Superior Carriers, Auburn Maine

I run out of Auburn and also live here, local work not happening with the mill closings. We do have local work, but not enough for another driver to do full time. We do have a fair amount of regional work, but again just not enough to go around for everybody. If you can do OTR we usually run 7-10 days out, and as a company driver you can do fairly well running system (otr). I'm an IC and I prefer the regional out n back stuff but I will run system sometimes. I just did a run out to Cincinnati OH and then picked up a load in KY going into the Bronx, and from there I went home.

It's not hard getting home, ask for a home date and if they don't have a load going that way you get deadheaded. Sometimes it helps to have a little flexibility, but if theres a day you absolutely must get home they'll get you home.

I'm not sure about the DUI thing, I had something similar about 12 years ago and it hasn't been a problem. Been to Canada LOTS, even been inspected at the border a few times and never a problem. We do go there but I don't think it would be a deal breaker if you couldn't do Canada.

It's a good company to drive for, but like anything its what you make of it. I stayed out 255 days in 2015 as a company driver and I grossed over $71k, other guys did more and earned more, others less.

If you have questions don't hesitate to ask!

 

Hauling chemicals locally is slowly dying with the paper mills. If chemicals is what you want to haul, Superior is your best bet. In the time I've been with H.O. Bouchard, we have lost Lincoln, Old Town, and Madison. Jay has also cut way back and they are planing on idling another machine. Needles to say I'm one mill closure away from not having a job, because I was hired to haul chemicals to the mills.

I almost went to Superior last winter when I was laid off, but decided to stay with Bouchard, which at this point I've realized may not have been the smartest move. It's already really slow and we haven't hit our slow period yet, so I'm worried about getting laid off again. If I get do get laid off, I wont go back.

You'll love hauling tanks around, its the best thing I've ever done! Especially since coming from Werner and then delivering food for PFG. You won't regret making the switch.

 

1) "... if they don't have a load going that way you get deadheaded." As an IC, do you get paid if they deadhead you home?


2) Re: going to Canada -- Do you know what criminal convictions will prevent a driver from getting into Canada?


3) "I stayed out 255 days in 2015 as a company driver and I grossed over $71k..." Do you mean you spent 255 nights in your sleeper, or did you work a total of 255 days (presumably some had to be short days)?

 

1) If its a system load and I have to deadhead thats not getting paid. Ideally any deadhead is factored into the rate, of which we are paid a percentage (62% +fsc and accesory). But thats only to the nearest terminal if its system/OTR and not dedicated.

2) http://ccresourcecenter.org/2015/06/18/traveling-to-canada-with-a-criminal-record/

3) Sleeper berth 255 days, In my other thread I went into more details