I'm applying the Shotgun approach to finding a job; I'm applying everywhere.

I'd like to find something local, but I'm a realist, so if I have to go OTR I will probably go with one of the above companies because they have terminals here in or close to Sioux Falls, SD. That, or they haul quite a bit through here. I figure that will give me a chance to see my family more often.

I would prefer comments from those that currently work for or have worked for those companies, however, other input will be given due consideration.

I am not positive if it is the same magnum but my dad worked for a magnum express when the company first started up it used to be only o/o and was start by a guy who owned or worked for craig transport

Not sure either. They are based in Fargo, but they have a terminal here in Sioux Falls.

I think I might cross SMX (Smithway Motor Express) off my list. I talked to the recruiter today and she told me there would be three days of orientation (no big deal) followed by about six weeks of training (again, no big deal), but there would be no home time until after training (pretty big deal). If they can't get me home during training, I wonder how they will when I'm solo.

You can't really base your home time when you are being trained. It all depends on how your trainer runs if he stays out 6 weeks at a time then you will more than likely not go home. Or if you get a trainer from somewhere else in the country. Alot of these company's I don't think can guarantee you home time while being trained. I know me if I was a trainer than my student would probably not go home since I like to stay out for 6 weeks at a time sometimes more sometimes less. But you could get lucky to get someone that stays out 1-2 weeks and lives in your general area to get home. good luck

Been looking for info on Magnum too.

look more closely at SMX...pls give us details about them like pay, where they run...

Here you go:

http://www.smxc.com/

They are out of Ft. Dodge, IA and I think they run all over.

This could be the case with a lot of companies that you may go with. You may or may not get home during training. I didn't see my wife and kids for weeks while I was in training. Yeah, it sucked, but we dealt with it. It shows a lot of committment on the trainee's part if you can stick this part out. I've run into several SMX drivers and never met one that was unhappy. Most of the ones that I talked to were home pretty much every weekend, but that may just be because they lived in a good area for that. I wouldn't cross them off your list just because of that, you might be surprised at how many other companies do the same thing.