Fedex freight or Saia for linehaul?

All the guys at ODFL seem happy with their job. P&D driver is making about $27/hour but no OT until they hit 60. Linehaul is also doing well from what I heard . It's a conpany I am interested in when I move to SC in the next few weeks .

If someone can give me the skinny on it, that would be great

 

Forward cams, no drivercams.

Most LH drivers have CB's in their trucks. Official Company Policy is that electronic devices are not to be used when the vehicle is in motion. (But if they don't see it(or you don't get a cite for it), you didn't do it.)

 

Clearly go to Estes or ODFL IMO. Estes is over on Reno off the 40. It's a small terminal whereas a bigger one is in Tulsa. Personally take your resume to Estes or ODFL. I know for a FACT 192 in OKC needs 4 more drivers for a few lanes they opened up. I just saw it a few weeks ago when I was there. That terminal is very laid back with no big wigs running around killing the vibe.

 

I had all my endorsements before I started at OD, but I'm pretty sure they want those in place before you apply. You should ask the manager at any OD terminal you might wanna apply to. BTW, you mentioned Texas, and I know Dallas terminal is a great place to work. Lots of options and management is laid back.

If you're willing to relocate, you'll have no problems getting on with any LTL.

Someone else mentioned working the dock as a driver. OD doesn't have their linehaul drivers work the dock. That's another good question to keep in mind while job searching.

 

ODFL if you can get in. ESTES is a great bet for linehaul, I wouldnt do city there. SAIA has drivercams, but most companies will probably go down this route. Fedex if you like to work the dock or run a yard horse and sit by the phone if it slows down.

 

You have given some really good advice. All in all they all do basically the same thing. Starting out can be rough. You need to be prepared to run mostly nights and be on call as soon as your ten is up. FedEx Ground IS NOT 1099. The contractors there pay normal W-2s like every where else. They are obligated by their contract with FedEx to do so.

 

That's the first time I've heard that FX Ground contractors cannot have their own employees as 1099 because of an agreement with Fed Ex.

 

Yes,They started that in 2010. I was a contractor there for 15 years. Contractors are required to do an Annual Compliance every year and have their CPA sign off proving they are treating drivers as W-2 employees. I sold my business in 2015 and now manage one for a contractor.