Where do we go from here?

One good thing about driving that Volvo, you will have plenty of time to do laundry! They should have washers and dryers at the volvo dealer! Sorry guys, couldn't resist!

 

I'm Luck's hubby... this is how we've compared but aside from the recruiter thing at HB we dont know... Both do reefer and I was interested in it as our last gig was all dry van. HB is 60/40 on reefer work... Interstate does reefer but not in our "home" area. I say it that way as our resident home state is Arizona but we have a residence in Colorado and Detroit. Anyways...

Hill Bros...
Volvo780's w/ 81" sleeper
40cpm Pay
6cpm Per Diem
Primarily midwest (No canada)
APU's on 90% of the fleet
Inverter installed by company
No idle restrictions on non-apu trucks
4.5 day orientation
Reefer & dry van

Interstate...
Columbias..most likely older w/ 71" bunk. We were warned of 800k on some of them
Est. 45% of fleet has APU
20% idle restriction unless in "extreme conditions."
1500 watt inverter installed by company
44cpm pay (47cpm in the reefer division)
4cpm Per Diem
48 state + Canada
2 day orientation
Primarily dry van in our area


the 20% idle thing bothers me as we both have 2 comfort zones we can handle. Her threshold for cold weather is much higher than mine but I can handle warmer weather much easier. So we always idled at the last company anything below 45 and above 75 degrees... and i'm sure that at Interstate doesn't qualify for "extreme" temperatures, but when you fit 2 people in a truck at 75 degrees it gets warm in there REAL quick. While Canada isn't important we do like going there. But, really thats aside from the decision making.. just threw it in there.

Other than that we're at a loss.. hence why we're here. Its a draw really... high pay with crappy equipment or lower pay with great equipment?!? Interstate has already treated us like "family" the way they talk to us. They've already purchased plane tickets for a week from Tuesday in preparation for our arrival in Tacoma while HB is still dragging their feet.

Could use some suggestions, advice, criticism, or anything anyone can offer!

 

First of all, you shouldn't come close to 20% idle as team drivers. So I wouldn't stress on that. About the lemon80's (Volvo)! The ride nice and are very roomy but constantly break down. This is mostly due to sensors. Whenever a sensor goes off they shut down the whole truck! It is usually due to a bad sensor. I had three brand new d-16 Volvo lemon80's and could not keep them out of the shop. One of them burnt to the ground because of bad wiring! Volvo was nice enough to buy them back from me though. As company drivers I guess you will be paid for your downtime though. As far as running reefer it is pretty easy. There is a lot more no touch freight involved. You also have better load options because you can haul dry or refrigerated with a reefer. Your loads are typically heavier though. As for companies these aren't the only two out there. So you still have plenty of options.

 

Check out interstates health insurance. HB ain't the greatest. If interstates is better you should go there. And doesn't interstate do all 48? HB doesn't

 

I didnt ask about the apu for idle tme, we also have a fridge and freezer, and the power 1800 watts inverter is good enough to run "my" appliances, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, one burner, crockpot and george forman, and laptop. And I have a volvo and never had a problem with bad wiring, sensors or breakdowns. And if you were interested in a new truck, there is one on the yard you can lease. Call and ask for Erin she knows everything. BTW my last load came from phoneix and went to colorado, next load will go to omaha. And from omaha to anywhere i want to go, that we do.

 

Look into Earl Henderson. They love Teams have lots of Miles for them. Also have lots of Freight in the AZ area. All trucks have APU's and if yyou want a break they will give it to you.

 

Look your both driving go for the cash,

Green Valley Transportation,
http://www.gvtd.com/FSemployment.html

COMPANY DRIVERS (W-2):
Up to .62/mile plus extra service fees
$300/day guarantee
Layover Pay
Cell Phone Allowance
Paid Health Benefits for Employee
Paid Vacation after 1 Yr.
99% Shipper load / Consignee unload



Company TRUCKS:*
Governed # 75mph
Scale Pre-Pass
Double Bunk Sleeper
Fridge & T.V.
Satellite Radio & CB
Satellite Communication Tracking

2 yrs. OTR w/Team Experience-PREFERRED
Class A License w/HAZMAT
Able to pass SECURITY CLEARANCE
800-797-7747

Some of my friends are driving there and like it, can describe what exactly they haul because of security agreements, they used to pay a 5000.00 sign on so ask about that when you call.

Don't mention me as I get nothing out of passing information.

 

She was being more dramatic than is really the case 90% of the time.. but there were weeks we ran close to 7k and its pretty accurate. There were even times we were stacked on plans that were tight and just didnt have a chance to shower or handle laundry.. when we got to that point sleep was more important to me. We always carried extra clothes for extended time away from home but when you get past 2 weeks without washing for 2 people it can take a while to get done with the broke assed machines in most of these truckstops.




We're at a crossroads here. We're ready to go for Company A and Company B hasn't impressed us all that much thus far.

We had a recruiter that just didn't know anything about the company nor the equipment and drug her feet for 4 days before we called the recommended recruiter and received a little bit more emergent and apologetic response. She got everything together and realized they had everything for "Luck's" employment history but nothing confirming mine. Sounded like to me someone forgot to send info out so that just started yesterday... so after 7 days in the recruitment process we're still waiting to hear we're confirmed and have travel plans booked for next Tuesday, as we we're tentatively scheduled.

So far our big drawbacks to each.. Company A pays more with better insurance but older high mileage equipment, I-5 corridor and mountain driving.

Company B pays less but has much better equipment that I can tell with less mountain and little cali driving, limited benefits... and all the above. I'll take the paycut for better equipment but.. again.. the above has started to turn us off.

Thoughts? We're really having a hard time deciding.

 

Allowme has some advice. Time management really is the key. It can be really overwhelming for new teams out there. Just remember every second counts so make it account for something! You guys are a fairly new team but things should be going in favor now. As far as equipment and pay they go hand and hand anywhere you go. They either have nice equipment or better pay. As a team in my opinion, good proven, reliable equipment is going to be your success! Sometimes new equipment isn't always the best. I had three brand new trucks one year in which I couldn't keep out of the shop. I really took a hit that year! If you find a good company ask to talk to some of their teams first. Good luck!