Fresh CDL Grad With Multiple Offers — Need Real Driver Input
Fresh out of CDL school with my Class A (tanker endorsement coming this week) and I've got some decisions to make. Looking for real input from drivers who've actually run for these companies, not recruiter talk. 🚛
Offers/options on my plate right now:
🔸 SCHNEIDER Dedicated Account #1 — home DAILY, night shift, out-and-back lane, ~2,500 mi/wk, around $960-1,170/wk
🔸 SCHNEIDER Dedicated Reefer Account #2 — home weekly (5.5 out, 1.5 home), regional, 90% drop and hook, ~1,800-2,300 mi/wk, around $1,050/wk
🔸 TMC — flatbed, home most weekends, ~$1,350-1,600/wk they say, percentage or mileage pay
🔸 PRIME — reefer/tanker/flatbed divisions, OTR 3-4 weeks out, first year pay looks lower
🔸 Also looking at MAVERICK and McELROY for flatbed with weekend home time
My priorities in order: home time, weekly pay, then miles. I prefer flatbed long-term but I'm not against dry van or reefer to get my first 6 months in. Trying to stay regional, not trying to run coast to coast.
For anybody who's driven for these companies: how accurate were the recruiter numbers? How's the home time REALLY? Would you start your career over at any of these?
Appreciate any honest feedback 🙏