ABF vs. SEFL...pros and cons for a new driver? Training, benefits, equipment, etc.

Detroit was a perfect example of unions running amuck. Like I said earlier though...if you'd asked me a few years ago...I'd have lumped them all into one pot as you did.

Ever known someone that was terminated In an employment at will position because they were too senior and made too much money? Sure...age discrimination is technically illegal, but that doesn't stop employers from cutting from the top of the salary structure and replacing senior personnel with lower paid people. It's done because it cuts down on the bottom line and they can get away with it.

How about non-union employers cutting guys with 18-19 years in...when they're vested for some sort of retirement, pension, and/or benefits at 20 years? Again...that happens all the time.

Are there cases where unions are a menace to society (i.e. Detroit)? Sure, but lumping them all together is a lot like people lumping all lawsuits into the "hot coffee" incident from McDonalds years ago. That incident (that woman deserved every cent she got if you actually look at the facts vs. what was presented in the media)...a lot like the union issue...was completely twisted by businesses and the media for their own interests. People eat it right up too...as their salaries head right down the toilet. The opposite direction of executive compensation packages.

 

Both of my interviews went well. I think I'd be happy working at either company. Both of the terminal managers I spoke with were straight shooters and didn't attempt to sell the company or the job. They were more focused on making sure that I understood what I was getting into ( LTL involving a LOT more than just driving a truck and hooking/unhooking trailers). We'll see what happens.

 

Thank you. The main issue that came up for ABF is that they can't give much of an estimate on when I could expect to hear back ("up to 30 days for background check") and how long I'd have to wait to go to class (Harrisburg, PA) once I get hired. I got the distinct impression that I'd be doing good to get hired on my January first and shipped out to class by February first. Not big in the long term, but in the short term (keeping a stream of income)...it's a big deal to me.

 

On that...I get a better vibe out of the local SEFL terminal than the ABF one. I showed up mid-day at ABF (their peak running hours) and they had several trucks on the lot just sitting there. That can be taken a few different ways: 1. They're short on drivers, 2. They've got some serious maintenance issues or 3. They're short on freight.

I've been to the SEFL terminal three times now. I saw only one truck...and that was around 1740...when the guy/gal was obviously coming back from their deliveries. While both the ABF and SEFL managers mentioned the typical Dec-Mar bill/shipment slowdown...it appeared that the ABF terminal may already be impacted significantly by that.

I think so. I've done physical labor here and there...and generally my body "breaks in" to that type of thing in a matter of days (once I get through several days of pumping ibuprofen to deal with it, lol.). One of the big reasons that LTL appeals to me is that it will force me to get off my ***, get active, and shed a few pounds.

I'm pretty good at dealing with people. That was a good sized part of my last job. I was the "face of the company" at remote meetings, so that concept is something that I'm accustomed to.