Well I can't say I expected this many replies to this thread XD hi guys.
A small update a second offer came through. Less yearly income overall but better pay per mile (about 35 cents more), and is letting me have a lot more control of things, such as not leasing the vehicle through the carrier, actually getting to buy and spec the vehicle myself. Also actually pays deadhead miles and on certain loads its 90c higher per mile.
Doesn't start till January though which kinda bites, but, ordering a van from either dealer here will take that long anyway apparently.
Ordered a tricked out transit for about 20 grand less of total cost of ownership than the benz the other company had selected for me. New company also doesn't venture as far (8-900 miles from my hometown vs unlimited distance) and guarantees return to province every run (as opposed to potentially being in the states for up to a month).
Can't wait. "Off the record" Ive worked 3 driving jobs in the last 5 years and all paid 17/hr (provincial minimum is not far below that for reference) or less and were skimpy on safety. Being able to make my own choices in many regards is a big selling point of this industry for me and I'm so happy to have turned a corner.