ATS/school

Im still basically flatbed. Ive hauled a bunch of stuff on RGN's(even got to take one apart finally!) But if you mean the REEEAAALLLY big stuff, no. Im at least a year away from that. We have to haul 5 loads at the higher level before we can move up a class. You start out at level 4, then move up to 1 or 1A. The higher the class the bigger the load. Not necessarilly heavier, just overall dimensions. For example, and over height load is a bigger deal than a wide load, so the OD load I hauled from NJ to FL(13'8") counted as two class 3 loads for me, because it was wide AND tall. You gotta remember that the bigger stuff, while cool, is a LOT more responsibility! And the DOT likes to look close at them too.

 

I've only been to FL one time, and it was our Jax yard. We drop there and the local guys run it to the port. I have hauled some building materials, cultured stone from Owens Corning in Napa,CA, two lumber loads, and some insulated steel building panels. But that's it. I would say more of the other type of flatbed loads. We haul a lot our of Manitowoc,WI, the crane parts. They are one of our bigger customers. In fact we have a yard right across from the plant and two local guys shuttling trailers back and forth. I'm not sure how much equipment we haul. I have hauled Bobcats out of MN, Case skidsteers and tractors. We may move more up in the heavy haul division. You would probably say our biggest stuff is the wind energy. Tower sections, blades, nacells etc.. We haul a LOT of that!

 

As to the first point, probably none. As far as I know the Jax yard is nothing but a drop yard. Actually that is basically the way it is for all of our yards. St. Cloud is the only one that really has trucks, well Gary has some. We arent really "from" one yard or another. All company drivers are "technically" out of Gary, but that is for workers comp. rates etc.(MN is insanely high, I know, used to own a const. bus. in MN). As to how long are you out, the company states that they would like you out for 3 weeks, then home for 3 days. However, I have never had a problem staying home longer. To the O/O question, yes and of course no. It really all depends on the driver. Some guys like to wait for that "perfect" load. Others take a decent load and keep running. I have talked to more guys that are happy and making decent to good money than those who arent. The higher the class of driver the better they are going to do. The loads simply pay much more. Think about it, what would you charge more for? A simple load of steel(like I have now) even though its 9'6" wide, or a wind tower section thats 110' long and as much as 110,000 lbs? Those drivers are also MUCH more valuable than I. Simple fact, cant change it without more experience. So I try to run hard, deliver on time or early, and always be clean and pleasant to the shipper and receiver. So far its worked. Who knows with the way the economy is tho? Im just not gonna worry about it, I do my best to be professional, not a "steering wheel holder". I can only get better with more experience, so I learn all I can from other drivers and work at getting better. I cant do more than that. If for some reason this company cant use me anymore, i'll move on. Someone is always looking for good people.

 

For me the hiring process was very fast. But I went to the school that ATS was, helping, underwriting whatever. I had an in person interview with the recruiter, again, I live close by the corporate office( one reason I chose them). I think the questions you are looking for are from Nightwind. I would start by making a list early. And add to it as you think of things. Review it, ask for imput, THEN call when you think you have the basics covered. I dont know if there are other ATS drivers on here. I would think so, we have over 1400 drivers so I cant be the only one!

 

I am still a company driver, but I have looked hard at the lease. I would like to get my own truck but im still working on getting myself into a position to succeed, and not be completely on the hook to the company. And whether or not you think that the lease is a good deal or not, make no mistake, they are all set up in the companies favor. The more cards you can hold the better off you will be. As to the $$ of the lease operators, well, it depends. There are guys( and gals) making great money, some doing ok, and probably some not doing well at all. Its a very hard question to answer, you need to know the whole story. For example, how choosy is the driver? How many places wont he/she go? How long do they wait to accept a load? And, what class driver are they? The higher the class the more $$ per load, the bigger the loads,etc etc. Im not trying to be evasive, its just a tough question to answer. I know of several O/O's who have been here for several years, they own their own truck and could go anywhere they wanted. But they stick around. Why? Lots of different reasons. I have talked to several lease operators who were doing well, and were happy with the program. I have even talked to a few who just kept doing the lease, year after year. The theory was that they never had a truck with out a warranty. To them a constant truck payment was better than having a big maintanence bill. I wouldnt really think that would be smart in the long run, but its not me. And yes, I do think ATS is a good company. Not perfect, and they may or may not be a good fit for you. Just being a good company doesnt mean that it will fit with what you want. I would defenitely give them a call and ask all the questions that are important to YOU.