New driver with some questions.......

guest · Jan 18, 2007

Being new at this, and I will post something in the newbie section later, but I thought I could get some experienced driver input here.
I need to know which would be a better company to drive a straight truck for. Now I know there are alot of different things that would go into this, time I stay out, loads I turn down, the pay structure the o/o offers me, etc.
But from experience what is the best 'overall' company between Panther II and Tri-State.
I am looking at honesty, dispatchers helping out and being there 24/7, keeping me moving - just the overall experience some of you have had with these two companies only.
Like I said - I would really like to hear about YOUR EXPERIENCE with these companies.

terryandrene · Jan 18, 2007

"But from experience what is the best 'overall' company between Panther II and Tri-State."

Panther, FedEx Custom Critical, Tri-State.

The best company between Panther and Tri-State is FedEx Custom Critical. That's just my opinion and Drivers in the other companies will give you different opinions.

Generally speaking, expediting is about quality, not quantity. Dispatchers will not necessarily keep you moving because they can only dispatch when a customer has a need, much like an ambulance, you might sit for a while before a need for your service arises. Given the nature of this business, and the level of competition, I suspect that, at the end of the year, each expedite carriers' average trucks will have traveled about the same distance during comparable time frames.

I think it's fairly safe to say that each of us have the best carrier for our circumstances. In order for you to find the best carrier for your circumstances, your goals, your desired location, your truck (solo or co-driver) and your work ethic you might first consider talking to as many carrier recruiters as possible. Then talk to the drivers to confirm reality and make a decision that's best for you.

arkjarhead · Jan 18, 2007

I liked the way the tri-state dispatchers treated me much better than the ones at Panther. Tri-State to me seemed to be a more honest company, and I didn't feel like I got lost in the mix the same way I did at Panther.

Bruno · Jan 18, 2007

Tri-State is a great company and they treat their O/O like Family. They just built a building for their drivers and O/O. Go See Phil or Greg their, those two have been there since 1995.

Good luck

panther_art · Jan 18, 2007

Like Terry said his best company is fedx because he has been there a long time, before Adam (joke). Mine is Panther when I first started I hated panther but thought what was the use of changing companies they are all just about the same in the long run. Now I love Panther somedays I want to ring someone neck up there but onces you get use to each other any of the companies are good. You need to talk to other drivers then decide. But what ever you do don't sign on with someone and two weeks down the road get ready to leave them because it cost you everytime you keep changing companies. If you give who ever you sign on with a chance to feel you out you will do will with any of them. How you do is really up to you and how long you are willing to stay out and take loads.

Panther Art

elway · Jan 18, 2007

I guess if the question was which of these 3 companies was better then Fed Ex could be in there.... But i think the question was of the 2 which is better... so with that information given i would say Tri-State. TO me just a better comapny than any of the others given

fastman_1 · Jan 18, 2007

Don't Limit your looking to Just The Big Carriers, I've always Found Success at a Small Company.

Owner/Operator since 1979
Expediter since 1997
B Unit Semi Retired
Somedays are Diamonds and Somedays are Stones
Home is Wherever you Park.
The Price of Freedom is Written on the Wall.

simon says · Jan 18, 2007

Of those two I would say TSES, but I only know what I hear from Panther folks on this site, and a few conversations. As Raceman said, if you have the right fit with a smaller co., as long as they have some frt. other than NLM you may do o.k. Just remember all the fuel taxes and fees, licenses, how many states, etc. Reputable companies like the three mentioned in these posts, will know. Phil is o.k., just doesn't talk to you again. Your HR person does all the talking once you are signed on.
This is a niche business: sitting , deadheading, is all part of the mix, and a newbie coming in now can get burnt real bad. One bad accident, like my rear-ender by a big truck, can drive a nail in your coffin. You need to have some back-up money squirreled away. You will find that Panther really likes teams, and all three of those will dispatch you under 550 miles. You will do a lot of short runs.