Companies that take on Newbies and train...

[ATCO]

Looking for a list of companies that take on Newbies, and train them...
Typically there is a contract with them that you have to work for them for a year...

I am starting my research to see if this would be a better route for me to take...

Here is what I have so far...

Schneider
JB Hunt
CR England
Swift
Prime
FFE
Roehl


Please add to the list...

[Capt._Chaos]

Roehl & Schneider are the only two from that list that I would consider working for if I was a newbie. I'm not sure if they will hire in your area you reside in.

The other companies: NO WAY (especially Prime & C.R. England!). I dated a woman who drove for (and hated) C.R. England, and Prime is known industry-wide as a rip-off outfit with their lease program.

Marten Transport has a terminal in Ontario, CA, and U.S. Xpress has a terminal in Colton (near Riverside).

Of the companies in boldface above, I have worked for Schneider and U.S. Xpress, with U.S. Xpress being the better of the two.

U.S. Xpress has a Western Regional division, as does Marten, I believe.

www.xpressdrivers.com

www.martentransport.com

I would also check out K.K.W. in Pomona, CA and see what they have.

www.kkwtrucks.com

[Foxfire]

CC I was just about to say almost the same thing. While I don't know any companies I would recommend, I will tell you that there are 2 in there I would tell you to run away from as fast as you can. Prime and CR England. Prime I have first hand knowledge of. And England has a terrible reputation.

[ATCO]

Got off the phone with a Schneider recruiter...
Sounded halfway decent...

IF I stay here in Bakersfield, I can hire into the Western Regional fleet and run the 11 western states (which are what? California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana?) I'd be based out of Delano or Fontana...

It's $.25 a moving mile. with the average being 2,700 miles a week...
It's 2 weeks on, 2 days off.


IF I moved to Texas like I thought about doing... I'd be assigned to the "National Fleet" and run all 48... paid $.27 moving mile. work 3 - 4 weeks on, 3 - 4 days off. I'd be based out of Dallas - uggh...

I guess you can tell I'm more interested in the Western Regional fleet...
Still want to talk to some others first, but this seems very reasonable for my "entry".... Half way suprised that the people I have talked to have been happy with Schneider, never expected that...

[Randy]

Hey Atco,

As the Capt said USX also runs western fleet. I believe KKW wants 6 or more months experence as does Knight. How about GTI www.teamgti.com , another one might be Interstate Dist. ...(not sure about this one can't find the web site) they run heavy on teams from what I last heard.

Randy

[ATCO]

www.teamgti.com , another one might be Interstate Dist. ...(not sure about this one can't find the web site) they run heavy on teams from what I last heard.


Interstate Distributor Co.
www.drive4us.com

from website:

January, 2002
Our over-the-road Student Training Program has been suspended.
If you have six months experience with one over-the-road carrier and are still employed with them, we do have an Accelerated Qualification Program (AQP) that you may be eligible for.


Thanks guys,
All of this is helping... Also I'm wanting to compile a list so that future Newbies have this information source handy, so please include the National Feets out there... As for me, I'm still looking...

[ATCO]

U.S. Xpress

Viewing their website, leads me to believe that they do not train for a CDL... They offer additional training to "Graduates" only, assuming you have a CDL...

[ATCO]

JB Hunt

Viewing their website, leads me to believe that they do not train for a CDL... THey are looking for at least 3 months driving...

[ATCO]

Marten

Viewing their website, leads me to believe that they do not train for a CDL... They are looking for at least 1 year or more driving...

[ATCO]

:bye: Hi-ya Big Dave...

Werner does offer a student training program as well...

[Bikerboy]

Got off the phone with a Schneider recruiter...
Sounded halfway decent...

IF I stay here in Bakersfield, I can hire into the Western Regional fleet and run the 11 western states (which are what? California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana?) I'd be based out of Delano or Fontana...

It's $.25 a moving mile. with the average being 2,700 miles a week...
It's 2 weeks on, 2 days off.


