Beginning a journey at Danny Herman Trucking

Haven’t seen a recent thread about DHT, so I figured I’d update with my experiences as they go. I have a few years experience, so pay (50cpm + per diem + bonuses) will only earn me around 55cpm. Their lanes and length of haul was my main interest now that I have a good savings built up and no longer need to chase paychecks. I guess we’ll find out if the job enjoyment can outweigh the ~10% pay cut.

Will be getting first load assignment this morning, but this was my onboarding experience:

Typical phone call with the recruiter and then e-mailed an application link. Application completed, background check completed, orientation date set. I was emailed a link to an online service to watch all the orientation videos ahead of time (about 4 hours worth). Was reserved a rental car to get from previous company to here and then the half day orientation began. All that was done in person was a driving test, tax forms, and benefits enrollment. It was done at a small terminal in Missouri, so it was only one nice lady and a couple shop workers. Avoiding the corporate vibe was kind of nice for orientation.

I was assigned a KW T680, which is all they run since they have close ties with Paccar. Truck has 573,000 miles, but is in good shape mechanically and cosmetically. TK APU, interior in good shape, CB radio installed, inverter, etc. All the previous threads said they trade trucks in around 600k, so maybe that means I’ll be in the short line for a brand new truck or at least a newer truck. If they maintain their trucks this well for 570k miles, then I don’t really care whatever truck I get, but I’m sure that’s all dependent on previous drivers.

But at the end of the day, load assignments, miles, and the actual work is what all us drivers are truly worried about, so I will update once I get first load and then again after a week or so.

 

Just pay rate difference between previous employer and here. (62cpm vs 55cpm) DHT runs harder, supposedly, so it might end up evening out to be about the same. We’ll find out

 

First load: 480 mile DH to Grand Prairie, TX and then 900 miles to TN. Double checked with DM about the deadhead and it was planned... odd. Good miles for a couple weekdays though, so no complaints

 

Yeah, I’m hoping those bonuses aren’t a ‘chasing the dragon’ kinda thing. If I can get 55cpm or so with the bonuses, it’s doable for me. I was told 1.5 days home per week out, so we’ll see how well that holds up too. I don’t go home much anyways by choice, so I’m fine with either, but hoping they were honest with their recruiting.