Marten Transport is a piece of work

Marten benifits are so HIGH $400.00 a month for 1 Adult # 2 kids how do guys make it, does it depend on were you live I live in L.A.

 

Oddly enough, I did not pick up a clean or ready truck, nor was it at a terminal. Different company, but the idea is the same.

 

So haw many miles are you marten drivers getting

 

Actually, if you drain your air tanks daily, you do not need the air dryer in the Southwest US. The air dryer on the Freightliner Columbias (04-06) had issues (leaked or broke down frequently), and bypassing them is common practice (I've had it done several times on ramps or shoulders). If a mechanic told you otherwise, it's probably because they know most drivers are too lazy to drain the tanks daily, which creaes bigger problems they end up having to deal with.

And, you did abandon the rig. You did a no-notice quit over the Qualcomm and left the rig at a drop yard shared by several companies, with the gate code known by thousands. It would take one hour at night, less han ten minutes during the day, for someone to steal the rig and never get caught. Sorry, but that sort of thing would end up on the DAC/USIS report, and it will hurt for a long time., regardless of the employer.

I would like to congratulate you, though. You are the first ex-Marten driver to agree about owing monies for orientation for leaving before six months was up. You also knew enough to use the Qualcomm to document you were quiting, even if how you quit jammed you up.

As for the problem fleet managers on that regional fleet, my understanding is that those responsible are no longer employed at Marten (they are the reason I went back to OTR, and rumor has it I'm the reason they are gone). Next time, document HOS issues on the Qualcomm only, or if that isn't possible, use a recorder to record your phone calls.

 

That's a plausible theory. But let me throw another one out there.
How are they are gonna get that recruiting bonus if they tell you the company sucks?

Most people have pride and are not as likely to tell you they work for a crappy company and look like a fool when you ask them why they still work their if it is so bad.

I bet if you talk to a driver when they are getting 3000 miles that week the company is the best thing since sliced cheese. The next week when they sit him for 2 days in the Arizona heat he might want to drive his truck of the nearest cliff while curing his company.

 

I pay about $89/week (single, no kiddoes), but then I have the "Cadillac" insurance plan, which covers anything that might even remotely happen. My idea about insurance is, if I have it, I'll never need it, but if I don't, I will. Paranoid, probably, but that's how it has always worked for me. With insurance, I don't get sick. Without it, I get sick and can't do anything about it. So, I pay whatever I have to.

My previous employer (I was a nurse) charged me more than twice that rate for a plan that covered much less. If I had to get the same coverage on my own today, I would pay nearly 4 times as much.

I have never had a claim rejected through Marten (the actual insurer, BCBS only administers the plan), despite having some unusual health issues. That alone makes it worth the price to me, the added benefits of staying healthy and productive are bonuses for this little workaholic, lol.

 

Except for November 2008 through March 2009, I average roughly 3100 per week. During the exception, I averaged about 1800. Being single with no kiddoes, I could handle the economic hit and ride it out, but things got pretty tight for a while there. Normally during that period, I average about 2300/week, and the slow period usually doesn't begin until late January.

From what I gather, this is fairly typical at Marten, with the usual numbers doing way better or worse, but most average right about where I'm at.

 

Funny thing about that...

I could make an extra several thousand dollars a year off recruiting bonuses if I didn't lie to people (there are those who do quite well off recruiting bonuses).

But, I'm not a very good liar (in fact, I suck at it so bad I no longer bother). I get drivers that come up to me all the time asking how I like Marten, and I'm honest. I tell them what kind of miles I get, how much home time, what my benefits cost, how I'm treated, everything. Every employer in every field has its ups and downs, and what some people can handle others can't.

I'm not a recruiter, so I don't bother chasing bonuses like some drivers do. I figure it's better to be honest and get drivers who will be a good fit, than earn money wasting the time of drivers who won't work out. Hence, I don't make a dime off any driver I've talked too who later signs up with us.

 

I'm no expert, but I did have reason to go through the federal laws over wages owed a while back. I'm pretty sure they can't legally take that money out of your check, no matter what they tell you or have you sign. The law states that if you owe money at the time of your final check, they must pay you the full amount and then try to get the money from you. The example in the law says that if you owe for uniforms that weren't turned in, they cannot take the money out of your check. It's that specific. It's a big fine if they get caught doing it too. $10k per instance or more.

 

I wanted to comment on when drivers quit, what they should do with the equipment, and how to cover themselves legally...

First, if you know you are going to quit (or be fired, as the case may be), the last home time is the best time to empty your truck out of all but essential needs items. If that isn't possible, and you carry a lot of "stuff" (as I do), be prepared to rent a van or U-Haul so that you and your belongings arrive at home at the same time.

Next, give a respectable amount of notice (two weeks is the standard in any industry). Don't get angry or personal, remember, you are making a business and career decision. Work with the employer on where exactly they want you to take the equipment. Whenever possible, keep all such communications on the Qualcomm (even go so far as to not answer your cell phone). This is one area where the Qualcomm is your friend. If you must discuss anything by phone, record the conversation, or keep a "phone diary" if you can't.

When you vacate the rig at the designated location, take lots of pictures, both inside and out. If possible, make sure you are seen to be doing this. Complete any required inspection forms, and get copies for your records. Try to get a witness, whenever practical.

Don't discuss your leaving the company with ANYONE who doesn't have a need to know. This especially includes customers and your fellow employees. You would be surprised how quickly what you said can get distorted all out of proportion and come back to bite you later on. Remember, the next employer will look at your record and actions, not those of others, when hiring you. Keep your cool, be professional, and be quiet!

Most employers in most states are required to pay you within 24 hours of involuntary termination of employment, or the following scheduled payday if you quit.

Also, make sure to discuss with you benefits coordinator about COBRA, your 401k, stock plans, unpaid vacation time, etc, regardless if quitting or being fired. You would be surprised how many forget such things.

And, when you get your final paycheck, check to make sure you were paid what you should have been, and look closely at any deductions taken. Call the employer if there are any issues. Remember, be nice to the payroll clerk, no matter what. If, in the end, you were not paid what you should have been, or deductions were taken that shouldn't have been, contact the Labor Board (usually a state agency) and let them take it from there.