IF I moved to Texas like I thought about doing... I'd be assigned to the "National Fleet" and run all 48... paid $.27 moving mile. work 3 - 4 weeks on, 3 - 4 days off. I'd be based out of Dallas - uggh...

I guess you can tell I'm more interested in the Western Regional fleet...
Still want to talk to some others first, but this seems very reasonable for my "entry".... Half way suprised that the people I have talked to have been happy with Schneider, never expected that...

25 and 27 cents per mile? Who would work for that? unless it's hub miles, that would be a little better maybe. Still not very good pay.

[ATCO]

running miles = anytime that trucks moves (per their order), based on hub...

You gotta start somewhere...

[zoodon]

Marten doesn't train, only hires graduates of a few truck driving schools, will hire with 4-6 months of experience, have an aquaintance just started with Stevens, out of texas, has a training program, seems to like it

[White Dog]

running miles = anytime that trucks moves (per their order), based on hub...

I've never heard this term ("running mile").

And I've never heard of Schnieder paying "hub mile"......so I'm going to feel safe to assume that "running mile" means (for all intents and purposes) dispatched mile----which would otherwise stand for "computer miles" not hub miles.

I could be wrong. But I doubt it.

Bikerboy said:25 and 27 cents per mile? Who would work for that?
White Dog says: A newbie! If they want to get their foot in the door....and expect trainning from the company.....they will have to settle for that; because that is what most of these newbie companies are paying right now.

He can spend $3,000 or more for trainning from a school and then start out at .28 cpm as a newbie without the "drive for us for one year" contract....so what's the difference? Like he said; he's gotta start somewhere. What did you start at when you first came on?

[Big_Dave]

I doubt I could ever bring myself to drive for a 'big company'.

Somehow, JB Hunt got my home number and yesterday, 'Jason' (from Driver Services), called.

Since my daughter answered the phone and says, "Hey Dad, it's for you....sounds like your friend",......I grabbed the phone. :wtf:

Turns out it was nothing more than a 'JB' recruiter trying to get me to 'work for them' on a 'Temporary Lease Program'........ :wtf:

Yeah right.......Like JB can pay me $1800-$2000 a week driving a 'lease' truck.

Sorry Jason..........like I told ya when ya filled my ear fulla BS and I hung up...........It ain't happenin'! :D :harhar: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Bikerboy]

running miles = anytime that trucks moves (per their order), based on hub...

I've never heard this term ("running mile").

And I've never heard of Schnieder paying "hub mile"......so I'm going to feel safe to assume that "running mile" means (for all intents and purposes) dispatched mile----which would otherwise stand for "computer miles" not hub miles.

I could be wrong. But I doubt it.

Bikerboy said:25 and 27 cents per mile? Who would work for that?
White Dog says: A newbie! If they want to get their foot in the door....and expect trainning from the company.....they will have to settle for that; because that is what most of these newbie companies are paying right now.

He can spend $3,000 or more for trainning from a school and then start out at .28 cpm as a newbie without the "drive for us for one year" contract....so what's the difference? Like he said; he's gotta start somewhere. What did you start at when you first came on?

I never went to any school, i just borrowed a friends truck and went and did the tests. Started at $ 11 bucks an hour. up to $13 per hour after 6 months experience. Now I'm gettin $20 per hour 7 hours per day, with only 2 years experience. I have always been paid hourly, since no OTR compaines would hire me. Local is all i could get.

But i looked at a few companies, I'm interested in and they were paying anywhere from 38 to 57 cents per mile. averaging about 2500 miles a week At least that is decent pay.

[truckermanitoba]

well i found a job, running to the states and back home.I am paid .15 cents canadian for all the miles the truck runs. most is il chicago relaod and home. lumber down to the states.After 90 days i get araise to .30 cents amile. he pays 30 dollars for picks after the first one. tarping is 30 dollars. when i get back to canada i drop trailer and rehook and go back.I am sitting with about 10 thousand miles and one more week to go.

