Good companies???????

New user here, not new to trucking. I notice no jobs available at that website referred to here for good jobs. That is because the good jobs are already taken. I have been driving since 1988 and nothing about recruiting has really changed for the better. Actually it has become worse as the years roll by. Why? We know the reasons for the deceptive practice, instead the real question is how come it continues and why are truckers allowing it to, is what needs to be addressed.
We all know that drivers aren't going to group together to make conditions better, and I just don't understand why we don't try to end the turmoil and headaches that have ruined this industry.

The more I read on here the less likely it seems to find a job that is tolerable.
I have been looking for work since May of this year. All I seem to get calling are the companies that cause the problems associated with many drivers here.
Unlike quite a few here, My MVR and all other tests are spotless. I've pulled vans, reefers, lowboys, doubles & containers. 48 state and Canada in all weather conditions. Been a company driver as well as an O/O. Yet no luck in finding a company that doesn't seem to have tons of driver issues or equipment problems.

I realize that the economy is putting a hurting on all drivers and the sitting around for free is not my cup of tea. Because of the deceptive recruiting practices, i feel that there is not much hope in locating a decent job in these present conditions.
As read in some other post on here ... I earn my pay, not the ability for some quality family time. I'm not a convict and seeing my family should not be regarded as a treat for working like a dog.

 

Come on. I know it's not a game just a figure of speech. I agree with what you said. I'm not sure how these drivers make it to. You bring up alot of good points in your post. The things that make me think are all of the time these guys spend for free and the cash have spend to live on the road. I saw an ad in my pennysaver for englund. It said that you have the potential to make 55-60k your first year. Yea right. I would like to here from any of there drivers that made this. I guess if you had a good dispatcher, no family, and wanted to spend your life on the raod then maybe.... I see ads for companies that say you can make 40k your first year and 60k with 5 years exp. I don't want to brag but my net this year so far is 32k+. my gross is 44k+. The year is barely half over. What is your opinion on benefits. I want to know what you think and how much it costs drivers.

 

Nice we must be on at the same time. I agree with you that most or these otr companies don't pay there drivers what they should. We pay 220.00 per month for our benefists. That includes our family. This covers medical, dental, optical. Our retirement is a company match up to 6% of gross income. Not to bad. We do get paid for other benefits like sick vacation and jury. We get our normal hourly rate for that time. It's not the best but it is better than most of em. I don't think you are going to here from any otr drivers with the questions you asked. Sorry but no bet from me. Ithought of something you didn't. How about the catch phrases that companies use to get drivers. I read them and just laugh. How can these people fall for these tricks. Here are some that I have read. Bonus, sign on, accesorial, longevity pay and pay for cities where nobody wants to go. this should be an easy challenge.

 

I think you are right. Nobody seems to be able to answer your post. I guess this just proves that companies really don't take care of there people. At least drivers should be able to post what they get where they work. Come on guys. Is it that bad! It must be. Nobody has heard from you. Rise up and respond here. This is pathetic.

074344 what is a good average weekly take home for you. I assume you are home every night like I am. I am not union but I know you are. What is the greatest benefit you recieve from being in a union.

 

My friend who has been driving for the past 25 years (including several as o/o) knows a few; ()= best opportunity

Walmart (very long interview process)
Kenan Advantage Group (company and o/o's)
Crete (company)
Pat Salmon and Sons
For you newbie's he said pick one and stay with that company for 1-3 years depending on your next companies requirements.

I realize I am not a truck driver; however, I know several and all have said no company is perfect but in the end it all depends on your needs (regional, otr, home time programs) and where you are located. Example: Florida is one way state so picking a company can be challenging whereas someone who lives in California has more choices.

Hunter

 

To piggyback off of this post I would also point out that in the case of hourly paid employess it is very easy to "milk" the clock for extra pay. I know some local drivers at my company that were doing this and got caught. They would make their delivery and then park in the lot and take a nap. When dispatch would call them they would claim they were still in the dock being unloaded. My carrier discontinued paying hourly altogether and went with a progressive mileage scale to give the drivers incentive to hustle to make more money. It is sad but there will always be people who try to take advantage of their employers wether it be out right theft or "milking the clock."

 

Read my experience on the Schneider Forum page 25 I think - under HighMilerNoAccidents!:

I just started to look, was offered what seemed a decent job with my credentials similar to yours - and after wasting a week and a half I pulled out after the job offer started changing - and of course not for the better..=*^)

You write :" Because of the deceptive recruiting practices, i feel that there is not much hope in locating a decent job in these present conditions."

After my recent experience with Schneider I agree totally with you...

CR