I just got back from a hiring seminar here in Fresno, CA, for Stevens Transport. I was kind of surprised that they offered my a job and to start training Monday, I declined saying that I was still weighing my options, and would not commit to anyone until after the first of the year. His exact words to me were; "Can you start training Monday?, You have a very clean record and we would like to have you work for us." Is this normal to offer someone a job so quickly? What's the process for hiring new people? Do all companies move so quickly? I just don't want to make a decision too quickly.
The other companies who I am considering are CFI, Watkins Shepard, Central Refrigerated, and Schnieder. I'd prefer to do my training close to home, but don't want rule someone out just because training is in another state, if they are a better company to work for.
I am prepared to be on the road for at least a year, my wife just left her job to be a stay at home mom, and plans to be off for a least 2 years. We have talked at lengtth about this and agree it is what we should do.
Any input on the above mentioned companies would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

 

All those companies you mentioned just want "meat in the seat". Schneider is probaby your best option for training and I'm pretty sure their Fontana school doesn't require a contract, so it's all "free". Though that may have changed since last march. That's where I would, and did, go.

 

If you have a clean record , all the companies that take newbies will hire you right away .

If you live by LA , Roehl hires out of there you may want to look into them , they are a good starter company , along with Gordon Trucking out of Washington .

 

Place Stevens at the bottom of your list, there're many other starter companies better than Stevens.
"Can you start training Monday?, You have a very clean record and we would like to have you work for us." Is not a normal pitch by a reputable recruiter, you won't be hired by any company until after you complete ALL training including time with a company trainer/finisher, written tests, road tests, drug tests, physicals, and are upgraded to a first seat or solo driver. BOL

 

Stevens Transport....X-felons encouraged to apply :wink:

 

I gotta agree, Stevens IMO doesnt even rate "bottom of the barrel" in fact its right there with Covenient (steer clear of both) Id go to JB before either of those.
Any company you listed is a better choice. Namely, Schneider and CFI. Roehl would also get my endorsement.

 

My air card didn't have enough bars....but these two were the one's I planned to suggest as well.

They pay well,

do pre-employment drug screen &

Gordon Trucking will do a pre-employment DOT physical

all before you waste their time and yours with a long bus ride.
They might even fly you in to orientation....which reduces the "odds" that they will 'weed' at orientation. Usually companies that do that...will try to get you in on the cheap---with a cheap seat on Grayhound.

 

Yes, because OTR trucking is a job of last resort. These McMega carriers have to scrape the bottom of the barrell for drivers...so finding someone who has a clean record and can pass a drug test is a major achivement.

The ones that burn through drivers do. Companies that pay well and treat their drivers with respect don't need to hire people off the street. But as you'll soon discover, these are few and far between.

 

....and it's a deep barrell.....and we are so far beneath you!...you should be more careful when leaning so far over into the barrel to associate with us....you might fall in YOURSELF one day.

I got Friends in Low places....where the whiskey's fine and the beer chases my
blues away........

These days there are many people retiring from the military and other occupations...and are just looking to suppliment their retirement income and get away from Mamma... and couples hitting the roads...a lot of "hobby" drivers many of them have paid off the farm, have 20+ years of Driving experience Million mile safe driving records, plenty of time to "show off" and win State and national driving championships....and OTR is the perfect place for them.

 

I sure hope not.

Did you catch the "To Catch a Predator" marathon on MSNBC today? Notice the guy in the Covenant truck bobtail up to the house and try to solicit a 13-year old girl for sex? They caught the dude and searched his truck and found crack-cocaine and meth. Did a background check and he had a rap-sheet a mile long: attempted burglary, attempted assault, another felony.

What other "profession" can a guy like that find a job except OTR trucking? You might be sleeping next to someone like that at the next dark and desolate pickle park. In fact, I remember sitting shotgun in a guy's truck one time while he pulled out some blow and did lines off a mirror.

If it's such a great job, why the 120% annual turnover rates? Why are these companies constantly hiring? Schneider with 18,000 power units burns through 21,600 drivers EVERY YEAR!!!!

OTR robs you of your life as a husband, father, and a citizen. Run away and don't look back unless you speak Spanish and willing to work for pesos on the dollar!!!!!