Drivers and Employers

Oct 01, 2015 at 11:35 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I got on this site looking for some leads for hopefully finding a descent job. Went back and looked through some of the old forum discussion and it seems like only the owners side was shown on some. I'm not saying that I am perfect but I am honest and saying I believe I am in the upper 20% of quality of the driver pool. Went I got into this profession it was for one reason only. In 1994 I could make almost double what I could working at a local job in a factory around my area. That isn't true anymore. When I hear people or employers say all the driver pool that is looking for a job isn't worth having I start to fume a little. I myself have had a few jobs and am not embarassed about it. I have told a few to shove their truck does that make me any less of a driver? If I have had a few jobs over 20 years am I a lower form of driver than one that screws up every couple of years and costs the company thousands of dollarsbut has worked there 30 years? At my last last employer the #1 driver forgot to set his brakes on a exit ramp and said it wasn't his fault that the truck rolled off in the ditch and cost the company thousands of dollars. But every time a good load came up it was dealt to him because and I quote the owner,"Well he's worked here 30 years". I get sick of hearing well he has had 3 jobs in 6 years. The last time I checked national rollover was over 100%. And before the dogpile starts ask yourself have I used the term "Thats Just Trucking" because I am sure some of the times it could be chalked up to bad planning, luck, or management or even yes dispatching. Since when is it ok to sit somewhere 2-4 hours before you start drawing (the magic word) DETENTION! I wonder how many people out there show up for work at these places 2-4 hours early for no pay? I say not very many. I remember back in 1995 or 96 a company in SW MO with red trucks tried to set a new standard. The slogan was "No Games No Gimmicks 32 cents a mile" it was almost twenty years ago that and still some companies pay just a few more pennies a mile than that. All I ever asked was to make a descent wage and have some descent benefits but here in NE MO I have to travel at least 200 miles to find it. You have to have Haz-Mat but it pays me no better than toilet paper. There is always 2 sides to every story and every coin. Remember before you start throwing rocks make sure you aren't in a house of glass. Thank You.

Oct 01, 2015 at 11:35 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I got on this site looking for some leads for hopefully finding a descent job. Went back and looked through some of the old forum discussion and it seems like only the owners side was shown on some. I'm not saying that I am perfect but I am honest and saying I believe I am in the upper 20% of quality of the driver pool. Went I got into this profession it was for one reason only. In 1994 I could make almost double what I could working at a local job in a factory around my area. That isn't true anymore. When I hear people or employers say all the driver pool that is looking for a job isn't worth having I start to fume a little. I myself have had a few jobs and am not embarassed about it. I have told a few to shove their truck does that make me any less of a driver? If I have had a few jobs over 20 years am I a lower form of driver than one that screws up every couple of years and costs the company thousands of dollarsbut has worked there 30 years? At my last last employer the #1 driver forgot to set his brakes on a exit ramp and said it wasn't his fault that the truck rolled off in the ditch and cost the company thousands of dollars. But every time a good load came up it was dealt to him because and I quote the owner,"Well he's worked here 30 years". I get sick of hearing well he has had 3 jobs in 6 years. The last time I checked national rollover was over 100%. And before the dogpile starts ask yourself have I used the term "Thats Just Trucking" because I am sure some of the times it could be chalked up to bad planning, luck, or management or even yes dispatching. Since when is it ok to sit somewhere 2-4 hours before you start drawing (the magic word) DETENTION! I wonder how many people out there show up for work at these places 2-4 hours early for no pay? I say not very many. I remember back in 1995 or 96 a company in SW MO with red trucks tried to set a new standard. The slogan was "No Games No Gimmicks 32 cents a mile" it was almost twenty years ago that and still some companies pay just a few more pennies a mile than that. All I ever asked was to make a descent wage and have some descent benefits but here in NE MO I have to travel at least 200 miles to find it. You have to have Haz-Mat but it pays me no better than toilet paper. There is always 2 sides to every story and every coin. Remember before you start throwing rocks make sure you aren't in a house of glass. Thank You.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 08:34 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Darren, if you don't like what the boss is doing why don't you buy your own truck and trailer and become your own boss. Sounds like you would be happier doing that. Then you would not have to worry about your boss trusting a driver that had been with them longer with their choice customers. As far as driving 200 miles to find a job, I know for a fact that there are quite a few opportunities in your area that are only 50 - 60 miles from Hannibal. Maybe you have already tried all of those and they were not to your liking. With carriers needing drivers, I find it hard to believe that any driver worth their salt would find it hard to find a good driving job. I could go back to any company that I drove for before and make good money driving as a company driver again any time I desire. Good luck finding the greener grass that you are looking for, it may just be right next door in the neighbors field.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 08:34 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Darren, if you don't like what the boss is doing why don't you buy your own truck and trailer and become your own boss. Sounds like you would be happier doing that. Then you would not have to worry about your boss trusting a driver that had been with them longer with their choice customers.

