UPS Tractors ....

@Russian Rabbit knows about UPSF. @LtlAnonymous knows about Brown I think.

 

UPS Brown is switching to all automatics. All new tractors since 2 or so years have been auto so will every new one going forward.

 

As far as UPS freight, All new/incoming tractors are all automated trans; This is not necessarily an improvement.

 

i don't have time to get into it whole hog, but things like caster/proper alignment are more important than a transmission that is MORE complex than a standard shift and does not necessarily get better mpg...........

The fleet managers are not getting it and haven't been getting it for a long time. Not just UPS, but really everywhere............

 

.......But at least we're done with Volvos..........

 

i would say this: Almost any linehaul position with any LTL company is good, but the REAL question is:

Can you work at night/sleep well during the day?

If you can't, then it's not worth it no matter how much the money is.

i would recommend UPS/UPSF not so much for the pay and benefits. Yes, they are pretty good. But more so because a company like this offers STABILITY. UPS isn't going anywhere. Places like the US postal service/UPS etc. have been around for over 100 yrs. They are practically institutions.

Sure, a job may pay good, but will they still be around in 5 years-----or even next year? Bavarian Motor Transport was paying 70-80K back in 2000, but sadly they are no more.

Smaller companies (20 or less trucks) may have their advantages (i'm not totally sure what they are), but will they still be around?

One thing i like to ask myself, and i'd recommend this to others is, you have to ask yourself when looking at prospective companies is, would i be comfortable with the idea of retiring from this company (even if retirement is the last thing on your mind)?

Large companies with track records and long histories offer STABILITY/CONSISTENCY. People make fun of J.B. Hunt/Schneider etc., but i'd feel more comfortable with the idea of retiring from them vs. flash-in-the-pan unheard of/or lesser known companies even IF those companies have Peterbilts. (example, Metal transport---another company that ran into a little trouble.)