[runner123]

Looking into trucking. I live in South Alabama. Have been contacted by a few companies. Would like input/info on these companies, Schneider National, Stevens Transport, Central Refrigerated and Averitt. Averitt has a terminal in my home town. Any info/suggestions?? Thanks, Runner123!!!

[countryhorseman]

Runner123,

Do a search of this CAD list, all of the companies you have listed have extensive postings on this list. Top left hand corner of the CAD window, second button from the left, type in the companies name and it will bring up the Topics on those companies.

Schnieder and Stevens both take new drivers, I believe (could be wrong) the Central requires at least one year experience, and Averitt is more stringent.

I have experience with Stevens Transport, and it was 95% positive at the time I was there, although I was not on the company side but a month, was on the Alliance Fleet the rest of the time.

Louis

[runner123]

Thanks for the repy, drive safe.

[bigdad7]

i agree with sheepdancer i didnt until now but i went a "descent" al be it good company cfi for four months and jumped ship to jbhunt for an almost 10 cpm pay raise wish i would have left two months ago but go to any swift schneider or cfi and after 2 months start looking at jb may not be where i spend my carreer but for less than a yr exp it is the best money and benes i have seen around....

[runner123]

Thanks, so JBHunt is working well for you?

Pretty much anything involving a sleeper means you're gonna get ripped off. Schnieder, Stevens, JB Hunt, Central, Swift, Prime, etc, etc, etc...fill in the blank = same BS, same low pay, and crap hometime. Good for getting some trigger time in and that's about it. Ding up their equipment, strip some gears, and then drop em' like a bad habit and move onto greener pastures.

Averitt is both a truckload and LTL company so you could possibly move into a local city position or shuttle-type deal down the road. Still, they're below par as far as pay goes versus other LTL outfits. If nothing else, the experience could help you land a better job later on.

[runner123]

Yeah, I know starting out is tough anywhere, but Averitt has a terminal about 5 miles from home. Looking for as much convienence as possible, however, there may be none to start with. Schneider wants an 18 month contract at 27 cents a mile. I am sure they do!! Thanks, coldfrostymug, think it's time to pour one up!!

Originally Posted by runner123

Yeah, I know starting out is tough anywhere, but Averitt has a terminal about 5 miles from home.

I would go for it. Having a terminal that close is nice for alot of reasons. When your truck needs a PM or other work, you can just drop it at the terminal during your hometime and when you're scheduled to head out, you're good to go. No more waiting around in the driver's lounge for no money watching gameshows and Gunsmoke re-runs.

Easier for your dispatcher to get you home because they can relay your load at the terminal and you can just drop your trailer there. Plus, you don't have to worry about parking the truck somewhere.

Thanks, coldfrostymug, think it's time to pour one up!!

Sounds like a plan! I'll drink one for you tonite wishing you best of luck in your new endeavors! Cheers!!

[runner123]

Thanks, I have seen all the Gunsmoke re - runs, take care and drive smart !!

[Watcher]

I had a post right here: http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...press&start=45

That talks more about dealing with Averitt Express. However, personally, when my wife and I decide it's right for me to go ahead and take a better paying dedicated job, I'm heading to JB Hunt. I like how their stocks have split 3 times in the past 8 years or so. I've chatted with a few drivers that have way over $250,000 in their 401K because of their stock, and with Swift no longer the "Big-Dog" in the Dow Jones for Trucking companies...it looks like JB Hunt's stock has got front seats on that roller-coster going uphill!

Watcher

BTW, I've talked to a few other Stevens Transport drivers...they mentioned having to p/u loads that were basically illegal. But who knows if they were telling the truth.