How to choose the "best" company

by Jimmy
(Kingman,Az)

Every newbie wants to know, what is the best company to apply to. There's no clear cut answer. Most are disorganized, at best. But remember, trying to organize and keep 5000, or even 10,000 trucks running and serviced and loaded and matched with drivers is no easy task.

Most companies can't even keep track of their trailers. They're spread all around the country, some at shippers locations, some at terminal locations, some in transit, or in a repair shop. Some are missing/stolen. Ask 50 drivers about their company and 20 will love it, 20 will hate it, and 10 will be in the middle. A lot depends on YOU.

It is a rough and tumble business. Not for wimps. If it's your first time away from your mommy, you may end up running home crying "I want my mommy". You know what the business is about. You just haven't experienced it yet. I can't count the number of times I've heard the phrase, "I didn't realize it was like this"

It's a two way street. The company hires you to drive. You accept the responsibility that is given to you. And it IS a big responsibility. You are pretty much thrown to the wolves and expected to come through. It's not, "What can the company do for you"? It needs to be, "Hey Mr. Dispatcher, I'm ready to go. You can count on me" and then prove it. Show 'em you're the best at what you do.

The best dispatched load is one that dispatch sends out and does not hear from you again until you're calling in empty. They don't want a whiney driver calling in 2 or 3 times a day with "problems".

So whatever company you end up, do your damnest to stay through the training period and walk tall. Be proud of yourself. Not everyone can do it. It takes a special breed. Jimmy