A.D. Transport Express

Chuck,

You have been most helpful. Seems to me, that to make good money, you have to be willing to run hot much of the time and try to get as many less than 1,000 mile runs as possible. Is this correct?

If not, where is the sweet spot as far as making money at this company. For instance, if one didn't mind running hot, could they run that "dreaded" Ford run continually all week for top money, or are there better pickins?

 

The vast majority of their runs are from 460-720mi. It was rare that I got a 1k miler. And if you prefer running overnight? They will gladly put you on the HCC runs and turn you 3 times a week with a 34hr reset for your weekend. Getting enough drivers to cover the HCC runs is a continual sore spot for them. Money wise that's probably the best way there.

Do you live in Michigan? I know that sure made things easier for me.

 

Chuck, I live about 30 minutes from Canton terminal. So, that is a plus. The only issue I can see running the HCC runs is wintertime. Leaving at 2400 for a 1030 a.m. delivery time doesn't allow for ice and/or sleet storms which can considerably slow a truck down especially on I-80 or turnpike. Do they allow for this contingency, or do you get chewed out for being late even with bad weather conditions.

 

As long as the other 6-8 trucks that go to the same plant encounter the same weather problem as you do, no problem. Technically, the crossdock in Cranbury will accept loads all the way to 1400. But A.D. does not take well to being late. And you're right, on the midnite runs there is just enough time to make it. Which is why a lot of guys balk at it. If you've been up since 0500 this morning and you don't pick up until 2230-2300, you really feel the need for at least a 3 or 4 hour nap enroute. But there is no time for that.

And most of the time you are not allowed to take the PA Turnpike. You'll learn to love I80. Only loads to Winchester, VA and Martinsburg, WV are allowed the PA TPK.

 

Check, since I live close to the terminal, will they allow me to go home and sleep during the day and pick up the load in the evening, especially if pulling the load on a regular basis 3 times week.

Also, do you know mileage number for this trip. And, did you ever do this trip? If so, what did you like or not like about it?

Thanks again for your help.

 

Ford HCC in Romulus to Ford Crossdock in Cranbury, NJ pays 607mi. They will allow you to go home and sleep during the day. But if you have teens at home or any other disruptive situation, I learned the hard way that it may be better to sleep in that tin can at the plant. Except for Monday mornings when you are wide awake in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep if you tried. Those turn into the 30-36 hour days from hell. I live about 5 miles from their Canton yard.

I did those runs probably less than most of the guys I knew. I got along real well with my DM (a GREAT guy) and he kept me as insulated as he could from those runs. He tried to keep me on the daytime Ford PRC runs to Ford HVC in Cranbury. There is a lot more competition for those runs. I'm just too old for it, my body don't take to the all night thing any more.

The past few months they also started getting ConWay loads too. Don't know a whole lot about them because I only did a couple. Both were 1300 pickups in Lordstown, OH that had to be at ConWay in Manchester, NH by 0500 the next morning. That one pays 640mi.

 

Chuck, as a newbie, will I have any choice in what I can run. If I request a certain run, are they likely to try hard to do it for me or not? Are you allowed to request a dispatcher? If so, who would you recommend? Any dispatchers you wouldn't want to work for?

Office politics can play such a huge part on how good your runs are. Is there anything that will get someone into hot water. Or what can one do to "shine" in your dispatcher's eye there.

 

If you can get in with John on Team 6 he's a real stand-up guy. I've heard that some of the DM's are real wads, but that is just second hand. I don't know if you can request a DM change or not, but I would think you could. I never thought twice about changing mine.

As long as you make on time deliveries, and not get tickets or equip violations, you'll do well. Getting certain runs will likely depend on your DM and also how good the relationship with him is. My DM was about my oldest stepson's age and we got along real well from day one.

 

Chuck, just though of something else. Are any of the Ford loads Haz Mat?

Also, I don't mind running HM, especially at $100 extra run. Are there any good HM runs you would recommend?

 

Most of the Ford runs are HM due to airbags. But they are not placard loads, so no extra $100. The extra pay is only for placarded loads. I averaged about 3-4 placarded loads a year. Most of those were on brokered backhauls. Last I heard, they were gonna make a HM endorsement a hiring requirement.