GTI. Great restart

For what it is worth: I was leased to GTI for 3 years beginning in 1998. As I recall, the contract stipulated that they paid base plates, fuel taxes, Truck and bobtail insurance and fuel. Their idling policy then was set up such that I could never achieve any "bonus". My truck was set up and operated to get 6.25 mpg as I recall. I had to achieve over 6.5 mpg to get any kind of "bonus". Most of the time, I was nickeled and dimed for not meeting their fuel criteria. I never had any other pay issues regarding stuff not being reimbursed or shorted for mileage pay and all. Their shop in pacific gave no lease driver discount or break on anything. You paid full price for parts and labor just like any other customer. I remember getting paid 3 weeks out of the month a "gross" amount of $500 where they withheld payroll taxes.Then once a month I got my other large settlement check. I think I made 45 or 46 cpm overall. all things considered, looking back, I was better off being a company driver-less owner headaches that way. I don't know what their deal is now with their contracts, fuel sucharges and all. I did not buy mine there, but I know Valley Frieghtliner would love for you to buy a used truck there and lease it on to Gordon. Old info, but I hope this helps..

 

I was hired by GTI a few months back. They flew me up to Seattle, where I went in, finished the application process, met Shelly, my recruiter. Everything was going great. I was hired fast, and they treated me well. Up untill about 2 hours in to being on Gordon property. There was a group of us, Me, a guy from Vegas, and a couple hispanic guys who spoke english with a heavy accent. We were doing pretrip and road tests, and I the second (I think) to go. We did a "verbal" walk around, did a back test, and hit the road. That's when things got Bizzare.
The guy doing the tests flat out asked me "Do the Mexicans speak english?" And he proceeded to tell me about how he had to send some guys home who "obviously" had someone fill out their apps for them, couldnt speak a word of english, etc. Then started talking about illegals, and how I should know they are everywhere and I should know what he's talking about, after all I am from southern California. I tried telling him "yeah I know" and so on to get him off the subject. After going on awhile about it, he started talking about how his wife (or someone) had died, and currently his daughter was giving him problems about following his rules, the boyfriends, etc. So basically it was pretty unprofessional, especially with the apparent racism.

So I passed the test, went back to the hotel, where I found out my mom (who had recently had brain surgery) was having trouble staying CONCIOUS. I waited a while and when no one knew anything still, and she wasnt getting better, I decided I needed to head home. I called up the night dispatch number and they were less then helpful. Basically I was told get my own flight home (I offered to get my own way back, I just didnt have enough cash to get home). They wouldnt help get me home but told me I could have the hotel take me to the airport (which they renigged on when that time came).

After I was home and my Mom's problem was figured out (and had another surgery for) I emailed Shelly, apologized for essentially quitting and going home and practically begged to come back. I offered the hospital paperwork as proof I wasnt lying because they said it was common for new guys to come and want to fly out the same day....hmmm..... I offered to pay for my own way back, AND to pay for the hotel the night I was there before I was even able to get a flight home. Shelly was really nice, responded really quickly, but told me that me coming back was a decision she couldnt make, Jeremy Hall would have to make. So I waited and waited. Emailed again, was told it would be longer, Jeremy was away. So finally I emailed again, and was told I was not going to be rehired. So, I wonder what driving for Gordon is really like, as I never got a real chance.

 

I have been with this company since aug 08 and have watched this company go down hill so fast its not funny. We have had long time veteran company drivers walk in to the big dogs office and throw their keys at them and tell them to shove their truck where the sun don't shine. If your out of the Indy terminal you have to deal with a dm that caresless about you or your fatigue, and a terminal manager that will stab you in the back in a heart beat and then look you in the face and say he is there to help ya with a smile. if your out of green bay, forget miles, those of us out of green bay are lucky to see 2000 miles a week, more like 1000 to 1500, and no, i don't turn down loads or del late. If your a female, don't bother. as far as they are concerned, you don't belong in a trk, you belong behinde a desk and kissing thier ###. They have had numerouse sexual harassement lawsuits and discrimination and lost everyone of them. In pacific the hot shot there will even go as far to say you belong naked in bed and ready, he will even go as far as to say drivers are dumb and hate society and the only reason we drive truck is because we are to stupid to do anything else. You will have hard time getting home for hometime as well, I stay out 6-8 wks and go home for 4 days and never get home close to hometime, more like 2 wks after i was to be home. this company has raved about safety, but we all have noticed this winter already, we no longer decide if its safe to move or not. now we are told we have to chain or clean out the truck. unless the road has been closed, you will move. and yet they are tied with 2 other companies for North American Truck Load Carrier of the Year, go figure. if you come here, be ready to get treated worse then a swift driver by these people. as soon as i find a new company to goto that hires from where i live, im outta here. don't look for respect from these guys, you wont find it, all you will find are lies and more lies and if you even think of standing up for yourself, they will burn you and your dac and see to it no one else will hire you. sure wish i knew this before i came aboard. 15yrs in the army was a hell of alot better then this ####. stay safe out there all. later

 

Its hard to find GTI drivers unhappy on the west coast. Most talk positive and have been with them quite awhile.

 

Would you please elaborate on that statement? I live on the west coast. I'm looking at gordon too. More info please.

 

I just thought I'd let anyone who's interested know, I just sent a e-mail to one of their recruiters. We'll see what happens next...

 

I drive for GTI and run out of the Rancho Terminal, dispatch from Modesto. I am kept busy, never waiting for loads, and get home on time. I run the U.S. fleet and stay out 4-5 weeks. Safety is importat to GTI just as customer service is important. If you live and drive where it snows and the rest of the world is moving, I would expect you would be too. Chains are a reality in some areas. If you don't want to chain then drive the southwest fleet. Sure gets hot in the summer though.

 

The e-mail I sent was to a Modesto recruiter (less than an hours drive from me) Hopefully he'll call tomorrow, or I'll call him lol.

 

Stay on top of it if you want the job, they are hiring