On the fence - New trucks, thinking about leaving job

Nope, they will do like Peterbilt and just rename the W900.

There is no talk from Pete about dropping the 389 (379 hood). Freightliner is still making the classic and will be for awhile. Way too many O/O out there that still run these trucks and will demand these trucks.

They will start using better powerplants though that actually do what they are supposed to do. Unlike the Cats that are finally going away. Tell the customer that the motor is rated 475 hp but when it comes to checking it out they find out it is doing much much less.

Funny, our new W900s are getting the same milage as our aero hoods. The only hoods we have that are not pulling high 4s to low 5s are the bridge cat that I am running and the twin turbo Acerts.

I did let the truck purchaser know which trucks are on my list of trucks that I would drive and the 386 without skirting, and no plastic bumpers along with a minimum of a 64 inch bunk was on the list as long as it was not white. I perfer the dark cherry or black cherry. The Lone star was also on the list as long as it had twin cab mounted stacks rather then the stacks behind the sleeper. That and no skirting etc and a larger bunk then what they have been getting. I would have to make some additions to the cab though such as making or finding a cup,thermos holder that goes between the seats like in the 379 that I am running. Also would have to create some type of shelving or rack setup for my daily stuff ,so that it is in reach, that I use the passenger seat for in the 379.

My first choice was still a hood with a minimum of a 64/67 inch bunk so that I could have some floor space for getting dressed and a bed that was wider then a childs single size. I don't care if they have a fridge etc in them, just floor space and a decent sized bed is all I asked.

I might hit them up for a percentage increase also. Something in line with what some of the other drivers are getting. I have been at 20% since I started and some of our newer drivers are at 22% already. Especially if I am not going to get big hooded truck. If they decided to get me a 389 or a W900 then I am not going to hit them up for the increase. I will just hit them up for more runs and little bit longer runs that pay a little better.

But the boss was &itching the other day that the hooded trucks are pulling more trade in value then his non hooded trucks. Reason why he is complaining is that he was trying to trade in some of the older 386s etc to upgrade to newer 386s for the OTR guys.

 

Not an option, I love pulling in for fuel and just signing the slip for 500+ dollars. I love pulling in for tires and not even having to sign the slip muchless worry about having to pay for the tires. I love pulling the truck up to the shop and saying service it out and fix any issues and nto having to worry about how light my wallet will get. I love not having to worry about liscensing, taxes, Ifta, Interstate permits, overweight permits, etc. Just keep the truck clean, do good pretrips and drive it and collect my check at the end of the week and not worry about the expenses. Been there, done that.

I have to say that I have been somewhat spoiled, I work for a good company, I get any time off that I want with no whining or crying on the bosses part. When they were getting rid of the first truck (a Volvo) they got me the 379 because I wanted a hood.