver each month.

I’m very sorry and meant no disrespect in regards to my comment about Swift. I only know what we were told by the school he went through and his trainer when he worked for PGT. We MIGHT be in a position to have to bring our pet along but it’s not for sure yet and I know Swift has a no pet policy. So far from looking around, we are leaning towards Jim Palmer Trucking. Do any of you know much about them?

I just went to Indeed. Read some horrible reviews about PGT......and Swift, Schneider, Prime, Werner, CR England, John Christner, Knight, Pride, CRST............ See my point? The majority of online reviews are worth nothing. I drive for Swift, It has it's ups and downs, just like any other Trucking Company, Department Store, Restraunt, etc. It is what you make of it. Good luck to both of you!

I believe Swift allows dogs with a $500 deposit. Prime pet deposit is $1000 that they take $300 first week and $50 per week until paid.

They allow dogs and cats up to 30 pounds. Jim.Plamer/Wil Trans pulls Prime freight and training is very similar.

good luck