It was so disheartening to look on this entire board and learn about some of the companies I was going to apply to. But at the same time I am glad to learn the info that I have learned.

I just graduated a 280hr class and i have all endorsments. Shaffer is one of the companies that I want to apply to. I am getting the impression that they are a good outfit. Am I right to assume so? Anyone with good intel, please tell me.

Overall, Shaffer has been a good company but, as you can see by some of my other posts, including the little episode I had just recently, my experience with Shaffer is questionable. Ever since Shaffer is now being ran totally by Crete (which just started the beginning of this year) there are a few changes like ‘C Knight’ has stated. The good part is that if freight is low than they may give you a load running for Crete as a Shaffer driver which means more miles however, I have not been getting as many miles as I would like. Last week was good as I got 3500 miles. But that’s not consistent…the next week I might get 2,000 miles and then the following week 2100 miles. I usually get a good run only about once a month which lowers your monthly income to a measly $500-$600 a week. For that amount of pay you could probably look into fast food management and be home every night.

Ever since Shaffer kicked me out of my truck for something that they found out later wasn’t my fault, this company has left quite a sour taste in my mouth. As far as the maintenance shops are concerned, you would be better off working on the equipment yourself blindfolded with no mechanical experience. Just like ‘C Knight’ stated, not only do you have to wait several days to get something worked on but, in almost every situation your truck will come out of the shop with additional problems. I cringe whenever I have to take the truck into either an ‘A’ or ‘B’ service. One time after having my truck serviced by these creative boneheads, I was climbing a hill w/full load when the truck finally came to a stop on the hill. Breakdown sends out road service and they find out that not only was the fuel filters not primed, but the gaskets were crimped so the glass wasn’t getting the correct seal. That’s just an example of the many happenings that have occurred.

The best thing to do is whenever you can plan ahead knowing that something is malfunctioning, try to get to a freightliner service area such as a TA or dealership and then call in to breakdown letting them know where you are. This will at least keep your truck out of the hands of those demolitionists who couldn’t change a roll of toilet paper.

The reason I was out for 8 weeks with tobacco chewing Larry was because I had just graduated from a driving school and never had a driving job before. There were highlights with Larry while riding with him such as the time when we were headed into New Jersey on I78. Those who are familiar with this route know that it more bumps than the back of an alligator. Well good ole Larry was chewing away… as he grabbed his nasty spit cup we hit what seemed like a drop off. I thought we were both going to be ejected from the truck but as I look over I see chewing spit that had apparently spilled from his cesspool reservoir cup all over his shirt. I tried to be as polite as possible by looking out the driver’s side window until I could stop laughing.

Mostly what I learned from Larry was what not to do rather than what to do. I got really sick of his barking commands which made no sense at times such as… “right - left - stop - get under it’. He wasn’t much for explaining things but seemed to be good at one word commands which did little good to a newbe like me. He is definitely a butt-hole and I am sooo glad to be away from him.

What school did you go to in GA?
Who was your recruiter?
... Crete and Shaffer both offered me a job but would not guarantee me a regional position so I have not accepted employment with them yet. They told me I would do training and then be assigned to National Region first. Then I could apply for Regional positions when available.
... I just spoke with a USF Glen Moore recruiter who told me I could have a Regional position as soon as training was over so I am going to begin my paperwork process with them to see if I can get employment. Thier training is 3 days in Knoxville for me, then 6-10 weeks with trainer. Good things are, lodging & meals provided at orientation along with $500 pay. $500 per week pay during training. Free Idle Aire, SE Regional position avg 2800 miles weekly, BlueCrossBS insurance, 401k w/50cents/dollar match, 1 wk vacation 1st yr, 2 wks 2nd yr, International Eagle 05 up w/ 10sp conventional, 5-6 days out w/ 1-2 days hometime.
... ??? start at .29cpm after training w/ Rand Mcnally mileage pay ??? not so great but only drawback for me so far, will see and advise

I went to a tech college in Valdosta. My recruiter has since moved to safety. Before attending one, make sure its on their list of approved schools. Mine was not...up until my 2nd to last day of graduation. I got lucky there!
Well, Crete offers the same 500 a week, 8 weeks training, .34/mile then .41 after a year. They currently have Freightliner Century 10 Meritor/Detroit drivetrain. I hear they are ordering some Cascadias, but dont count on seeing one being a newbie. My truck is an 04 with 540K on the clock.
Good luck!

I wanted to go to Crete but they said I would first have to go OTR and then apply for regional when openings were available. I just do not want to be OTR period, been to California once and don't care to go back. My requirement is more home time over more pay. Not for everybody I know, but we all have our individual priorities to satisfy our life stage.

shaffer is a good place to work you just have to wont to work miles are really good for me even it is 100mile load or a 500 mile load they all add up the same you people that wont the long mile let me ask you why in a 62mph truck lets just say you get a 2500mile run how long would that take you you drive 450 to 500 miles a day so thats what about 5 to 6 days in a shaffer or crete truck so like i said why not just take the 500 or 600 mile loads they still pay the same RIGTH thats what i do and i run 2600 to 3400 ever week

shaffer has very little freight in the southeast right now.

I've been with shaffer for 3 mos. i wouldnt worry about the west.. most seems to be on the east coast

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