Thomas & Sons Distributors Coos Bay, OR

Thought I would post a thread about my experience at Thomas & Sons Distributors out of Coos Bay, OR. I went to work for them in June of last year. So, I have a good feel for their operation now that I have been here for almost a year now.

A little background on my trucking history. Came into the industry four years ago after a downturn in the economy, the housing market specifically. I was a contractor for over 30 years.

Went to work right out of trucking driving school for May Trucking, Brooks, OR. Did 2.5 years on the refer 48 States division for them. My mom got sick and I needed to be home more to keep an eye on her. Went to work for Market Transport out of Portland, OR so I could run the I-5 more and be closer to home.

During that time, my Mom passed away and I decided to go back to work for May. I was a trainer for them and the money was pretty decent as a trainer. However, after about 6 mos. back with May, I just couldn't handle being away from home so much, despite the fact I was making around $6,000 a month. So, I decided to start looking around for a regional position.

May Trucking just couldn't keep me in the miles on the I-5 corridor, even though we tried to work it out...

I had heard about Thomas & Sons Distributors through one of my previous students at May and called them. The owner of the company called me back and after about an hour on the phone with him, I felt his company would be a good fit for me.

Was it ever!...

The company is small comparatively speaking. We have about 50 company trucks and 100 plus O/O trucks. We run primarily on the I-5 Corridor, although not exclusively. We generally run lumber (dry box & curtain van with Volvo & KW tractors) south from WA/OR down to CA/AZ. Then, mostly run Beer/Wine back up to OR/WA.

The company is presently transitioning to Elogs because of the pending FMCSA regulations requiring companies to do so. I ran Elogs at May, so, it's no big deal to me.

In the interim, the owner is developing and concentrating on more drop & hooks at logistically placed sites allowing drivers like myself to drop, hook and go. There are local drivers who deliver the loads to the consignees. It makes things so much easier and really increases the amount of production a driver is capable of reaching because of less time at docks loading and unloading. The drop & hook aspect is not 100%, however, it is increasing in frequency.

Since coming to Thomas & Sons Distributors last year, I have averaged 2,900 miles per week. Last month, I ran 14,000 miles. In addition, I'm home home every week, usually on Friday around noon, all day Saturday (reset my 70 hr clock) and head back out on Sunday.

I am extremely content working here. It's not perfect, neither am I. However, it's a good gig and exactly what I envisioned getting into when I came into this industry four years ago.

If you live on the West Coast and are looking for a fresh start, have at least two years experience with a clean MVR and decent CSA score, feel free to private message me. I can help you decide (from a driver's perspective) if this might be a good fit for you.

In addition, the company is looking for Owner Operators.

Thanks for reading!!!

 

Unloading here in Sactown. Reload wine next then head home, be there tonight.

50 weeks at Thomas & Sons now, 50 weeks in a row I've gotten home.

 

San Diego. Are you a student as your profile indicates?

 

You can take truck and trailer home to Salem. We a few guys that live there in the Salem area. Look forward to hearing from you.