Cressler is right about the difference in miles. The reason being that Maverick, like most companies, pay based on HHG miles rather than actual miles. Even for the flatbed division it can be a difference of about 7 – 10%. The Specialized side has oversized trailers, and is required to use STAA routes – typically 10-15% over HHG miles.

Out of Laurinburg to I-95 North (where Mav Spec runs a lot), the only STAA routes are Hwys 74 and 401. Fayetteville is the closest city on I-95 at 36 miles away. Taking 401 from Laurinburg to Fayetteville is 49 miles – 15 miles more – but adds about ½ hour to time, since it is stop-and-go traffic. Taking Hwy 74 is 56 miles – an additional 20 miles.

There are other problems with Maverick’s understanding of STAA routes: CSR’s don’t consider the STAA routes into the equation, and schedule delivery times based on HHG miles. The fuel bonus is based on HHG miles. When you are typically running 10-15% over HHG miles, and running the Appalachians, keeping mpg high enough to earn the bonus is near impossible.

Cressler, I’ll be adding a finish to my blog soon, that will detail the negotiations of my Worker Comp settlement. I think you will enjoy it.

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Blog can be found by Googling "Maverick in the Rear View"

If that was you, wether people like it or not....Damn good work, well written, documented, and well done....Thank you to yourself and your wife.

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"Knock the ####### bottom out!"
"Life after DAC."

Excellent points. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need something that points me to a specific alternative solution. I AM assuming that everything you guys are saying is 100%, low miles, potential pitfalls, heck bonuses are not even on my radar as a beginner. It's just that in my research I'm seeing the same problems at all the companies, except their mileage pay is lower to begin with, so I have to assume that these problems affect those choices even more severely.

What I really need is some good way to contrast Mav with TMC, or Rhoel, or McElroy, Melton. And those are just the flats... it seems pretty obvious that dry and even reefer will pay less each mile and also with less miles. I totally get that it's bad out there, I just need to make some lemonade with these lemons!

Trust me, I'm doing my homework here and every comment counts. I still have weeks to make a decision, so keep it coming!

Would you at least say Maverick SPECIALIZED is better than Werner, Covenant, Swift, USX, TransAm, Trans America, and a few others that have visited my school?? You see what I've had to work with? Keep in mind I have to go somewhere that takes newbies.

I would recommend watkins shepherd or willis shaw express. They both ave their own schools and are great places to start. Many even stay. These are who I would have went with if I had to do it over again. WSE has regional and you will be home for more than a restart. Watkins shepherd you will have to stay out longer but they are an even better company than WSE. But both are good overall.

Can someone please tell me what STAA and HHG stands for?

Not sure about STAA, but HHG is House Hold Goods (as in moving companies). (If I remember correctly!)

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OLLIETOO
what does STAA and HHG stands for?

Here are some links to your information.

STAA

HHG

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I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was going to blame you.

Dynamite comes in small packages, Nitro comes in smaller ones, take your pick!

Lilbit
Thanks
I am just setting home reading as much as I can to learn more on OTR. I'v been unemployed for four weeks now. I hate not working, very few jobs in Mi.

STAA (Surface Transportation Assistance Act) routes are a National Network of routes that are accessible to all trucks. They are Federally Approved routes that include all Federal Interstates, and some Federal Highways. States can establish their own State Approved routes, based on length and/or width of the trailer. The minimum restrictions a state can impose are 48’ length and/or 96” width – meaning all trucks must use the State Approved routes. Many State Approved routes only apply to those trailers greater than 48’ and/or 96”. So, a driver pulling a trailer that is 48’ x 96” will need to check the length and/or width dimensions in each state to determine if they are restricted to State Approved routes. Drivers pulling a trailer over 48’ x 96” must always use the State Approved routes. Typically the glass trailers were 53’ x 102”.

The Rand McNally Motor Carriers Road Atlas has all STAA routes marked in orange, and details the state restrictions. The Large Scale spiral bound version should be one of your first purchases as a driver – even if you have GPS.

There are 3 types of mileage pay for drivers:

HHG (Household Movers Guide) miles are the shortest distance from major post office to major post office.

Practical Miles, are derived from a software program called P.C. Miler, and are the practical miles for a truck driver to reach a consignee/shipper.

HUB miles are the actual miles, based on odometer reading. Very few carriers pay HUB miles.

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Blog can be found by Googling "Maverick in the Rear View"