USA CDL JOBS TRUCK DRIVER FORUM

After 21 years in the Army and a new Psychology degree, you would think I could find a job that makes a little more than $10 an hour. I have been researching the trucking industry and am partial the idea of not having a 27 year old yes man peering over my shoulder looking for any opportunity to get on my case. Additionally I see there is a large veteran contingent that is out there on the open road. The only thing that is keeping me from jumping in is a lack of real world testimonials. The recruiters have shown me every positive there is and I am looking for more opinions to weigh. I am glad that I have stumbled onto this site for I think I am getting a lot of non biased information. So if anyone can help, here it goes:

I am looking at CR England; can anyone (outside of a recruiter) give me some info about the company?

Are there other major carriers that have a school that are recommended?

After 3 years I will be looking into owner operator. Is it a good idea in today’s economy?

What are the average miles per day?

From what I have read so far, and correct me if I am wrong, it’ s better to get the company driver experience first right?

Silly question, but is there XM or Sirius radio in the trucks?

Solo or team? + And – of each.

Independent contractor or Company driver + and – of each.

I figure that’s enough for now, I await any and all posts & thanks ahead of time.

I am looking at CR England; can anyone (outside of a recruiter) give me some info about the company? They would be a last choice on my list simply because they try and force you into a lease purchase program that is a complete JOKE..

Are there other major carriers that have a school that are recommended? Yes there are a few, depending on where you live.. all pretty much the same on the training aspect.. look into which company has the best package after a year + on experience because it is best to stay with the same company as long as you can for a career carrier to look at you.

After 3 years I will be looking into owner operator. Is it a good idea in today’s economy? A wise man once said that the biggest risk you will ever take is not taking a risk at all ! Its a business.. if you run it well you should do fine... if not.... well...

What are the average miles per day? 500

From what I have read so far, and correct me if I am wrong, it’ s better to get the company driver experience first right? That is a smart choice, that way you will know what you are getting into..

Silly question, but is there XM or Sirius radio in the trucks? Some offer that but you can always install your own !
Solo or team? + And – of each. Im a SOLO guy just because i dont trust anyone to drive while I am in the bunk sleeping... If you are retired i would SOLO , but teams if given the right miles will make more money..

Independent contractor or Company driver + and – of each.
Company driver ..... you get paid and you dont have to worry about maintenance, insurance, tags,licenses,fuel,taxes,more records,getting sued ect.

Owner Operator... you do ! but with the potential to make a lot more money !


Hope this helps good luck to you !

I have no intention of a lease purchase. The poor house is not in my future with a Govt pension in hand and mywife with a good job. I just cant stand the money I am making now and limited hours I get. I guess I am in a form of cabin fever. as for CR, they seem to have the cheapest school with the best CPM after all training. There are not many majors that I could find in the Northeast that have a package like CR. Like you I can not sleep while someone else is driving, so solo was what I was leaning toward. As far as company vs. independent, my thought is less responsibility is more right now. With my youngest being 16, I am sure the family can adapt with out the old grumpy guy around as much.

Just be very very careful with what you sign with them. I cant tell you how many times I have seen them force company drivers into the lease purchase even when the driver didnt know they were being pushed into it, so make sure that you and your recruiter are crystal clear that you do not want lease purchase with them. I would go as far as getting somthing signed but thats me..

have you tried USA truck? that is a good company to get your training through and i beleive they still have sponsored training in the Northeast call and ask for Heather Driver she is great to work with. Best part about them if you stay for a year they will refund your school money back to you... Also try your local employment office, ask them about grant money set aside for truck driving school. You have to ask them though, they dont advertise it, also try central tech in drumright oklahoma, they have one of the best truck driving schools in the nation and also offer finance options.. investigate this info before you jump into CR ...

Thanks for the insight on USA. I did the on line application and it seems pretty good. I didnt get to talk to your POC, but the recruiter was able to give me some good insight into the company. The CPM was less than expected, but the time away from home for training and hauls, was alot less. If I were to pay outright, I would be spending about a grand more but I would be willing to sacrifice a grand if it meant that I would have more home time. They also have the same home port and liberal ride along program which is a plus. As far as the state employment office, they were no help at all. I tried that route when you suggested it to another newbie. All they did was route me through VA because of my vet status. I looked into it and it was a whopping $250. I have a friend that will be home this weekend to get his taxes done, I think he is independent. I will pick his brain about daily life and go from there. Thanks again for the insight, it has helped alot. I will let you know how it goes from here.

Yea you pretty much have to be un employed to get that grant money, and they hoard it like its gold... I cant tell you how many people I have helped with the grant money and every person I helped always said that the unemployment office told them " how did you hear about the grant money for trucking schools" like it was a big secret. well keep us posted on what happens ! and good luck to you !