Have I lost touch with this industry?

I am 62 been working for wages since 13
never asked anybody even what they paid
so out of touch is a byproduct of work ethic

 

We have tried recruiting the mega fleet driver and even the layed off construction driver, the mega fleet guy starts out all gung-ho but then invariably gets lazy and starts complaining about the need to inspect for damages, jump start the occasional unit, walk at the auction house, etc. They almost always end up back at another mega bumping docks, I see the employment verification come in every few months for some of these guys. The construction driver has no problem with the labor part but can't take the miles and long days without stopping, they are used to short hauls and a lot of down time. Our best drivers have come from second and third generation trucking families, but they tend to want fancy big power trucks, which we don't have. We have also had good luck recruiting former farmers and their kids, they understand work and long hours and are usually very self sufficient. I wish I had a recruiting and retention solution, I could retire from trucking in a week LoL!

 

You guys have a niche market, But the newer it's all about me drivers think everything should be done for them, not by them..

Car hauling is a special market and special flexible drivers needed. Me, Well I'm old and fat. Don't think the car hauling gig would be for me. Plus I'm so used to driving mainly daylight hours..
Good luck in your search

 

I honestly dont see why you are having an issue finding drivers based on the numbers you have thrown here on the board. Is there really that much of a shortage or is it just people do not want to work?

 

Stan,

I think what you are seeing, is an issue in just about every other walk of life. NOBODY WANTS TO WORK ANYMORE. We are the product of different times. These days, people want to be handed a paycheck for doing 50% effort.

I don't have the answers, and I am glad that I am no longer in a position where I was doing the hiring. There are good drivers out there, the hard part is finding at least one.

 

Subscribed

 

When I first got my CDL I wanted to haul cars, but everyone required 2 years and most were complaining that the money wasn't that good anymore since central & uship so I never investigated further.


By the time I had 2 years, $1500 gross per working week on what I presume is 1099 would not have been worth it to me when I could get $1400 gross on w2 plus benefits (medical, retirement, vacation, etc) driving a 72" condo with XM, inverter, etc -- and I wouldn't have to climb around a precarious trailer in inclemate weather.

 

I've hauled cars before out of Manheim to Philly and Jersey. It was a 5 car hauler that was a friend's who lived in Nazareth, PA. The first time can be scary, loading the cars and unloading them. But it's one of those things. Guys tend to love it.

 

That's what I loved about hauling cars was the fact that I loaded and unloaded my truck. Very few appts and customers were always happy to see you when you showed up. A 3/4 setup would be a breeze compared to a 10/11 setup. When do I start lol.

 

Some pics of our equipment, they re all identical trucks and trailers, trucks are 2010 (new trucks next year) trailers are 2015's literally a month old.