As far as driving 200 miles to find a job, I know for a fact that there are quite a few opportunities in your area that are only 50 - 60 miles from Hannibal. Maybe you have already tried all of those and they were not to your liking. With carriers needing drivers, I find it hard to believe that any driver worth their salt would find it hard to find a good driving job. I could go back to any company that I drove for before and make good money driving as a company driver again any time I desire.

Good luck finding the greener grass that you are looking for, it may just be right next door in the neighbors field.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 09:41 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I am always up for good advice Mr. Jordan here are a few things I do not want in a driving job. I refuse to drive a truck goverened at less than 70 I think it is very unsafe and hope alot of you do to. I also hope alot of you will voice your opinions on this when FMCSA trys to make goverened trucks mandatory. I do not want to pull a food grade tank, I just don't feel comfortable with liquid tanks. The blower tank I like and would do that. I would rather not pull Haz-Mat. I would like some descent benefits even if it cost me some also because I am not looking for a handout. I do not want to cross border into Canada or Mexico and I would prefer to go no further in the NE US than PA, and would like to stay off of the sunny side of CA. I want to be home every other weekend at least, and not with my back against the wall to leave with a load on the trailer. And I also pride myself like you on taking care of customers I will always go the extra mile like alot of drivers do out there. The feeling of getting somewhere and the shipper saying, " Man am I glad they sent you, or send that red headed guy again I really like him and he did a good job with our cattle, or whatever I was hauling." That feeling washes over you like warm sunshine. But like my forum said there are two sides to every story. Here is one point I will argue with you. I have owned my own truck, two of them but just like people say a one man band doesn't make alot of music. And no matter what anyone says a O/O truck will lose the fight everyday against a company truck. Been on that side of the fence. So any help you can let me know of those companies I thank you in advance.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 09:41 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I am always up for good advice Mr. Jordan here are a few things I do not want in a driving job. I refuse to drive a truck goverened at less than 70 I think it is very unsafe and hope alot of you do to. I also hope alot of you will voice your opinions on this when FMCSA trys to make goverened trucks mandatory. I do not want to pull a food grade tank, I just don't feel comfortable with liquid tanks. The blower tank I like and would do that. I would rather not pull Haz-Mat. I would like some descent benefits even if it cost me some also because I am not looking for a handout. I do not want to cross border into Canada or Mexico and I would prefer to go no further in the NE US than PA, and would like to stay off of the sunny side of CA. I want to be home every other weekend at least, and not with my back against the wall to leave with a load on the trailer. And I also pride myself like you on taking care of customers I will always go the extra mile like alot of drivers do out there. The feeling of getting somewhere and the shipper saying, " Man am I glad they sent you, or send that red headed guy again I really like him and he did a good job with our cattle, or whatever I was hauling." That feeling washes over you like warm sunshine. But like my forum said there are two sides to every story. Here is one point I will argue with you. I have owned my own truck, two of them but just like people say a one man band doesn't make alot of music. And no matter what anyone says a O/O truck will lose the fight everyday against a company truck. Been on that side of the fence. So any help you can let me know of those companies I thank you in advance.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 09:53 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. ADM in Quincy, IL General Mills in Hannibal, MO or go to any elevator around you and a lot of them are looking for drivers right now. Harvest is kicking up and you should not have a problem getting a job close by. You may find the one you like, and you may not, but you could ride it out until you find something better that you like.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 09:53 AM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

ADM in Quincy, IL
General Mills in Hannibal, MO

or go to any elevator around you and a lot of them are looking for drivers right now.

