As some of you may know, 2 weeks ago my contract with Penner International was given the "30 day notice" and as of November 30th, I will no longer be in business with Penner International. Not here to discuss why(not enough miles apparently), I simply want to look forward.
I'm based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and have 5.5 years of dry van experience. Currently own a 99 Volvo 770 that is paid off. It's a good truck, and I hope to keep it for a while.
My question for the collective minds of CAD, where should I be looking for a job? I want to get into stepdeck/flatdeck and eventually something specialized, heavy haul or OD.
I contacted Searcy trucking, a well known outfit. From what I hear, they're a good company, and do some specialized stuff. I know they are starting to get into the heavy haul. The problem is, without any experience, they're not even remotely interested. They also have a waiting list for owner operators. Unsure about their pay package, didn't really want to ask after being told "not interested".
DeckX is another local outfit, but without a good reputation at all. I know several people that tried them out, and lasted only weeks. They pay mileage. $1.10 or so, and pay 5-30 CPM for overdimensional(LOLOLOLOL). Even I know that's cheap. Not really considering them.
Mullen Trucking of course is the big kahuna up here. They pay 75% if you have your own trailer, 68% without, and do lots and lots of specialized oil field work. They're based out of Aldersyde, AB(about 850 miles west of Winnipeg), and I think I would have problems getting home as much as I want. Not too worried about that, however. I simply think they would not hire me. No experience. Eventually I think it would be a good goal to get on with them though.
Payne Transportation is a local outfit, and actually is owned by Mullen Income fund, which owns Mullen Trucking. I think they pay mileage or percentage. My dad currently works for them(dry van) and he's pretty happy. Currently I think they're my best option, they're local and I'm pretty sure they're hiring. Would have to buy my own trailer, but that's no problem. I sent them an email with a few questions, so there will be more details coming.
Any other Canadian companies that you folks can recommend I look into?