Celadon Flatbed

I'm starting this thread to provide a first hand account of my expierence with Celadon Flatbed.

I first heard of Celadon Flatbed on a internet search for L/P flatbed companies. I also saw an ad for Eagle Logistics. I first called Eagle and spoke to a recruiter whom informed me the Eagle had been bought by Celadon. I then called Celadon and spoke to a recruiter there. My recruiters name is Melissa, she seem to be quite honest, letting me know that she was relatively new and answering most of my questions. When she didn't have an answer, she connected me with someone that did. I asked the basic questions and then asked about the buy out of Eagle. She informed me that Celadon aquired Eagle, Osborn, and Evans flat bed to start up its own flatbed division. I then spent a few days researching a few companies and decided to take a shot with them.

I called Melissa back after 2-3 days, she had me go to driveceladon.com and do on line application and to call her back when done. I called and she reviewed my app. I beleive a day passed and she called wanting to get me scheduled for orientation. I informed her when I could go and I had an e-mail with where, when, and how in 15min. I aslo had a few questions concerning things read on another thread. In the e-mail she provided the contact for training in Butler to answer questions.

The contact is Amy. She is also training/compliance person for Celadon in Butler. She informd me over the phone that Celadon did buy Eagle in September, and that it is in the process of organizing the flatbed oreintation and training. I asked about driving up, so i could bring my flatbed equipment and that my wife would accompany me to drive our vehicle back home, she was very helpful and said that would be fine.

My oreintation was arranged for April 6 in Butler. Amy arranged for me to drive up Sun. 4/5 to Auburn,IN. My stay is at the LaQuinta. Right off I'd like to say that this is a nice hotel. My wife and I arrived around 8pm, the room is clean and comfortable. They had meal vouchers for us to Ponderosa about a block away. When i was arranging my stay, Amy was very nice and insistant that my wife could stay as long as she liked.

Mon. 4/6- Orientation Day1
Shuttle van picks you up in front of hotel around 0700, 15min ride to Butler to the former Evans terminal there. upon arrival proceeded to the classroom. There you will meet Amy and Rick. They work together to get you throgh orientation/training. First thing is verification of licence and physicals. if your physical is greater then 3 months old, plan on new one. they then explain the self study computer process. Alot of guys groaned about it, and it does suck. But at the same time, if your there for a L/P, then taking intiative and getting things done is gonna be required. During the day we went for road test. Road test was the basic and about 25 miles in duration. I took mine in a Pete 579-10spd. then back to class and back on computer until physical. Mine was only a few wks old, so I only did a urine drug test. They provided lunch from local restuarant, your choice off of menu, really good. More computer work until end of day. Then back to hotel. Dinner voucher to Ponderosa buffet, 1 block away, provided for dinner.
Tue. 4/7-Orientation Day 2
Shuttle back to terminal.. Back on compter to continue learning sessions.. Lunch as the day before.. More computer work.. then back to hotel. I finished my computer stuff today. Spoke to Rick about trucks. celadon has new Lonestars, Pete 579, and KW W900. They had a few used Lonestars on the lot. I asked about them and was able to work something out on one with 24K. Quality/Celadon is moving all others back to Indy. There is a delay as far as getting them ready to go, and hopefully this will become better as they get things organized.

Little truck detail:
Lonestar, ISX15, 13spd,APU.. Pete 579, ISX15,10spd,APU... KW W900,ISX15,13spd, NO APU
Will know more about the Celadon lease tom.

Over all its going fine. The orientation process is a little disorganized, but Rick and Amy do a fine job getting things done. Remember this is a new division and looks like they have the right people to get it organized. Might take a few wks, but it feels right.

Hope this helps to start, and will give what info I can. If you have questions, just ask, and I'll try to answer them. Will update at least once a week if not more often.

Not trying to recruit any one, but if this thread helps you make a decision to come this way, my name is on my profile and would appreciate a referral mention.

Til tom. drive safe.

 

Wed. 4/8 Oreintation
Shuttle back to terminal at 0800. Did securement videos and quiz. Then outside for coil securement and check off. Looks like there finally able to get several trucks available. I then did my lease contract and awaiing for approval from Indy. Should know tomorrow if I'm fully hired. Not much more to sa as of now.. Everything seems to be moving right along.