ABF Questions

Hey there.

I am a relatively new driver with just under two years of LTL experience(road and city).

I recently put in an application at ABF for a part time city/dock position.
Do any of you know how they treat their drivers/workers?
The main reason I want to get on board is because its union
and I've heard OK things so far.
Basically, how long does it take to get membership and go full time?

Any response appreciated!

We gone.....

 

Location and the terminal is going to be a big factor. Is it a hub? small end of the line terminal? some are even dark terminals (no office support at all, just a few drivers) So therfore, depending on the situation,
You could be casual for 4 or 5 years or 4-5 month's. Some weeks work more than you want but some not at all.

 

Thanks man. Yeah its a smaller barn.
If they offer me a position Ill more than likely take it.

 

Check out http://www.truckingboards.com/bb/forums/abf-freight-system.38/ for more specific info.

 

Thanks

 

@Adam2256 Be advised that ABF's hiring process is known to be quite lengthy. However, my personal opinion is that given the right barn, ABF is a premier freight job. You'll get naysayers and anti Union guys, but it's a heralded outfit. Good luck to you.

 

Yep. ABF is still a top-notch job.

 

ABF treated me good, Worked for them twice and my younger brother still there.
Depends on the location and co-workers, ABF over all from my location was stupid lucky to be a part of that company, It was very small.

The hiring process took forever and make sure to have a solid application, they will call you out on the little details to confirm.

Sole reason I left ABF. I'm just a better Roll off dumpster dude slinging boxes from a straight truck and dictating my own hours. ( Went to a Ma & Pa with slightly better pay and benefits and start times)


90 working days was to get in the teamsters, Freight varies, ABF always had freight so wasn't a issue to be worried about full time. I did City peddling and yard work. The dock is the easiest.

 

After my last trip up to Albuquerque and back, I noticed many ABF linehaul units prowling the 40 between ABQ and presumably either Tucumcari or Amarillo. I put an app in over there for one of those linehaul postings about a month or two ago and haven't heard back from them either. I'm still not quite sure if the app process for them and some other LTL's is just that lengthy? Or if my preference for mild winter areas in NM and AZ is keeping me from getting into that game?
Applications to places like Phoenix, Austin, and Albuquerque have been quite silent and/or slow. While anything I might've submitted to say, Denver, have been answered back quite swiftly.
It's safe to say my focus remains on the slightly-to-much-warmer cities/states while Denver(Colorado in general) has been placed on the "chickened-out-of" list.

 

Denver is unbelievably short of drivers. If you have experience and a decent record, you'll be hired tomorrow. Also Denver is a hub for a lot of companies, face it, it's 500 miles to anywhere from Denver. Almost all the trucking jobs are in commerce city (270 and I70) and/or Aurora (I70 and E470). Food service, OTR, all the LTL's, FXG, FXF, to every little local construction company are all hiring drivers.

Housing is FN expensive though, be aware.