Question about finding quality people

I don't know what kind of health insurance you can by for that.

 

I think Kansas hit the nail on the head.

Billerd, you appear to be looking for the experienced, old school trucker who prefers the open road to almost anything else. Sadly, most of us have retired, died, or found reasons to go home.

I've been driving on and off for close to 20 years. I take pride in my work and in my truck (even though it's not really mine) and generally enjoy what I do. BUT! I also now like to see the inside of my house on a regular basis. I've done my time chasing yardsticks, following the asphalt pathways. I'm tired, I've seen all of the lower 48, and I simply prefer the view off my front porch over the view out the windshield. I still take pride in what I do, I just don't want to do as much of it anymore. And I'm willing to bet there are plenty of older drivers like me out there.

 

I dont think you're asking for anything unreasonable, Bill. The problem isnt you or your expectations or your company or equipment...aside from the benefits debate which I totally understand.

The problem is the lifestyle is getting harder to love. I've been out here 9 years now and just rolled 2 million team miles and even in that short time I've heard a lot of greybeards say this was their last year because between the DOT, shipper, receivers, worsening traffic and broken trucks... it's like they're beating the fun out of it. I know all those guys didn't quit... but even if only some of them did... its a bad trend.

I do wish you well. Sounds like you're doing all the right things... but drivers like you and @brsims are getting thin on the ground. That kind of go getter probably already got up and got his own gig, or he's well on his way.

 

Both @miss elvee and @brsims bring up excellent points.

I have what most would probably consider a very above average driving job. If I had to down grade for some reason I would either buy my own truck or leave the industry.
I got into trucking because it's something I always wanted to do. I'm afraid most are getting into it for a job. I can't imagine it's any fun unless you really love it.

 

Bang! right there it is, if you don't love it, I can see it getting old fast. Truth is MOST of the young guns out there are NOT looking for a career in trucking, they are looking for trucking to hold them over till they figure out what else they can do.

 

Yeah I get all your beefs but you know what? The biggest problem with trucking companies (myself included) is they want airline pilot professionalism from hobo's. Sorry but 3300 miles a week OTR.....a hobo lifestyle is what it is. I like them to keep their trucks clean too....and our guys do, but they are home most nights though. Generally, I'm happy if they don't wreck anything. Maybe lighten up on the good housekeeping and hire a cleaner to clean the truck for the guy. The ones that are Mr. Clean you can give them a bonus.

Sounds to me like you aren't figuring enough into driver pay. I think it costs near a buck a mile to keep a GOOD driver these days when you factor it all in.....benefits, bonuses, sat radio, APU, WSIB, EI, payroll taxes, vacation pay, holiday pay, dead miles to get him home.....

 

You say health insurance can be had for $127 a month and then you say if you offered it you would have to cut CPM in half. Seems sort of contradictory.

I buy my own health insurance and for our family of four it is $600 a month. The insurance isn't that great either.

Most people are lazy by nature and will do just enough to keep their boss off their back. Rewarding good behavior is good but you also need to punish those who don't do what they are supposed to. I have several employees and for years I was mr nice guy but getting rid of problem people is the best thing I have done. The good people don't want to work with deadbeats. Firing the screwups will help to build a culture of excellence in your organization.

 

Good drivers are rarely looking for job. You hear about people knocking the bottomfeeders for sending their recruiters to the schools, yet on the other hand, if you post an ad for a driver, odds are you're going to weed out a field of dirtbags.

Need a solid driver? Advertising isn't the way. It takes talent to know talent. Tell your top drivers to keep an eye open for talent, and refer them to you.

 

This is true, but when I start adding drivers I will be able to offer & pay a portion of the drivers insurance. It has to be part of the deal with good pay & home time.