TruckingDog, SNI is a great place to start. I was there for a year and a half b4 I left.I would still be there if I didnt have the desire to run flatbed with Melton trk lines. Plus My dispatcher left W.memphis OC to run the JC Penny acct down In FL, otherwise I would still be there.
My training process lasted just over a month 11 days In dallas,Tx then 2 days home then back for 5 days of SQT, Once we were done with SQT, we were assigned a trainer. The time you spend with a trainer is up to you, all depends on how quick you catch on. The trainer must keep you for a Min of 10days. You get $200 dollars @ the end of the 11days, this is suppose to hold you over till ur done with SQT. They dont feed you doing SQT, but they give you 2 meals a day for the 11 days. While your with a trainer I think they give you $500 b4 taxes, I am not sure about this, I forgot, But your best source for this info would be over @ Pumpkindrivers.com.
I got lucky and got a Trainer who was on trk rail acct. He was Home everynight and so was I, So i didnt get a chance to learn the OTR until I got out on my own But I lean how to back into alot of tight spaces. Something alot of older drivers still dont like to do. I got a chance to back into some of the tightest spaces in the rail yard, I thought it was the best exp I had. I got plenty of practice with this acct.
Once I got on my own I never got a chk for less than $650 during the probation period. I got plenty of miles and they paid me for trl searches everytime( stay on top of your disp for this money). Money can be made @ SNI but as a new comer u can expect to make around $30,000 your 1st yr. You just have to learn how to work the system to get it. Yes they are @ the bottom of the pay scale for companies but they have alot of freight.
My advice would be to get the Exp then leave for a better company like CFI( my current employer).
CFI also has training but I am not sure how it is set up. SKYWALKER would be the man to talk to, or go 2 CFIdrivers.com and chk it out.
All in all SNI is a good place to start just do your year and dont listen to the BS, because everyone is having problems. Just do your time get your exp and then if you find something else leave, if not you stay.
Any Questions about SNI or CFI or Even Melton Just ask and I will do my best to help you.