Well, it boils down to what is right for "you" and your situation. What is right for me or someone else may not be what's right for you.
Personally, I think Crete is #1. But since they don't do training, and I can't afford the extra $$, or an extra student loan, I'm going with Stevens Transport for at least a year. Then I'm planning on going with Crete.
My brother has been with Crete a number of years, and he loves it there. He says Crete is the best trucking company he has ever worked for. He recent got raised up to either 42 or 45 cents per mile, don't remember which.
One of their benefits is they get a $1,000 referral bonus for everyone they get hired. My brother said that some drivers make an extra $4K-5K per year just in job referrals. So I'm gonna put my brothers name on my application after my year of experience (sorry Bluebeetle).
Here's my reasons for going with Stevens over other companies:
1. I'm single, not dating, and no family close by so home time isn't important to me.
2. Stevens you have to stay out at least 6 weeks...the less home time for me is all the better. More miles that way.
3. Driving a nice truck in good shape that's not going to keep falling apart on me will keep me on the road and getting the miles.
4. I've heard too many bad things about the other companies. I know no company is perfect. But I'm more comfortable with my decision going with Stevens than any other company.
727guy