Pros
High volume of drivers, some freedom with loads, not too high-pressure. The best safety department in the business, I've heard. You can call them for help out on the road. They won't fire you for mistakes, but they make you train. It is a training company primarily. They specialize in training new drivers. It's a fantastic option for a fresh start in life. They'll credit you the cost of training (around 6k) and then it goes with a debt management company as sort of corporate student loan. If you have the money up front, and can afford to just pay for the training, this is a decent enough place to get a CDL and then go work somewhere else. I had a great time as a first-time OTR company driver. One great thing to mention is the high-quality trucks with amenities like an APU. This is your home, and it is really great to have heating and air conditioning inside of it. They will always pay for anti-gel, repairs, trailer wash, etc.
Cons
They'll try to send you to New York City and they will send you to Los Angeles. The yard is too small for the amount of drivers they have. Always way too crowded. I recommend against joining the intermodal division. It's a salaried position so they overload you with work, and try to schedule loads that eat into your home time. Also heard fleet lease is not the way to go. Training is rough. They make you room with someone else in a motel and then sit through long days on the yard with loads of people per instructor, doing pre-trip exercises and backing maneuvers. They are very strict about check-ins at the motel, badges, being present at 7am every day or kicked out of the program, etc. There are probably more accommodating places to learn if you have the money and you're not completely desperate for a new, decent-paying job. There are probably more desirable places to work, where you can more freely choose your loads as a company driver. It was pretty decent for a first CDL job. Just remember to put your foot down and be firm about your limits. If you don't feel safe going into NYC, DO NOT DO IT. Be very careful and plan absolutely every turn you're going to make. Be professional and safe. Here are the rules of trucking: 1.) Protect the general motoring public. 2.) Protect your CDL. 3.) Haul freight.