[Mr. McFeely]

U.S. Xpress... Viewing their website, leads me to believe that they do not train for a CDL...That is correct. They closed their CDL school a while back.

[Big Lare]

This is a great topic. My brother is 23 yrs old and he just graduated from the Swift Driving Academy in Phoenix, AZ. I want to get my CDL also but I work full time and he told me that I should just get it on my own. He also said that Swift DA, is tailored for slow learners, Said he spent most of his time waiting for his group to learn how to shift properly and back up a trailer and do 45 degree back up or 90 or whatver many degree back ups. He told me to just study for the test, go to a clinic and get my Medical Card, and get my permit, then go on the road with him and he'll teach me everything he learned and then when I'm ready, go rent a truck in Phoenix and take the test. I currently work as a Slot Machine Compliance Technician for the Arizona Department of Gaming, and I make $44,000 a year. I would absolutely love to drive a truck for a living, but me and my wife are struggling right now as it is, and if I go drive a truck, Im afraid I will not make at least $44,000 in my first year. My plans are to get my CDL, and work on the weekends with a local company (I work 4 tens, so I have 3 days off) and get experiance untill I can have enough to apply for a job driving OTR and make some decent $. I would really appreciate some feedback and tell me if I'm not being realistic or if my plans could pan out. I love this forum. Keep up the great work guys!!! Until next time, keep on truckin'

[Big_Dave]

He told me to just study for the test, go to a clinic and get my Medical Card, and get my permit, then go on the road with him and he'll teach me everything he learned and then when I'm ready, go rent a truck in Phoenix and take the test.
While doing it this way is easy and 'cheap', there are several reasons why I think you may have a hard time finding a job with a decent employer.

1. Insurance companies dictate to trucking companies who they can hire....ie..must be a graduate from a 'accepted' truck driving school.

2. Most trucking companies want employees to have at least 1 year of OTR experience

If you do get your CDL like you said above, tractor trailer companies would most likely make you go through some sort of refresher or training course anyways.

You shouldn't have any trouble finding part time work with a local contractor or road construction company running dump trucks.

[White Dog]

Big Lare said: I currently work as a Slot Machine Compliance Technician for the Arizona Department of Gaming, and I make $44,000 a year. I would absolutely love to drive a truck for a living, but me and my wife are struggling right now as it is, and if I go drive a truck, Im afraid I will not make at least $44,000 in my first year.

White Dog says: You're a darn fool if you leave that job!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are struggling financially at $44K, then you will be destroyed and bankrupt if you settle for $28K to $32K in your first, second, and third years (or more) of driving.

People who don't drive truck seem to have this dilussional thought that truck drivers make a lot of money----just isn't so.

$44K per year ($3,667 per month/$916.67 per week) is darn good coin to "hang around and wait for a slot machine to screw up". I'll trade spots with you!

[Mr. McFeely]

I currently work as a Slot Machine Compliance Technician Where can I learn this job? I was a specialized electronics tech for many years.

And you can take to the bank what Big Dave says.

[Big Lare]

Well I really appreciate all of the advise guys. It looks like I am going to ride this Gaming business out. And to answer Mr. McFeely. I went to High Tech Institute in Phoenix, AZ for 18 months. I recieved a Assocites Degree in Electronics, which I use maybe 7% of now. When I graduated, I got a job at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, AZ as a Slot Technician making $12.50 hr and I was 19 yrs old. I worked there for 2 yrs, and moved up to work for the Tribe (who owns the casino) and work for the Ak-Chin Tribal Gaming Agency as an Inspector on the casino floor. I worked there for a little under 2 yrs, and I applied for Machine Compliance Tech for the State of Arizona. I love my job and 80% of my job is to drive around the state.There are 22 indian casinos and we certify or inspect all of the 12,000 mchines in the state. I really appreciate the person who said are you a damn fool. I guess I do make good money now, and I am struggling cuz my wife lost her job and now I have 2 car payments and a house payment. I am barely scarpping by now, and my AC unit just took a dump with this 109 degree heat (but its a dry heat, yea that makes it not so hot) but the grass is always greener. My brother will begine his 6 week OTR training on Sept 9, and if he does well he will get his own truck. I guess I will just go along for the ride but my dreams of driving a trcuk will have to wait untill I either retire or I no longer need to make this much money now to survive. I could do it it I divorce my wife, but I dont think she would go for it. I mean she loves me but not that ,much. LOL, Just kiddin.

