Werner, Covenent, Stevens or Swift


Let’s try this again. I will be graduating from RoadMAster in two weeks. They are currently working with 4 companies to hire their students. What I am curious about is your opinions about each and why. I am 42 with a wonderful wife and 16 year old daughter. I am brand new to trucking, and have learned there’s a lot more to this than I though and I have a lot learn. After 20+ years of hating retail I have decided to get out and not go back. I’d also appreciate your thought on anything to do, not do and avoid.
 
Well once again thank you for turning to our forum, and yes you came to the right place.

Let me start by saying welcome to the industry! You have chosen the toughest, and most rewarding thing to get in to!

Here are some pointers:

1. Choosing a company will be the most important FIRST decision you make because it will determine your career path. Out of the choices you gave, I would go with Stevens.

2. Do not expect to make a decent living for the first year. There is a lot to learn, and absorb. Take it one step at a time so you don't make any careless mistakes that will effect your future.. i.e. accidents, tickets, violations.

3. Make sure you involve your wife in this forum. There is a lot of support on here as there are many wives of truckers who are members. Since this career will involve many days apart from your family, it will be an adjustment period.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Either on here or on the road.

5. Protect your driving record at all costs! Including in your P.O.V.

Keep us informed as to how you are doing.....good luck!
 
Let’s try this again. I will be graduating from RoadMAster in two weeks. They are currently working with 4 companies to hire their students. What I am curious about is your opinions about each and why. I am 42 with a wonderful wife and 16 year old daughter. I am brand new to trucking, and have learned there’s a lot more to this than I though and I have a lot learn. After 20+ years of hating retail I have decided to get out and not go back. I’d also appreciate your thought on anything to do, not do and avoid.
I think I would check around a little and see if other companies will hire you out of this school.Reason being is you are limiting yourself by only considering only these 4 outfits.Do some digging and see if you can increase your choices.
I have no experience with any of these outfits but from what I have heard and read I think Stevens would probably be the best.Besides if you can make it work pulling reefer,you will probably stick it out as a driver.

This will be a HUGE change in your lifestyle and your families.Weeks at a time on the road.Living in a truck,eating at t/s after t/s.Everything about your day will change.Instead of climbing out of bed and walking to the kitchen to make some coffee,you will get up walk across a parking lot into the t/s to get your Joe.Same with showers, watching t.v,and just using the bathroom.

Lots of time away from home with only a phone call to keep you involved with your Wife and Daughter.Missed events and plans changed/cancelled.

Make sure you have thought this through.

And as Shadox said ASK QUESTIONS.Nobody knew it all the first day.EVERYBODY learned it from someone else helping them out.Asking questions could keep you from getting a ticket or it just might save your life.

Best of luck Truckdriver.
 
If I had my choice I would go with Stevens, for one with reefers you have a major advantage in the fact that you can also haul dry freight so your not limited as far as freight opportunities go.
 
If I had my choice I would go with Stevens, for one with reefers you have a major advantage in the fact that you can also haul dry freight so your not limited as far as freight opportunities go.
Now if you only knew what you was talking about.... stevens??? Tie that young lad to a tree after he has been tarred and feathered and commence with the lashes...:neener:
 
Keendriver - good advice
Shadowbox65 Id like to avoid beeing boned but if I can't I do my best to limit it!
Thank you to every one. Please keep the advice coming! I need it it staw away from the bone.
 
Keendriver - good advice
Shadowbox65 Id like to avoid beeing boned but if I can't I do my best to limit it!
Thank you to every one. Please keep the advice coming! I need it it staw away from the bone.

I will forgive you for calling me shadowbox.....
 
Orion, I am only partly kidding with the "boned"comment. You have been around long enough to know how things are when you do something new. Yes, they will starve you for the first year. Why? because they can.... Does it make it right? No, but just be prepared to struggle for a while. At least you know up front right? Then, after you run for a year with no, I repeat NO incidents, you will be able to get on with a better company that does not hire newbies, or trainees. Then, you will most likely make 50 K per year. Once again, keep us informed!
 

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