I can speak on this topic. I manage a trucking company that my family runs. 5 trucks with 3 flatbeds, 1 reefer, 1 dry van. It has gone down the tubes the last few years.
It is a cut throat business. With diesel prices at an all time high and shippers/brokers trying to squeeze every penny per load.
As a driver, you might have some leeway in picking any company, but most will give you the cheapest pay since you will have just graduated driving school. You will be at the bottom of the barrel, so to speak. The reason why? Insurance. Some companies will pick you up , some might not. The industry standard is 2 years over the road experience for the better pay.
I've gone out with a few drivers from time to time to get a feel for the road and even gotten my CDL in case one of them flakes out on a load and leaves the shipment stranded. I like it. You get to meet people from all walks of life. From cute receptionist to down and dirty dock workers. Its all what you make of it.
Bored, get XM.
Check out the following websites for more info.
www.classadrivers.com - they have a message board on the left hand column.
http://roundtable.truck.net - more info on insurance and those owner-operators seeking their own authority.