Looking for a recomendation on who to go with.
 

I was a driver / race team mechanic for 18 years pulling tag along trailers with rvs (no cdl) all over the country. After that I took over as service manager for a auto dealership and while the $$ is good, I miss being on the road. I went to 160 hr cdl school finishing top of class and now wondering what would be the best first step for my driving career.


About me..
45 clean cut non-smoking fit professional with strong work ethic
Single with a grown child so long hauls ok.
Hazmat, doubles/triples / tanker endorsements.
28 years driving having never been in accident at fault or otherwise ( knock on wood)
No arrests or traffic violations other than expired tags 15 yrs ago
18 years experience pulling /working on race cars ( no- cdl)


I was thinking Team driving running east/west coast hauling produce may be a good way to start learning the intricacies of driving while teamed with an experienced driver.

What do you guys suggest?

I take it you didn't apply to any companies while in school? Thats the best time cause most co. will give you a pre-hire letter so you atleast have an idea of whats what. Don't waste any time now that your out of school, that cdl has a short shelf life! Just put in an app. here on CAD in the job section and go from there.

Thats the problem, put in an app with whom?
Not being in the industry I received 45 emails from recruiters from so many different companies promising many things. Then when I come on here and research, I find that apparently there are a few unscrupulous recruiters. Posted here in effort to get feedback from experienced drivers rather than just pulling a name out of the hat to go with. I'm hoping my first company will be one to stay with.

btw.. I'm making an assumption that the ones that send recruiters to school offering big sign on bonus do this because they have to.

I could be wrong, but I'm betting the best companies to work for wouldn't need to send people to a school looking drivers.

From what I hear, Crete is one of the better "starter" companies.

Swift, Werner, US Xpress, Schneider.....they'll all promise you the world to get your butt in one of their seats and then pull the rug out from under you. Personally, I did my time with Swift until I found a local gig and never looked back.

Thank you. Crete was one of those that had contacted me by email and I have just submitted an application.

Well, it looks like you already have a few strikes against you!! ;)

put all them names on a board, blind fold yourself and throw a dart. Most of the companies will offer similar pay (too little) and benefits and then they will all piss you off.

WRONG!! The process of selecting potential employers requires serious forethought.

"One potato, two potato, three potato, four......."

The potato thing never really worked out for me, I've had much more success with Eeny, meeny, miny, moe :D