Arnold Bros. Transport and Agri-Tel Transport

Re: AB. I imagine there are a lot of happy guys working for AB. Mind you, they could be the ones that are running prairies only and not wondering as they go up and down mountains, if anything "unseen" that could have been caught on a regular maintenance program will put them off the road into the weeds. An AB mechanic in Winnipeg solved a trailer light problem where ABS was somehow causing trailer light malfunction by cutting the ABS and then sending the trailer on its way to be loaded for the coast. Is that legal? Someone's husband or son could be bringing that trailer down Roger's Pass or Coq, not knowing what has been done. Neighbor's hubby talked to the guy that watched the whole thing. Was one of the "higher up" mechanics that did it, not a novice. Cousin happy now-new company looks over every trailer weekly to make sure guys are safe for the mountains. No playing fast and loose with safety. Thirty four cents a mile better than AB rate too. With competition and fuel costs these days, too easy for any company to try and cut costs by making cuts here and there-and hoping nothing goes wrong, if cuts are being made to preventive maintenance of equipment. With well-known big name companies, most folks would assume that they have a regular preventive maintenance program, and I guess the world would only find out that something like that had been cut when something goes horribly wrong. Still, cousin thinks AB does seem to have one of the better training programs, and running prairies only for them would likely be the safest option.

 

I work for Agritel and can personally say they are probably one of the best companies you are going to find in Canada. They have plenty of miles, pay decent and are very good to work with. I was a company driver in 2011 and am now an O/O. They have a training program for drivers new to the longhaul game so you will get a bit of time in with an experienced driver the first couple of trips or so then be on your own. The training is really helpfull if you have never pulled a reefer before as there are some very critical things to learn about hauling produce. We are not doing any texas loads anymore , 90% is now California with the occasional Georgia load. The new fleet trucks do not have APU. I never had any issues with the office if I idled the truck in the heat in summer last year. They have a mix of t2000 KW (these all have APU), t660 KW and the new 660 KW. They also have one w900 (they did have two but i bought one of them for myself). Trips average 10 days out and you can allways get back to winnipeg for a few days at home , or if you want they can turn you around in Regina and you keep rolling, its all up to you. You will go along way before you find a better company, if you want to do longhaul out of Winnipeg then these are the guys to be with. As for Arnold Bros, my only experience was with the Driving Academy. It was an excellent school. As far as I know the Transportation side doesnt take drivers with less than 1 year OTR experience but that may have changed. I havent had anything to do with them since I attended the school in 2010. They are a big company and you will get the usual big company BS I am sure. My opinion is go with Agritel.

 

You wouldnt happen to work the dock at Westco on Chevrier would you?

 

Hello,
I'm a British HGV 1 Driver and am going to move over to Canada as soon as I can find a company that will help me with an LMO. Randy has asked me to fill in the online form. I have 16 years experience and have done reefer and OTR driving. Are Agritel a good company to join as a foreign driver ? If so, can you put in a good word for me lol ?!!! I hope to get the job and maybe meet you in person some day.Safe trucking mate,
Best Wishes,
Phil

 

philvtc: I would recommend you try Trappers or Turc's. Trappers has a dream facility with an amazing shop. They have their own card lock and truck wash. Nice Canary Yellow trucks. Turc's is another goof outfit. They pay well. Every truck has a fridge, APU and inverter. Sat. radio I think. Either are a big step up from AgriTel/

 

Off topic... Anyone know what's up with trappers? They must have sold off 60 tractors in the last month. Lots of cans and a picker in their yard now. They loose the maple leaf contract?

 

Probably going through an equipment refresh. We are doing the same thing at our company. Got a number of new trucks and some of our 2011's have had the decals removed.

 

Thanks mate, that's much appreciated. Those trucks sure stand out lol !! I'll let you know if I have any luck.