best jobs for a recent SW Missouri grad?

Hey guys, I just got Into CDL training here in Springfield, Mo. Just curious if anyone had some advice on what companies in this region you would recommend for good home time and solid pay. Seems like everyone wants to pay me 32 cpm and keep me out 3 mo at a time. RBX seems to be top of the list @ 38 cpm and from talking to the VP of the company I was impressed with the way they run things. Was also told if i can get 9k + a lil every month they didn't really care how many days I took off. They also seem pretty safe and have a 8 week training program which is a big plus.

I understand ill have to take some hits on this but, if at all possible I want to be home every week or weekend ( the more the better) and make 1k a week or more. Is this possible in the first year? I've got all my endorsements and I've got a large handful of companies bookmarked that i admittedly need to call but, thought id see what you guys have to say first as I understand the recruiters are known to stretch the truth.

 

Thanks for the reply Chinatown. Trailiner was one of the first company's I talked to, they told me id be gone for 2-3 months at a time before I get a day off. Not something I wanna do but, will if i have to. I had no idea assessorial pay could add up to so much. What types of questions are good to ask these companies? I know fuel bonuses can add up and dead head is important as well as layover pay.
the call list: ill take more if you got em
( I know ive got a 0% chance at some of these companies but, ill try if i have any chance. Also I'm pretty ignorant about most of these.There just the companies ive collected as bookmarks while browsing different places on the internet)
Ozark Motor Lines
Penmac (was told they hire for some local jobs even out of school)
American Freightways
Hogan
CRST
Ryder
Averitt
Reddy Ice
R+L
Trimac Transportation
Schneider Bulk
CTL Transportation
SVTN
Superior Carriers
Tidewater Transit
Tyson Foods
Watkins-Shepard
Jordan carriers
Gordan
Pride
paschall truck lines
hub group trucking
jb hunt
arnold
interstate
k&b

 

thanks again Chinatown ill post an update to this when I decide on a company.

 

Looks like tanker is out of the question unless I wanna work for prime, I applied at all the companies that hire new grads and they basically don't have openings in my area for tanker drivers.
So far Tyson has invited me to orientation and say they'll start me at .39 cpm after training with all the good bennys and assessorial they offer. negative is ill be gone for 14 days before I earn 1 day off. I'd be all over this if I didn't have a wife and 2 young kids at home, but I dunno if I can afford to be gone that long right now.
Although Schneider wont let me driver tanker unless i live close to their main terminal they do like me for van.
Waitin to hear back from Maverick and pride as well as BTC.

 

Interview monday at Lowes, anyone got any info on what their flatbed drivers make?