Harvest is kicking up and you should not have a problem getting a job close by. You may find the one you like, and you may not, but you could ride it out until you find something better that you like.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 01:40 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Call 660-651-4333. Tell him you want a job driving, you might get surprised.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 01:40 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Call 660-651-4333. Tell him you want a job driving, you might get surprised.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 03:01 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. So you refuse to drive a truck at less then 70mph ?? Everyone had better get used to the idea that the good ol days of high speeds are gone.. We run 36 OTR trucks pulling hoppers and have set all trucks at 68. We ran test trucks for Volvo a few years ago set from 65 to 75, it all comes down to fuel mileage and you cant do that at at much over 68 to 70. The laws of physics work against you getting optimum mpg at higher speeds, it just is what is and you can't stay in bussiness if you can't maintain 6.5 mpg or better in this day and age. I am not in favor of Govt regulated speeds myself but we did enforce 68 for our company due to the money we save from increased mpg. Good luck to you.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 03:01 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

So you refuse to drive a truck at less then 70mph ?? Everyone had better get used to the idea that the good ol days of high speeds are gone.. We run 36 OTR trucks pulling hoppers and have set all trucks at 68. We ran test trucks for Volvo a few years ago set from 65 to 75, it all comes down to fuel mileage and you cant do that at at much over 68 to 70. The laws of physics work against you getting optimum mpg at higher speeds, it just is what is and you can't stay in bussiness if you can't maintain 6.5 mpg or better in this day and age. I am not in favor of Govt regulated speeds myself but we did enforce 68 for our company due to the money we save from increased mpg. Good luck to you.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 04:08 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Don't take this the wrong way but.. your BURNT OUT... You have an awful amount of 'WON'T DO"S' to say that you are seeking employment with ANYONE that OWNS the truck that you are trying to drive. This world is changing in a vast way and there are people willing to do exactly what you and I won't do. The only way to control the things that you aren't happy with to is WORK FOR YOURSELF. PERIOD... rates are lower... pay is lower... and things are going the route of not really being beneficial to the masses of us drivers... That is something that you will have to overcome or get out of this business... Most companies are more interested in their bottom dollar. That's just the way of this NEW WORLD'S SYSTEM..

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 04:08 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Don't take this the wrong way but.. your BURNT OUT... You have an awful amount of 'WON'T DO"S' to say that you are seeking employment with ANYONE that OWNS the truck that you are trying to drive. This world is changing in a vast way and there are people willing to do exactly what you and I won't do. The only way to control the things that you aren't happy with to is WORK FOR YOURSELF. PERIOD... rates are lower... pay is lower... and things are going the route of not really being beneficial to the masses of us drivers... That is something that you will have to overcome or get out of this business... Most companies are more interested in their bottom dollar. That's just the way of this NEW WORLD'S SYSTEM..

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 04:43 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. As for the speed being cut down I'll say this. Everyone of my trucks started out as triple digit trucks until the driver's proved that don't work. Since I cut most of them down to 68mph the fuel mileage is up 20% to 25% better. I replace fewer tires and brakes plus for some reason we now replace fewer windshields. If a driver can't make it at 68 he wasn't gonna be there on time anyway.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 04:43 PM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

As for the speed being cut down I'll say this. Everyone of my trucks started out as triple digit trucks until the driver's proved that don't work.

Since I cut most of them down to 68mph the fuel mileage is up 20% to 25% better. I replace fewer tires and brakes plus for some reason we now replace fewer windshields.

If a driver can't make it at 68 he wasn't gonna be there on time anyway.

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 07:41 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Quote: "As for the speed being cut down I'll say this. Everyone of my trucks started out as triple digit trucks until the driver's proved that don't work. Since I cut most of them down to 68mph the fuel mileage is up 20% to 25% better. I replace fewer tires and brakes plus for some reason we now replace fewer windshields. If a driver can't make it at 68 he wasn't gonna be there on time anyway. " We learned the same thing Jerry, better MPG, less tire and brake wear plus o host of other benfits, we dont even run trucks after the 500,000 mile warranty runs out now. Guys like him won't be in this bussiness in a few more years and maybe thats for the best. I started in this bussiness in the mid 80's and have had to learn how to change like many on here but guys like him who won't change just don't belong anymore. There is just no room for the so called "Old School Truck Driver".

