Con-way truckload / CFI or Maverick Specialized?

[SKLmotorsports]

Hey guys, newbie here. I just finished school and hold my CDL. Im now doing the "who in the heck do i work for " dance. I would appreciate any input on these two companies as they both seem to want me. Thanks in advance guys!

[hamboner]

I suggest Conway. Have read several negative posts about Maverick specialized. These are two very different jobs, so it all boils down to the type of work and driving you want to do. My suggestions don't matter.....its you that will have to do the work.

Neither.

No offense, but if either company was any good then they wouldn't need to constantly recruit at CDL schools for greenhorn drivers - especially with the current high rates of unemployment in this country. Basically they can't hold onto enough experienced drivers due to low pay and BS associated with the OTR "lifestyle".

This is not a slight against you because we all had to start somewhere. But just think about it...the guy who's seat you're filling thought these outfits were good at one time. As did the guy before him, and before him, and before him, etc...

Constant turnover is a sign of low morale and job dissatisfaction. If you can put up with the unpaid labor/waiting around, DOT, poor diet, low pay, irregular shifts, filthy truckstops, etc for a year or two then maybe you can parlay it into a better job down the line.

[Jay B]

Neither.

No offense, but if either company was any good then they wouldn't need to constantly recruit at CDL schools for greenhorn drivers - especially with the current high rates of unemployment in this country. Basically they can't hold onto enough experienced drivers due to low pay and BS associated with the OTR "lifestyle".

This is not a slight against you because we all had to start somewhere. But just think about it...the guy who's seat you're filling thought these outfits were good at one time. As did the guy before him, and before him, and before him, etc...

Constant turnover is a sign of low morale and job dissatisfaction. If you can put up with the unpaid labor/waiting around, DOT, poor diet, low pay, irregular shifts, filthy truckstops, etc for a year or two then maybe you can parlay it into a better job down the line.

I totally agree. I have been on the road for 6 months now and I hate it. Unpaid labor, crappy living conditions and fleet managers who don't care if I ever get home. But if I can stick it out for a little while longer I can get the "good job".

[jefster]

Sometimes that "better" job just isnt in the area where you live. I know I have been driving 4 years and where I am at there isnt anything for driving other than the low end farm and dump driving jobs or otr jobs.

I drove for maverick in the regular flatbed division and it was ok.

Sometimes that "better" job just isnt in the area where you live. I know I have been driving 4 years and where I am at there isnt anything for driving other than the low end farm and dump driving jobs or otr jobs.

So move to where the jobs are. I'll wager you're not 100% American indian...which means your forefathers came to this great country from Europe. They braved a long and arduous trip across the Atlantic, learned a new language, adopted a new culture...all for a crack at bettering themselves here in the good ole' US of A. They're probably rolling in their graves hearing you say you're stuck in bum-$%^& Iowa.

There's still many opportunites in this land of plenty. But driving truck for a large McMega carrier is not one of them.

[jefster]

Actually its Illinois . and there is no way the wife will move away from family. Besides that with the housing market the way it is in my area I couldnt give my house away let alone sell it.

[SKLmotorsports]

Well, that leaves me with a total of zero options. Any positive ideas?

[Skywalker]

Actually....of the two of them, CFI/Conway would be the better choice as far as I know. I drove for them for 7+ years. (CFI), and did pretty well there. From what I understand...since the company was purchased by Conway... things haven't really changed that much....

If you want the straight skinny on CFI/Conway....go here and get your information from people who drive for them: http://www.cfidrivers.com/

If you're going to make decisions based on "information"....it might pay to get it from a reliable source.

8)

[SKLmotorsports]

Thank you for the input, it's just what i was looking for. I intially was going to Maverick Special, but I keep getting more negative vibes than positive ones with them. That and if I get stuck with an autotrans this early in my game, that may kill me later with other companies.

[RottsATruckin]

They're probably rolling in their graves hearing you say you're stuck in bum-$%^& Iowa.

I resemble that remark :wink:

[all18wheels]

whatever you decide, you better hurry.
because once you start getting 45-60 days from gruduation from school and still not started work, many big companies will deem you ineligible.
CFI was one of them. i found that out the hard way.
luckily, i found a linehaul flatbed job from a small local company. im glad i did too. 3-6 weeks on the road would have me in tears

[steelhauler2008]

I drove for Maverick,on the flatbed side,no problems.On the specialized side they were using several fleet managers that stayed on when Maverick bought out Schneider Specialized and had alot of problems.On the flatbed side it was agreat company.I left the road and now am doing a local job.

[mbadriver]

Neither.

1. especially with the current high rates of unemployment in this country.

2. they can't hold onto enough experienced drivers due to low pay and BS associated with the OTR "lifestyle".

3. This is not a slight against you because we all had to start somewhere. But just think about it...the guy who's seat you're filling thought these outfits were good at one time. As did the guy before him, and before him, and before him, etc...

4. Constant turnover is a sign of low morale and job dissatisfaction.

5. If you can put up with the unpaid labor/waiting around, DOT, poor diet, low pay, irregular shifts,

6. filthy truckstops, etc for a year or two then maybe you can parlay it into a better job down the line.

RESPONSES:
1. By any historical measure unemployment isn't very high.
2. Trucking lifestyle is the reason for industry turnover, low morale, and job dissatisfaction. One cannot fully comprehend the lifestyle until the actually live it.
3. See response 2. If you have any friends or family, then your heart will get mighty heavy.
4. See response 2.
5. I don't agree about the unpaid labor. Better stated would be uncompensated for lack of productivity that is beyond one's reasonable control. Low pay? Relative to what? DOT and diet are things the driver can control (don't eat the slop at truckstops). Irregular shifts are part of the "lifestyle."

6. I run Canada a lot. The truckstops in Canada are immaculate. There is no excuse for the filth and scum at USA truckstops. Of course the slob US drivers might have something to do with the filth. Being a fat slob isn't a prerequisite for being a driver. The low opinion the public has of truckers has been hard earned. Thanks mister 85 IQ, ill mannered, lard ***** you have become our poster child.