Suggestions for Longevity Awards

Ha! Then the driver has to figure out how to store and cook the darned dry bird (turkey).

Landstar does this thing for Thanksgivings and Christmas, fill out a form and get a $25 dinner at Petro/TA. For some, if they're unfortunately, or profitably out on the road during those holidays, it might be utilized. I'd love to see the numbers.

But we all know - $25 at Petro/TA doesn't exactly buy you much of a 'nice' meal . . . it's somewhat of a nice thought, but I doubt it's used. There's no cash out option on it either, doesn't include tips, can't be gifted etc.

 

Oh, don't worry about him too much. I think if you look up 'Negative Nelly' in the urban dictionary - you'll find a picture of his avatar.

We're always waiting on tenterhooks , on the edge of our seats - to hear what insightful and positive comments he has to add to any conversation.

He never disappoints.

Well, only in situations like this, where we actually get to engage with folks in the industry looking for gainful insights - that's where he comes in, potentially ending meaningful interaction with new members in short order.

 

You're right, sorry - probably came across as a Richard Cranium there.

@gentleroger and @Oxbow gave better perspective. I(we) spent 10 years company before I went owner (leased onto) for 10 years, so the whole spectrum of Driver appreciation is skewed in my mind.

I have to remind myself that in my current owner leased on situation - I signed a contract, and that was it, therefore the 'owner appreciation' events I should simply ignore.

The idea of involving a driver in the spec and purchase of a truck is great, but I've seen it as cheap as a bunch of tacky vinyl graphics on a Prime truck, and have never met a driver that had a truck ordered for him to his liking. The cost of the latter could easily run tens of thousands of $$.

One thing ODFL did, that we did appreciate, was a company performance based , annual contribution to our 401k. It was usually (as a team) in the $3-4k range. So, doing the math - $3k times 10 years - $30K - by rough rule of 72 - 7.2% - the value becomes $120,000 after 20 years or so.

So - $1,000 bonus per year, or a $500 gift card - or $100,000 + in a 401k account accumulated over 20-30 years . . .

And @TurkeyCreekJackJohnson - I'd buy another truck and trailer and assist you in doing what I do in a heartbeat, the only reason that I haven't followed the path of a few people I know that have bought more trucks and employed drivers, is - that - I have only ever known 3 drivers in my career that could responsibly handle the opportunity. The pivotal point is always the driver. And I'm preaching to the choir on this point.

And, it may just be my limited pool of contacts, but I've only seen guys grow from 1 to 5-6 drivers, back to a one truck chuck, over the course of 2-7 years - for the reasons explained above.

 

WOW Landstar sounds like they went cheap. They can afford the cruise still. I’m guessing they were like $2500 if you took someone. They has several Landstar agents their also.

 

Pay them all the time, let your payroll take care of it, drivers look at this stuff as carrots that you can be disqualified for along the way. Just set your payroll to take care of it on every paycheck.
Also dont tell your drivers anything thats not true .

 

Not at Outback; their cheap-### frozen Argentinian steaks are for people who wouldn't know a good steak if it hit them in the face.

Five hundred dollars; in $20's. At least McD's is in some places where a truck can park, btw....