Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Discussion in 'Discuss Your Favorite Trucking Company Here' started by JohnBoy, Apr 10, 2013.

  1. JohnBoy

    JohnBoy Road Train Member

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    They say change is a good thing, I sure hope so. I applied at Abilene Motor Express 3 weeks ago after speaking with one of their drivers, Runningman0661 whom I had the pleasure of speaking to on numerous occasions through TTR 2 years ago when he was looking to come over to my previous employer Calex. Because of our discussions I called into their safety department and spoke with Kurtis, who happens to be one of the owners. I had what turned out to be a phone interview and based on that interview I filled out an online application. I liked what I heard, everything that was discussed with him was also verified with Jason (runningman0661).

    I was called by Kurtis the following Monday to tell me my app was processed and the background checks were complete and I was offered a job. Having just 4 jobs in the last 33 years makes verification rather simple. I was invited by Kurtis to stop off at their terminal in Richmond Va on Wednesday to get a tour, meet various people and take my physical and drug test. I asked him if it would be ok for me to park my Calex truck there without getting run off. I was assured it was ok and on my way to Wilmington I stopped and took care of business. It was planned that I would be at orientation on the 8th, but due to a death in the family I had to push it back to the 15th. I spoke with Sally this past Friday to go over my time frame and she said that was fine.

    After leaving Pittston yesterday I called her to tell her that I was now unemployed for the first time in 33 years and that I wanted to make sure I was still wanted. She laughed and told me to enjoy my next 5 days off and that a reservation will be waiting for me at the motel they use up the street from the terminal on Sunday. I have to admit, I don't like this process, I guess thats why I tend to stay employed at places for extended periods of time. Both Kurtis and Sally have made this process very easy and both seem to be straight shooters. I will not use this forum to compare Abilene with Calex. If anyone wants information about Calex, all one has to do is read 400+ pages about them and get every question answered. This thread will be about my adventures with Abilene and what I go through on a daily basis here. I'm excited to be joining their team and look forward to doing for them what I have done for the last 33 years, and that is safe driving and on time pick up and deliveries. Like I have said before, one door closes, and another opens. I will post my orientation process Monday night. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
     
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  3. diabello

    diabello Light Load Member

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    Congrads!! Enjoyed your Calex thread and I am sure will enjoy this one also. Good Luck...
     
  4. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    I'm looking forward to it JohnBoy. Congrats on the move. I hope this can be your new trucking home.
     
  5. runningman0661

    runningman0661 Road Train Member

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    Glad to have ya John. Look forward to your thread.
     
  6. Weeble Kneeble

    Weeble Kneeble Heavy Load Member

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    More fine readin' to enjoy at the end of each day.
     
  7. JohnBoy

    JohnBoy Road Train Member

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    Thanks for everything Jason. I'm looking forward to starting at Abilene. I know at the end of the day It will all fall on my shoulders, but with your help, and the answering of all my questions, some of which I'm quite sure probably were a little off the wall, I will be going into this new adventure with an open mind, good outlook and a desire to just do my job. The first time we meet up, and if time permits, it would be my way of saying thanks by buying you dinner.
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2013
  8. runningman0661

    runningman0661 Road Train Member

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    You did the same for me a few years ago and I'm just returning the favor. I totally understand wanting to make an informed decision when making a change. Glad I could help answer your questions.
     
  9. JohnBoy

    JohnBoy Road Train Member

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    Just got off the phone with Sally in safety, confirmed everything for Monday's orientation. Same old docs to bring. SS card, passport, twic card, voided check for direct deposit and wifes info for health insurance.
    I won't bring this rental car back until after orientation, probably on Tuesday, then I was told Kurtis will pick me up and bring me back to the terminal. I am now getting a little antsy to get this underway.
     
  10. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    No...thank YOU for inviting US to go along for the ride. I'm looking forward to reading this new blog and your adventures with Abilene. Stay safe and best of luck!
     
  11. BFL123

    BFL123 Light Load Member

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    Good Luck John Boy, I'm looking forward to your posts. I'm keping my fingers crossed that you dont get the truck that RebelChick had from the other Abilene thread on here LOL. Also pulling for you to not be assigned to the Boars Head dedicated account in Brooklyn, LOL. We all know how much the Calex guys liked that place. Just ribbing ya, once again Good Luck
     
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