ltl question

The one that guarantees you work 5 days a week.

 

I work for Con-way going on 11 years. A lot of it depends on the terminal and I don't know where you are but I would say stay away right now. I know some FXF drivers very well and they say the same thing about FedEx. They're both very similar with micro-management and a cut throat mentality from management. They're both good jobs that pay well but have generally lousy work environments. Between the two I would recommend Con-way because of the one seniority board and they don't shift drivers and runs around like FedEx does these days. That's coming from two drivers I know very well at FedEx out of Pa and NJ plus my own experience.

That said check out Southeastern. That would be my first choice of the three if I was starting now. I would recommend UPSF and Old Dominion before the other three if they happen to be in your area.

Con-way isn't the worst place in the world but knowing what I know about the place I would say you might have better luck elsewhere.

 

I work at Southeastern. I love working here and I don't ever foresee myself leaving. Unless a really incredible opportunity every presents itself, or I become a famous rock-n-roll star, I'll retire from here. Do a search on the forums. A lot has been said about the companies you're considering. Southeastern and FedEx pay quite a bit more than Con-Way from what I understand. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you may have. What service center would you be applying at?

 

AR/TN is the hub of all FedEx...which may work out for the good or the bad, depending on how well you can deal with the Big Corporate mentality.

I've only worked out of Arizona for FX, but I can honestly tell you there's no place I'd rather be. Every job has its issues. Every company has its quirks. But I've done far worse jobs for far less money, and the benefits of a zillion-dollar multinational company are nothing to take lightly.

In my case, at my yard as a city driver, I pulled in over $58K last year. YMMV depending on how big your yard is, how isolated, and a number of other factors.

 

Well, once you have done all your research, and made your positive/negative list, consulted with your wife, your best friend and your support group here on TTR, if you are still in a quandary there are just two things left that you can do.
1. Stay where you are and don't take either job. If that is not an option, then you can go to 2.
2. Flip a coin.
Good luck with wherever you decide to go.

 

We recently picked up a driver from Con-Way Freight. He pretty much said the same thing that jakebrake already pointed out. He told us it is very "political" over there. Their linedrivers work the docks about as much as they drive. He also said that most of their terminals overhire and many of the less senior drivers end up sitting when things slow down. I'd look into any of the USF companies if they are in your area... so far I've had some really good luck with my carrier.