Cardinal Freight or Firstfleet??

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Mike528, Nov 6, 2021.

  1. Mike528

    Mike528 Light Load Member

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    What are sum opinions of drivers that have worked at either place in the last year???
     
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  3. Lunatic Fringe

    Lunatic Fringe Medium Load Member

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  4. Mike528

    Mike528 Light Load Member

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    Yes
     
  5. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I currently work for First Fleet. Almost 3 years in. Its a decent little company. Good benefits & options. Pay, hours, weekend etc all differ from contract to contract. Some have sign on bonus's & guaranteed pay etc.

    I wouldnt say they are at the top of the pack, but they really are a good little company & have little perks here & there. They get rid of trucks at 3 years. Pete's, Volvo's & Internationals but I've recently heard they are not going to buy anymore Internationals, so it'll be down to the other two.
    Most accounts are drop & hook but I think all do have some live unload.
    Mostly dry van, some refer opportunities with a Brookshire or Kroger accounts.

    Good luck.
     
  6. Bumper

    Bumper Road Train Member

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    I just started with Cardinal. Was there two days and had a sinus explosion and have been home for almost a week. They have been totally understanding. Above and beyond my expectations. Having said that, the job will depend upon which account you are assigned to. Each one has different pay packages and job requirements. Go to their website and look for jobs in your area and see what is available.
     
    Lonesome and Mike528 Thank this.
  7. DRTDEVL

    DRTDEVL Road Train Member

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    Why so you keep calling it a "little" company? they have a remote drop yard across from our main terminal that is twice the size of our location with hundreds of trailers moving in and out daily.

    If anything, they are the "Mega" of contract distribution.
     
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  8. Lunatic Fringe

    Lunatic Fringe Medium Load Member

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    Cardinal is one of the better places to work. I've been there a few years. Pay, hours, equipment all vary by account though. My account drives leased Penske trucks and turns them in after 2 years. Our trailers belong to the client, not Cardinal. Your experience working there will depend more on Cardinal's client than on Cardinal. Things slow down for hardware/construction in the winter so drivers for their HD account get paid ~$700/wk to not drive. When the stores on my account shut down for China Flu we got furloughed and paid ~$1,100/wk to not drive.

    Never had a problem with pay, fuel, equipment or management. I get one text a week from the Cardinal FM. Most months I don't even see him. I'm welcome to call or stop by at any time if I want to though. Equipment issues are fixed on the spot (where possible) or a loaner truck or different trailer are provided. If repairs are needed I just take the truck to the shop - no permissions or approvals required. Outward facing camera in the cab activated only on a critical event. No driver facing cameras. I've never had anyone say anything to me about something they saw on the camera.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2021
  9. Mike528

    Mike528 Light Load Member

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    Good review thanks...
    I live in Tennessee by the way...
     
  10. Mike528

    Mike528 Light Load Member

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  11. Mike528

    Mike528 Light Load Member

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    I appreciate the info for sure..
     
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