I'm only privy to my own data, though Abbie who runs the L/P program did run some figures and came up with the numbers I posted above. I very much doubt most L/P drivers drive fewer miles than I do -- they tend to be of the mindset that more miles = more money which is, as you know, only true in the company driver / CPM world.

If I know why I make more money than most other operators? Basically, I focus like a laser on my expenses and maximizing fuel efficiency. Specifically, fuel expense is the one area where you can make a huge impact on your bottom line and the higher the price of fuel the more impact it provides to the smart operator.

Good luck and let me know your truck number if you come aboard

Jim

Ok Jim I'm here come over and be my tour guide today!!!

Oh no my friend, I would so much rather be here just a wee bit south of Omaha (Nebraska City) waiting at a podunk Cargil meat plant while they try to figure out why they can't manage to get product off of their line and into the back of the various Hill Bros trailers here. My load was supposed to be ready at 0900 this morning and its... just about 1700 now.

One of these days... BAM! Straight to the moon!

Jim

Hello.....just cheking it out

Thanks for the quick reply Jim, and especially the thorough response. I imagine that I just need to quit "putting my toes in the water" and just "jump in". Things like I asked and you answered are no real different than what we all do everyday, but just a different category in guess. In other words, we deal with them and try to optimize them as much as they deserve to be.

Thanks again for the response, 10-4 on the truck #, and ...

Have fun, and be safe out there!

Al

What is Hill Bros idle and hometime policies like? I understand they're equipping their fleet with APUs, but for truck without them, will they let you idle a reasonable amount?

JR, it sounds like Hill Bros is the only company that has a legitimate lease purchase program in which they actually give you miles and don't screw you over! Do you know any longer term lease guys at Hill that can confirm that?

Thanks,

Drew

Probably 90 percent of the trucks have APUs... mostly just the T-600s without I think. There isn't an idle policy that I'm aware of but the shop does share the engine ECU printouts with drivers when they do PMs so you can get an idea where you're at.

As for hometime, depends where you live. I'd talk with someone in recruiting for a specific case, but basically if you are in the midwest it seems to be 10 days out 2 at home, further away from Omaha is 14 and 2 and I think some guys living in places like California and such are like three weeks out with 3 at home. But again, you probably want to check with someone with the time at home map in recruiting.

I know several lease drivers who have leased for six years or more. If I recall correctly, there was one in the newsletter a few months ago who has leased for something like 13 or 14 years. I don't think I would do that personally, but to each his or her own.

The way the owners and lease operator program is worked at HB is completely separate from the dispatch / operations department. The only real difference I see is that as a company driver you don't have a choice when you are assigned a load and an o/o or l/p driver can turn them down.

Jim

JR sounds like you really know what your talking about. Im really interested in getting in with this company. I talked to Jason I believe it was, and he said I needed my Hazmat, Im fine with getting that, but how much Hazmat freight do you guys move. Also he kinda mentioned a big triangle that the company runs, NE,CO,TX? whats the word on the that? I appreciate any info back that I can get from you. Take it easy man, and maybe we will see yah soon.

The deal with Hazmat, I think, is in a down economy that seems to be the most available stuff that pays well. We do a decent amount of Fedex / Estes type truckload line hauls in the midwest and those typically require Hazmat. Plus, Coke or Pepsi syrup loads are corrosive so they require a sticker.

As for running area, basically the area between Denver, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas for the vast majority of our loads. Occasional runs out to Phoenix for PetSmart. Nothing out to the northwest and very little northeast. I'm currently on one out to West Virginia -- only time I've been out here in living memory with HB.

Good luck,

Jim

Jim,

Do you get to plan your owns routes ans fuel stop? By reading your blog i have inclinations to say that you do, but have never asked. If your comming back through Memphis and have some time let me know ill buy ya cup off coffee or a burger!!