Talk to you guys later thanks for the words of wisdom, and if you guys have any more questions regarding the Gaming business (slot amchines not hunting!!!) PM me or reply to this topic and I will gladly answer. But if you are gonna ask me how to win, don't bother, all I can say is play for fun or play just to try your luck, bottom line casinos are rich for a reason. No casinos go out of business, especially if they have slot machines. They are cash cows. And you will not win. If a machine says it pays back 99%, that means that out the life time of the machine it SHOULD pay back 99% of the money you put in. Oh yea the life of the machines is 100 million handle pulls. minimum. My advise play blackjack and use basic strategy card, and if you're good count cards but dont be greedy. Even if you count cards, the house still has the advantage cuz they go last in Black Jack. Thanks Big Lare, Maricopa, AZ, 2 degree cooler than HELL!!

[White Dog]

I really appreciate the person who said are you a damn fool.
Not a problem. Here to help.

It's good to finnaly see one of the "star struck" heed warning and handle advice they really wished was opposite.

I gaurantee you will not regret your choice.

[Big_Dave]

My brother will begine his 6 week OTR training on Sept 9, and if he does well he will get his own truck.
If you mean that he'd like to buy his own truck, tell him to stay in the business as a company driver for at least 3 to 5 years........MINIMUM!

[Mr. McFeely]

I recieved a Assocites Degree in Electronics... When I graduated, I got a job at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Maricopa, AZ as a Slot TechnicianSo, a tech just needs to get hired with a casino to learn slot machine work (I already have electronics credentials)? Do they train newbies in the casinos, or was learning the slot machines a specialized part of your school course work?

[Randy]

Just happened to see a add for Millis Transfer in this months Trucker's World and I thought I should dig up this post and add to it. Seems they have revamped training pay at their school.

2500 FEE - Training locations - Richfield, Wisconsin - Hamilton, Ohio - Cartersville, Georgia.

$500 up front ...Millis covers remaining $2,000 if you stay on for a year
Cost includes Lodging and Material
Students cover cost of food
First two weeks training - $500 per week
Third Week training - $550
Fourth Week training - $600
Fifth week training - $650
Trianees who spend six weeks or more in training are paid $700 per week

This doesn't seem to be mentioned in the web sites listed below but was stated in a articale in the Nov issue (Volume 9 Issue 11 ) of Truckers World (Fleet Developent Magazine).

Here is the main and training info web pages.

www.millistransfer.com
http://www.millistransfer.com/mti.html

:cheers:
Randy

[scubadiver]

ATCO if you go with SNI expect a lot of Sears loads and they are driver assist, especially if you get assigned to the Delano yard. The Sears DC is there. You'll also start in a old COE. I started with them and the COE I was assigned had 950k on it and it was a POS. :angry:

[LSMR]

My brother will begine his 6 week OTR training on Sept 9, and if he does well he will get his own truck.
If you mean that he'd like to buy his own truck, tell him to stay in the business as a company driver for at least 3 to 5 years........MINIMUM!

I agree with this 100%.The only reason I have any hope of making it as an O/O is after 20+ years in the truck repair business I have made a lot of contacts who give me good advice.

[Capt._Chaos]

My brother will begine his 6 week OTR training on Sept 9, and if he does well he will get his own truck.
If you mean that he'd like to buy his own truck, tell him to stay in the business as a company driver for at least 3 to 5 years........MINIMUM!

EXACTLY!

Get acquainted with the industry and its ways over the course of several years before even considering the idea of buying a truck!

I can't get over the number of companies trying to encourage new drivers with a limited knowledge to lease or buy trucks right off the bat! :wtf: