Anderson trucking, what is oreintation like there?

I’ve seen on their website about the new pay package. It averages out to 65 CPM, but you’re automatically paid either percentage or cpm - whichever is higher. Very nice feature for a company driver.

I’m leaning toward them myself, very curious what the uptodate OTR scenario is... I currently try to stay out 28 days, take 7 off. Is that doable with ATS?

If I were to go to ATS, I’d definitely choose Specialized. I’m thinking about becoming a Heavy Haul driver in the future, and this company seems to be a great path for training. Besides, they claim the top 10% of their company specialized and van drivers take in $85k/year. I assume the average is $78k (120,000 miles X 65 CPM).

The long runs is something I’d appreciate. I wouldn’t mind doing three or four loads per week, instead of 3-4 per day. I’m unfamiliar with tarping and chaining freight, as I have no flatbed experience, but this seems like a great company to go through for said training.

 

What was the average gross per week you made at ATS? Also how many days was orientation and securement training? Thanks. I know this is and old thread but am considering joining . They claim a guarantee of $1250 per week right now

 

Following

 

I'm currently with ATS Specialized . Orientation is pretty laid back, but they cram a lot of stuff in 4 days. The hotel they put you in is nice.
When you check in they give you a packet to fill out for Monday morning. Monday you'll do a lot of paperwork and paperwork reviewing. You'll go for a drug test and physical.
Tuesday or Wednesday you'll road test and both days will be video sessions with people from corporate (safety, shop, etc.). One of these days you'll do a video chat with your ops manager who will go over since of the paperwork you filled out. You'll do a half day or so going over load securement in class then a half day, full day if needed, outside securing stuff.
Thursday they'll put you in a truck and give you all the equipment you'll need. It'll take a little to get it all out away then they'll find you a load for a Friday pickup.
They give you what you need to figure out how to secure a load. If you stop have questions there are people to call at the office for advice or another ATS driver will help you.
Currently they are doing the guarantee, but if you make more you get what you earned. I can give my average gross, but I'm a level 2 with time. If you have limited open deck or no open deck experience you'll start at a level 4. Open deck experience with some OD will start you at a level 3. Each level you'll make more per mile / per load. I'm pretty steadily above 1,500 gross per week and I don't run hard, very rarely hit 3,000 miles a week.

 

I appreciate the response. I have no flatbed experience. So With Half day of securement you think someone can understand all the different types of securement? I know other flatbed companies who have about a week of securement training.

Also, How long does it take to move up a level?

 

You shouldn't have a problem. They'll be more proactive with you on your first several loads. They'll try and send an experienced driver to load at the same place as you to help. Given what we tend to haul you should be fine with what they cover in orientation.
They get away with an abbreviated training program due to being self insured and debt free.
If you come over and have questions on a load hit me up and I'll try to help.

 

Leveling up requires a certain number of loads in each level. It's a crap shoot on the time line. Being in the right place at the right time for the right loads effects the time line. When the meeting with the ops manager takes place let them know you want to level up. When you talk with your FM let them know also.
Load securement is a full day by the time the class room and yard portion is completed. If you have questions ask. The two that do orientation have years of open deck experience and don't knock you for asking.
A little trick I learned years ago about load securement is this, if you don't know ask the shipper "do you have a special way or certain requirements for securement?". They usually say no, most driver just do this. If you're at Case, John Deere or CAT they will be much more specific.