Elephants wanted

The drivers that make their first post with "I just signed a 2 year agreement with X and begin orientation on Monday. Are they a good company?" are the biggest portion of the problem.

A word to the wise is sufficient, but for everyone else the hard way is the only way to learn.

 

Peanuts....hmmmm no peanuts here but why do you care? What do you have to offer to the new driver or the company driver?

If no one is going to drive a truck anymore just exactly how are you going to get food, clothes, tv's, furniture, carpet, bricks, etc? Come on tell me I'm dying to know?

 

I agree 100% we are not getting paid what we are worth. Try running trucks on the same rates as 20 years ago except the cost of trucks, fuel, tires, living has all gone up.

The problem is there is always going to be someone who doesn't know any better who is willing to haul for peanuts.

 

That is the problem in a nutshell! Unfortunately, the trend will continue so long as there are drivers out there willing to work peanuts.

Here is one of my issues. We all know the economy has been down for quite some time. My company, at my terminal, has not hired a driver since late 2006. Can someone explain to me why so many OTR companies constantly find the need to advertise for new drivers?

If I had to venture to guess, I would think that the pay, benefits and lack of hometime play a key role. Just to name a few. Am I wrong?

I don't know how some people do it. You get paid mileage but not the actual miles you drive. Why is that? You drove them, get paid for them. Giving up free time? Why is it that you need to give up time at a shipper/receiver? Are you not on duty? Who wants to work for free? Not me! That goes for any other delay on the road. You need to be paid in some way from the time you come on duty until you go off duty. Is it really that hard for companies?

As for hometime, who does not want to spend more time with loved ones? Most company policies regarding hometime are a complete joke. Out 7 off one. Out 14, off two etc. Who wants to work like that? Not me, you can have it.

I get home every night and have weekends off. I think that OTR drivers should be paid a hell of a lot more than I make for the sacrifices they endure. Baically, we all do the same thing do we not?

This should have been a short week but I chose to work the holiday at double time and a half. I am sure a lot of you found yourself working, just not by choice. I finished the week with a gross pay of $1907.06. Yes I am a company driver. Yes I am paid by the hour. Yes the government will be thrilled!

I never even touched on medical benefits, paid time off or retirement in the OTR industry. They always seem to be too expensive or non-existant.

My hat is off to you drivers. Without you, America stops. I just wish you all were truly compensated for your time.

Drive safe