Long runs, I-80. NJ to LA, all in between. Help me find my next company please!

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by KL_Kid, Apr 6, 2015.

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  1. Apr 6, 2015 #1
    KL_Kid

    KL_Kid Bobtail Member

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    I have two years recipient OTR, refer experience. I live in Des Moines and I want to be a company driver. I am looking for a company that sticks to I-80, allows use of the toll road. Normal runs should be over 1,000 miles or better. Pay .38cpm or better, don't need a big insurance package or anything.

    All types of trucks are fine, as long as they have or allow me to install a 2,500w power inverter.

    Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
     
    KL_Kid, Apr 6, 2015
    KL_Kid, Apr 6, 2015
    #1
    Chinatown Thanks this.
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  3. Apr 6, 2015 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Doubt you'll find a company that sticks to I-80, but Holland Enterprises Inc. is probably OK.
    Tripac APU and other nice ammenities.
     
    Chinatown, Apr 6, 2015
    Chinatown, Apr 6, 2015
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    NavigatorWife and KL_Kid Thank this.
  4. Apr 6, 2015 #3
    joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    Holland and Lessors are reefer companies, allow use of toll roads, both have APUs and long runs. as for staying on 80, good luck with that one.
     
    joseph1135, Apr 6, 2015
    joseph1135, Apr 6, 2015
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  5. Apr 7, 2015 #4
    WesternEmpire

    WesternEmpire Medium Load Member

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    Not a reefer company exclusively, dryvan and reefer, but Don Hummer out of Oxford, IA runs I-80 to both costs, not exclusively, ran Texas and Mid-Atlantic too. Average length of haul was advertised as 750 miles for OTR so a little on the low side for what you're looking for. EZ-Pass and Pre Pass, 1500 watt inverters in all trucks. There plenty of miles when I was there, maybe give them a call since they're right down the road so to speak.
     
    WesternEmpire, Apr 7, 2015
    WesternEmpire, Apr 7, 2015
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    KL_Kid Thanks this.
  7. Apr 7, 2015 #5
    irishwarrior

    irishwarrior Medium Load Member

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    i am hoping to drive for Don Hummer out of oxford ia and i hope that it is true but i will see
     
    irishwarrior, Apr 7, 2015
    irishwarrior, Apr 7, 2015
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  8. Apr 7, 2015 #6
    KL_Kid

    KL_Kid Bobtail Member

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    "Thanks" button does not seem like enough. I definitely appreciate the quality posts! I am researching every one of the suggested companies now, a lot of stuff looks good. Thanks you for taking the time to reply!
     
    KL_Kid, Apr 7, 2015
    KL_Kid, Apr 7, 2015
    #6
  9. Apr 7, 2015 #7
    PackRatTDI

    PackRatTDI Licensed to Ill

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    When I worked for Stevens, all I did 80% of the time was run meat loads to NY/NJ then deadhead to Harrisburg to pick up a Hershey load to Chicago then deadhead to a meat plant rinse and repeat.
     
    PackRatTDI, Apr 7, 2015
    PackRatTDI, Apr 7, 2015
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  10. Apr 7, 2015 #8
    buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    Well, neither LA(the city or the state) is on or around I-80, so you will have to get off I-80 sooner or later.
     
    buzzarddriver, Apr 7, 2015
    buzzarddriver, Apr 7, 2015
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  11. Apr 8, 2015 #9
    KL_Kid

    KL_Kid Bobtail Member

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    From what I have found so far:

    - Holland largely fits the bill. They seem to have the miles but will likely only get .34 cpm with my experience. Lower rate but can make it up with miles. Not sure if I want to grind it out that way though if I can get a higher rate with another quality company.

    - I also looked at Grand Island Express. They are a quality company, run east of Denver. I can get .36-.37 cpm, but they don't like to run the toll parts of I-80 and I hate US 30 through Indiana.

    - Don Hummer is a leading candidate right now. They like to pay a base rate of only around .32 cpm, but then add achievable incentive pay that should get me to the .38. I think Hummer is my backup choice to the one below, for right now.

    - I also have an offer with a small 50 truck refer outfit, not far from Des Moines. Run almost exclusively to the Northeast. .38 cpm, newer equipment, pay a $150 bonus for runs that go east of I-81. However, they don't want drivers to use the toll roads. With the extra $150 bonus compensation, I may have to bite the bullet and consider them as a first choice.

    -
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2015
    KL_Kid, Apr 8, 2015
    KL_Kid, Apr 8, 2015
    #9
  12. Apr 8, 2015 #10
    WesternEmpire

    WesternEmpire Medium Load Member

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    Even though I worked for Hummer in the past 6 months and my Dad is still there, I would look at Holland again. Yes on paper that .34cpm is cringe worthy. But the .02 cpm for averaging 11,000 miles a month for the quarter, another.02 cpm for averaging 7 mpg for the quarter, not to mention the longevity bonus of .02 cpm paid on you're anniversary date every year for all miles on top of your vacation pay, well that all adds up quick.

    Yes, I talked to Holland too when I left Hummer, ended up going with a reefer company out of GA that had runs going to Western Canada and the PNW on a regular basis. Good luck with your search.
     
    WesternEmpire, Apr 8, 2015
    WesternEmpire, Apr 8, 2015
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    KL_Kid Thanks this.
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