May Trucking HQ In Salem OR As A Place To Start As A Rookie?? (There Is SO MUCH Negativity In The Industry That I Just Want Warts And All Honesty!)

I just passed my CDL last week and now I'm on to the adventure of finding that first gig. The one company that hasn't had recruiters ghost me is May in Salem OR. I'm completely open to any company that is willing to give a recent CDL grad a shot and train me well to become a safe solo driver. They seem pretty legit and honest although compared to some other companies they also seem willing to put rookie drivers on the road solo rather quickly. I honestly don't know if that's a blessing or a curse. The other side of the coin regarding companies willing to take a rookie on is Wilson Logistics in Springfield MO whose mentor/training program seems excessively long, although I tend to feel like the longer someone is guiding you along the better. Is there a happy medium? Does anyone have experience with May?

One thing I've noticed is that online reviews are flooded with negativity, naysayers, nitpickers, and drivers who want to trash any company for petty details regarding their experience. I'm of the "you have to pay your dues, listen and learn" school but also not wanting to roll over and be taken advantage of. I get that you have to roll with the punches and cut your teeth to make it in the industry, like in a lot of professions. I've been a school teacher and I'm also a veteran who's been deployed to Afghanistan so I get the whole having to "take your lumps to make it" mentality. So beyond the lure and excitement of that first job opportunity, I guess I'm looking for advice as to how to advocate for yourself but also not let the early bs and setbacks cause any self doubt and really be successful for the "long haul" (pardon the cheezy pun.)

Wilson Logistics in Springfield MO whose mentor/training program seems excessively long, although I tend to feel like the longer someone is guiding you along the better

Seems the better choice for you, just for the extra training, rather than being dropped right into the frying pan lol....I almost went with May after my local puppy/driver mill "school" the WIOA sent me thru. Even though I really didn't want to go team driving, for me, CRST was the best choice @ the time. They were under 50 miles from home, they had then, everything In-House, like dorm rooms (3 in each) a cafeteria with a good fresh cooked menu you could buy from. Or take the afternoon van shuttle to a local Wal Mart to stock up on your goodies.

It wasn't that bad, considering they Online "reputation" which I paid no attention to. I drove for them 22 months, and made good money with tons of miles. Wilson, also had shown me interest, but I was fine where I was. It's like ANY job, it's what YOU make it.

I'd take what ever happens to be a better deal and just run with it, with either company that gets you in a truck on the road. you can see for yourself how the work out and at least get your time in the seat driving/learning

Wilson began in 1980 and have expanded a lot since.....May began in 1945, and has 14+ places across the states

Good luck to ya Jimmy, which ever you choose

Of the two, I'd say Wilson. However that is wholly dependant on gut feeling, and not knowing anything current about May. Keep in mind, some of Wilson's fleet hauls Prime trailers, and has access to our facilities and drop yards while under Prime loads. SOME of their drivers park at our main terminal sometimes, even with their brand new facility 10 miles away.

At this stage I would take whichever one takes the initiative to get you started. Provided pay and benifts are in the same zip code. If one is much lower, that would set off red flags.

Jimmy, all your concerns are the premise of my new book. I honestly wish I could just send free copies to everyone who wants it. I promise you it will be way more valuable to you than the purchase price.

Trucking careers are often crushed before they even get a chance to make a good start. If you can, please read this book. It gives you the tools and understanding how to overcome all the issues the crybabies incessantly moan and groan about.

My New Book