Replied on Fri, Oct 02, 2015 at 07:41 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Quote: "As for the speed being cut down I'll say this. Everyone of my trucks started out as triple digit trucks until the driver's proved that don't work. Since I cut most of them down to 68mph the fuel mileage is up 20% to 25% better. I replace fewer tires and brakes plus for some reason we now replace fewer windshields. If a driver can't make it at 68 he wasn't gonna be there on time anyway. "

We learned the same thing Jerry, better MPG, less tire and brake wear plus o host of other benfits, we dont even run trucks after the 500,000 mile warranty runs out now. Guys like him won't be in this bussiness in a few more years and maybe thats for the best. I started in this bussiness in the mid 80's and have had to learn how to change like many on here but guys like him who won't change just don't belong anymore. There is just no room for the so called "Old School Truck Driver".

Replied on Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 12:47 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Did anybody hear me say we need to be able to run wide open? No you sure didn't. Just give the guy a chance to get out and be around the other guy that is running only 65. How many of us have sat behind two trucks having a 65 mph drag race? What did it take 4 or 5 miles for one to get around the other. Then watch as the cars jockey like nascar drivers for posistion. I love cruise control I sit it on the speed limit or less. I am all for saving money ask anyone I have worked for. I treat their truck like it is my own. And buddy I am tighter with money than bark on a tree Step back and take a look at what this is called, it is a Forum for discussion not judgement. I will put my ability against any other driver out there. And for the guy says you sure do make a list of stuff you won't do. Over 2 million accident free miles under my belt. Here is basic economics then for everyone when the demand is up and the supply is low, the price goes up. So is this still old school thinking? The whole point is don't lump all drivers in one category. Some old school driver might be worth his weight in gold while another might be worth as much as a pound of piss. The same as a new school driver. There is good and bad in everything out there. And for the old school part of me I am proud to say out of 5 generations of the Brooks family 4 of us are truck drivers. My grand father skipped on driving, he was a farmer. Oh yeah my great grandfather was a true teamster, at the turn of the 1900's he is listed in the census as a teamster in St Louis MO a true horse and buggy man delivering freight. I think I have been around enough to have earned your respect.

Replied on Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 12:47 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Did anybody hear me say we need to be able to run wide open? No you sure didn't. Just give the guy a chance to get out and be around the other guy that is running only 65. How many of us have sat behind two trucks having a 65 mph drag race? What did it take 4 or 5 miles for one to get around the other. Then watch as the cars jockey like nascar drivers for posistion. I love cruise control I sit it on the speed limit or less. I am all for saving money ask anyone I have worked for. I treat their truck like it is my own. And buddy I am tighter with money than bark on a tree Step back and take a look at what this is called, it is a Forum for discussion not judgement. I will put my ability against any other driver out there. And for the guy says you sure do make a list of stuff you won't do. Over 2 million accident free miles under my belt. Here is basic economics then for everyone when the demand is up and the supply is low, the price goes up. So is this still old school thinking? The whole point is don't lump all drivers in one category. Some old school driver might be worth his weight in gold while another might be worth as much as a pound of piss. The same as a new school driver. There is good and bad in everything out there. And for the old school part of me I am proud to say out of 5 generations of the Brooks family 4 of us are truck drivers. My grand father skipped on driving, he was a farmer. Oh yeah my great grandfather was a true teamster, at the turn of the 1900's he is listed in the census as a teamster in St Louis MO a true horse and buggy man delivering freight. I think I have been around enough to have earned your respect.

Replied on Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 03:25 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Nobody is trying to disrespect you. If slow trucks bother you and you want to hammer down just take your break during the day light hours. The traffic supervisors tuck all the 64mph cowboys into bed by 7pm so they can talk shit on their CB all night. They won't be in your way again until after 7am.

Replied on Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 03:25 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Nobody is trying to disrespect you. If slow trucks bother you and you want to hammer down just take your break during the day light hours. The traffic supervisors tuck all the 64mph cowboys into bed by 7pm so they can talk shit on their CB all night. They won't be in your way again until after 7am.

Replied on Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 06:09 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Hey Darren, I posted a number of a friend looking for a driver. You have not called. I have no dog in this fight. but; You are starting to look like a troll. Troll / Man,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,time running out.

Replied on Sat, Oct 03, 2015 at 06:09 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

Hey Darren, I posted a number of a friend looking for a driver. You have not called.

I have no dog in this fight. but;

You are starting to look like a troll.

Troll / Man,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,time running out.