Metropolitan Trucking~ Bloomsburg, PA

Discussion in 'Discuss Your Favorite Trucking Company Here' started by EnigmaGal, May 29, 2014.

  1. EnigmaGal

    EnigmaGal Light Load Member

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    I initially started out with CRST. I survived, and I used them as they used me. I got my CDL, and moved on, as quickly as possible.
    I signed on with Metropolitan after doing MUCH research. They are dog friendly (although I didn't get one, but had planned to), have a great 401k (at the time I was hired, they matched 50% up to a 6% deduction. I was told they will match dollar for dollar in 2014 if freight was great <my words> ). This is unheard of in ANY industry. They have decent insurance. Dental and vision are included. They offer Road Pro (?) which I STRONGLY suggest, since you will go through Indiana and Ohio. No explanation needed.
    You go for a 3 .5 day orientation, where they pay for a motel, and you have your own room. You are greeted with a menu after the bus trip, and you proceed to relax and wonder about the next days events.
    I forget the gentleman's name, but, orientation was fun, relaxed, yet you need to know your "stuff". On Thursday, you get the keys to your truck.
    Now, I have been around mechanics most of my life. Jeff and his crew know their schmit. I went in for a PM, but, it was discovered I needed some more top end work (valve adjustments, etc). I was not happy, but, had faith. They put me up in the hotel, and I was expecting to be there for days. I woke up in the am, and the truck was ready. BTW, these guys were trained by Freightliner, and they show it. There is NO sitting around waiting for repairs. You either get paid, or another truck.
    Now, one thing I did NOT like about the repair aspect...I was stuck up in Maine, and the batteries were already toast when I left NY. I stop at Dysart's, and I had to get pull started by a loader. They did not want to buy batteries there. I was told to keep the truck running until I got to PA. You could smell the batteries. If you're a car freak, you know what I mean. I had stopped at a TA along the way, and the mechanic was very concerned for my safety, as the batteries were bulging, etc. He came up to ME. Apparently, there is some warranty issue, etc. My math shows me that getting new batteries out of state, not risking a drivers life, a pull start, and a jump start are more cost effective. But, hey, what do I know?
    I had a decent DM. When I stopped making money... I sent him a message. You will not get rich, BUT.....if you consider it your home, or don't need to be home every weekend, it's great. They guarantee a 48 hour weekend. You may not get home on Friday night, but Saturday afternoon of you plan it right.
    They ONLY use Pilot for fuel, and some of them are off the list. Like in VA, I can't remember where...Plan it accordingly, as I did, to get your free showers. Never stop in Sturbridge MA. But, if you do, plan it as your 30 minute DOT like I did.
    If you don't like to run your buttocks off, you won't make money. Granted, they don't pay a lot cpm, BUT, the healthcare, 401k make up for it. It is family company.They treat you well as long as you like to work, follow the rules, and not act like a jerk. I've thought of going back from my local job from time to time, and this would be my first pick. Excellent equipment, great staff, and they LISTEN to you.
    And no, I'm not a recruiter. i see so many gripes about "bad" trucking companies. As long as you're willing to run the NE, this is your home.
    Now, I have great local job hauling concrete block. Working a boom truck, dump trailer, dump truck (an old 84 Mack), forklift, and semi at 120,000. You need to know what you're doing.
    Good luck to all...wherever you decide to go...
     
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  3. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    Interesting that you post this. I was all set to sign on with them and head to orientation this upcoming Monday. As it turned out, one of my former co-workers (driver) at my previous company died suddenly from a massive heart attack. Three days later THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY called ME and asked if I wanted to return. I couldn't pass up the offer so I tabled going to Metropolitan for now. If for some reason it doesn't work out, Metro is right at the top of my list of OTR/Regional companies I'd re-apply to.
     
  4. BFL123

    BFL123 Light Load Member

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    Are you heading back to Calex? Just curious I haven't heard much from that thread lately. Good Luck wherever you are going.
     
  5. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    No. The water tanker in my photo under my name.
     
  6. Outlaw 13

    Outlaw 13 Light Load Member

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    any highway , USA
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    OK , I just called them . They are running an ad on Craigslist . The guy "Leo" said all 2013 trucks are assigned & would be getting a 2014 or 2015 Cascadia . My question is , do they only run the north east ? Can a driver run regional in the mid-west ? All the other stuff sounded real good & is a good fit for what I am looking for . Any help would help me to decide ! TY
     
  7. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    Just hired on with Metropolitan this week. The water gig didn't work out. So far I like what I've seen and experienced. This week has been a little slow, but that can be expected with a short week coming out of orientation. Had it happen with other companies as well. Time will tell
     
  8. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    On my way to Chicagoland for a Tuesday afternoon delivery. No complaints so far. Everything is going well.
     
    Lonesome Thanks this.
  9. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    Still going good here. My only complaint so far is not being able to run the Ohio Turnpike. Nothing more frustrating than having to waste time going through every podunk town on the two lanes, all while crisscrossing the big road several times and generally paralleling it all day long.
     
  10. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    Ok, so this is how my first full week with Metropolitan went.

    Bloomsburg, PA to Chester, NY
    Deadhead
    Chester, NY to Naperville, IL
    Deadhead
    Bollingbrook, IL to Elyria, OH
    Deadhead
    Hudson, OH to Joliet, IL
    Deadhead
    Cary, IL to Bloomsburg, PA

    To me, that's a pretty good week. I got roughly 2,400 paid miles for the week (figured it out exactly, but left my notebook in the truck). We'll see how next week goes, but so far so good. No complaints from me. I have a great tractor, have pulled mostly newer trailers, and have been treated really well by everyone in the company I've come in contact with..
     
  11. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    Still enjoying driving for Metro. I get treated really well, am not micromanaged, and am making good money. Just bumping this to show that it's not a bad company, and you can get your miles if you keep the left door shut and do what you're supposed to do...drive.
     
    EnigmaGal Thanks this.
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