LTL in Pictures

ABF has at least one flatbed with forklift delivery capability at every domicile even the smaller satellite terminals. The terminal I’m out of we have 6 flatbeds two of them with forklifts.

 

Alright stupid question time for you LTL guys. Currently hauling fuel in Portland and making right around 120k with benefits paid for my family. Have Sunday-Mondays off, and not positive but was told last summer that I could be going to Monday-Friday schedule in a bit. Not sure on that fully just yet. Have an interview with ABF for a linehaul spot next week. There’s a YouTuber I’ve been talking to who says I’ll make more, and have better retirement. Only downside seems to be the schedule seems chaotic with basically being on call 24/7. Is it crazy to even think about going there?

 

I’m the only one running truck I drive. Mind you it’s older and not in great shape. We deliver to our own stations. So probably 20 something stations we fill all of the time.

 

That’s a big gamble. You’ll be on the road for multiple days at a time, in a different truck every day, doing mountain driving in all conditions, at the bottom of a seniority board that can lay you off at any time. And if they do make over $120k it can’t be a whole lot more.

Like @MACK E-6 said, it’s hard to figure what’s better about ABF without knowing what you don’t like about your current job.

 

I don’t hate my current job. Only reason I’m currently even looking at it is they have a pension and better retirement. We just have a 401k. I run an older truck. I don’t love it.

 

I fully agree with this and it is probably the most important part of the equation in my opinion. 20-30k more wouldn’t get me to leave a job I like. That said I left a job I didn’t like for 20-30k less initially and 13 years later I wouldn’t change my decision if I could.

 

I would agree with JMZ it is a gamble. Gotta start at the bottom and it can be rough at first. But I will tell you this I have worked for two of the other large LTL carriers and hands down working for ABF doesn’t even compare to working anywhere else. Best job I have ever had. If it’s a sacrifice your willing to make in the end will be worth it. But I would factor in many things into the decision. How old are you? Pension is peer 80 so your age plus years of service once u reach 80 points you can retire. I still contribute a hefty amount into 401k and Roth even though ABF has the pension. When it comes to trucks ABFs linehual has the newest trucks out of anyone on the road. So although you will slip seat the trucks will be newer than what your used to. But yes lay offs are possible it’s a last ones in are first one out type of deal when comes to layoff. Everything by seniority of course. Please feel free to message me with any questions I do not run linehaul I am on the city board. With some overtime I make over 100k as a city driver home for dinner every night.

 

@Yardhostler

I've never seen ABF pull flatbed trailers, but I see a 10 wheel flatbed truck with a moffet on the back occasionally. Truck is a Mack Anthem. It's most likely the only type of truck out of the terminal close to me. It's a small terminal.

 

They have them at all of the larger terminals!