Superior Carriers, my experience.

Hey there! So, I haven't seen a thread on Superior in a while so I figured I'd give it a go.
Me:
Recent CDL grad (Oct 2018)
Female
Over 40

I work out of Markham, IL (Chicago) where we are mostly local/regional. I had 30 days of training (and a week of corporate training in Greer, SC), did the required 2 air offs/2 pump offs, but most of the loads I ran with trainers involved no work other than opening the dome. Since I'm a female, I was housed in a hotel when out of town. I've been on my own a month and so far so good.

Most runs seems to be one night out and back or some 2.5 days. For the past 3 weeks I've been running a 1000 mile out and back to MO (live unload) and a 1600 mile, 2.5 day to NC and back (drop and hook); each involves picking up a preloaded trailer at a local shipper and driving back empty. And then sometimes either a day off, a local day (hourly), or this week I'm running again to MO, so will be a good week $.

Pay is great, IMO, and weekly. Insurance sucks, but can't have it all. I'm very happy with my pay right out of school and at my pace should clear 70k first year no problem.

Overall, I'm running hard and on time and getting good runs in return. I've almost mastered the clock and Qualcomm and my dispatcher is happy and always comments "good job" on my runs.

Our terminal manager is a former driver and a good guy. Dispatch is good and responsive. I was issued a brand new truck which is automatic so driving is a breeze (although she's a 80000 lb snail uphill loaded through WV/VA). I have a front camera and Bendix so lots of bells and whistles but it's fine by me, as I know no other way.

I've been hauling mostly non-haz soap-type products, and not really doing any work (in MO I have to open the dome). So other than cranking the landing gear up and down, I'm just driving.

Only downside is I'm usually always running at night. The roads are super quiet, which is nice, but taking at 10 at noon is hard, and sometimes the old eyes play tricks on you at night. I still have to get used to sleeping in the bunk, too. I miss those hotel days haha.

But overall I'm very happy at Superior and glad they are training folks right out of school Well, off to sleep in my own bed (yay)! Have a run at 0200 (sigh).

Patty

 

Hey, forgot to mention I had a Level 2 inspection my second week of driving. Stopped at border in Port Huron, MI to pay bridge fee and had a state trooper waiting at the truck. Explained I was a new driver and he walked me through it and I passed with flying colors.

 

Yes. I'll shoot you. That's how we do here. Them the rules.