My Experience With KLLM

gee thanks

 

Hope you'll post a picture of it when you get it! Sounds exciting. I'm hearing lots of good things about the new Cascadia.

Andrew

 

:smt064

 

RoadToad,

I'm a recent driving school graduate and have an orientation date with KLLM. One of the reasons I was leaning toward them was from reading your posts about your experience with them. At this point, it looks like I'll be going with another carrier, Magnum, only because they offer better home time and almost every haul will get me through the house. The orientation date with KLLM is a few weeks out, so I'm going to keep it, at least until after I get through orientation with Magnum. One never knows... always good to have a backup plan. If anything heads south, I'll definately be heading toward KLLM.

I just wanted you to know that I've been reading and enjoying your posts. Good luck with getting that new ride and if you ever pass a big, ugly redneck out there in a Magnum rig, give me a shout and I'll be happy to treat you to a cup of coffee.

IronRydr

 

Hey there Buddy -

You're on. I for one will take you up on that cup. We'll hook up.

And congrats on Magnum. You'll do just fine. I'm glad you threw in the Magnum rig thing 'cuz I don't want someone confusing you with THIS big ugly redneck!!! hehehehehehe

Can you imagine? Two big ugly rednecks huddled around a cappacino machine? HAHAHAHAHAHA! That's just TOO funny!

 

Scooter,

Rednecks 'do' cappucino? When did that start? LMAO!!! I sent you a PM.

IronRydr

 

Man, I'm a bit late to the party, but congrats RT!!!! That's freakin awesome! You must show pictures of your baby now though. You realize that right?? C'mon!!!!

Seriously though, congrats on your new wheels.

KLLM better hold on until I'm done with training before they implement any type of hiring freeze! They seem to be hounding my CDL school for some students to hand over, so it doesn't sound like they plan on a hiring freeze anytime soon. The 401k thing doesn't instil any confidence, but they seem to still be doing ok considering the current state of the economy.

Enjoy the new ride!

 

As soon as I get my hands on it, I'll post pictures

Right now, we are still hiring students. I think there may be some kind of tax incentive involved for the company in hiring students vs. experienced drivers but don't quote me on that. It is also cheaper to hire students (at a lower rate of pay) than experienced drivers (who get paid more in accordance with experience). And before anyone gets bent about that, as I keep saying, the economy is in the toilet and times are hard all the way around. It is a dog eat dog world and the hard fact is that we all have to do what is necessary to survive- even businesses.
So, bottom line is...it is probably going to be easier for a student to find a job right now than an experienced driver. You are cheap labor.

As far as other cost cutting measures being taken-

• The company will no longer approve the purchase and reimbursement for fuel additives. After testing most additives available from major truck stops, they have come to the conclusion that none of them have any significant effect. Instead, drivers are asked, when going to cold temp locales, to top off their tanks upon arrival in the destination city. Fuel companies put additives in their fuel for cold climate markets that work far better than the ones you can buy in truck stops.
• 401k matching by the company has been suspended for the time being. This has not bothered me as, although I have not had the huevos to take a peek at my 401k, I'd not be surprised to find that the downturn in the stock markets has sucked it up like a Hoover vaccum cleaner. Right now, your best bet is to bypass the 401k and 457 type programs offered by employers and invest in an IRA or even savings bonds. And that is ANY company you may go to.
• Company paid *truck* washes for Million Mile drivers has been suspended. Everyone can still get their truck washed at the Jackson and Atlanta terminals for free. It is just the ones the company used to pay for at places like Blue Beacon, for Million Mile drivers, that have been cut. The company does still pay for trailer washouts and will continue to do so.

As for me, I try to do my part and cut costs when I can. For instance, I could have been in a hotel Tuesday night and last night ($90-$120). Instead I chose to stay in my truck (say $6 for the few times I idled to reboost my battery so my fridge and bunk heating pad continued to run). I think if everyone would do the same, even if they didn't do it *every* time, then we'd *all* be able to hold on to more of the benefits we enjoy. But then I tend to be a group / global thinker.
In the end though, I *do* believe you get what you give.

RT

 

RT69, what a great attitude!! You deserve that new truck! I just finished orientation in Jackson yesterday and am waiting to get assigned a trainer. Everybody I have met so far seems to have a great attitude about KLLM. I was also very impressed with Woody, our orientation instructor. Great guy!!! I am excited now that I have met some of the drivers and some of the office employees. So now I say, LET'S ROLL!!!!

 

Hey Good morning to all! I'm hoping to have my shoulder healed enough to be released to go back to driving around the middle of Feb. RT69, got your new truck? Did you say your going to be a owner driver? What will you do for health ins.?
See ya.........TJ