Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

So the other day I ran into a Driver at the fuel pumps that is running with a smaller family owned trucking company that I actually looked into the same time I found Abilene... they wanted 6 to 12 months experience as they didn’t train... so I ended up here and I’m so very glad I did and not one if the Megas for my first year or two...

He loves the place... came on about the same time I was looking into them... they are now about 150 drivers... he said he cleared $58k in CPM and another $24k in Per Diem pay... Yup, $82k in total...

and they start their Drivers at 50 CPM... similar to another company I know that has attracted a few of our drivers over the years.

Now, I do like Abilene... I like our routes and our customers... and they hire out of South Florida... 2019 was a mixed bag and they almost lost me back in March... but things smoothed out a lot once they moved me to WM and under the Chain of Command of one CN... and things smoothed out even more when the our new DM came on board there... and I’m looking forward to working with them and the growing Team in WM in 2020...

I like the routes we run... I think we have a good solid customer base... my wheels could roll a bit more but I could also run a bit harder now and then too... we have good Trucks and I really do like my Volvo DNL 860...

Never been on their benefits but that’s coming soon so we will see how that goes... seems there are changes happening in the retirement plans that are not pleasant... just qualified to join them so ya, we will see what THATS all about soon too... and the Shops can be a bit frustrating at times...

But still fairly happy and still looking forward to 2020 here at Abilene... but ya... 50 CPM looks #### good... smaller, and most importantly, still family owned company... all with similar benefits... ya, I’m not actively looking to leave but dang it these other still family owned companies and their 50 CPM just keep popping up in my face...

Will be interesting what 2020 brings...

Have a great new year everyone!!!

Stay Safe!!!

 

What was it prior to the change?

 

I did a boneheaded move yesterday in CA. Got frustrated with cars doing truck speed limit and decided to go around and slow down again and chp came out of nowhere I didn't see and pulled me over. First ticket since 2005....guess I won't pass anybody anymore in CA even if stuck going 45-50 mph.

 

Wait, I know there are some truck only lanes in CA and 55 mph statewide for trucks but you can’t pass a car that’s going slower than you?

 

Ugh... sitting in RVA waiting to get truck into the shop... injector issue just popped up the last four hours driving to RVA last night...

Now I might have to take truck to dealership and might have to swap trucks for a bit... I HATE switching trucks... even if just for a few days... I have this set up at “my house” and even just driving another truck for a few days is a total pain in my backside...

I might request a couple unpaid days off.

 

Was passing a line of cars at 66mph. That is why pulled me over, going over the 55mph limit. I didn't want to impede traffic so I sped up to get by and got over and slowed down again but too late, cop got me.

 

Broker load of XBOX's from CA to OH. Hopefully security knuckleheads don't harass me constantly.....

 

What!
He gave you ticket!
So at what speed is legal to pass a car that is going slow in California? He probably was trying to get his end of the year extra bonus!