Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Lonesome · Oct 11, 2025

MACK E-6 said: ↑

True, but all trucks built after 1985 are hideous.
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I dunno....the KW W900 looked good well into the 2000's, as did the Pete 379.

MACK E-6 · Oct 12, 2025

Lonesome said: ↑

I dunno....the KW W900 looked good well into the 2000's, as did the Pete 379.
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It’s something I like to call “creep”. After years of subtle changes you realize you don’t even recognize them anymore.

KW went full sellout with those hideous daylight doors. Pete followed sometime later with a slightly lesser slap in the face, the loss of the vent window.

There was once a member here who referred to that phenomenon as “Freightlinerization”.

ExtremeUnction · Oct 12, 2025

MidWest_MacDaddy said: ↑

Found myself roaming around the Groveport area just a few blocks from BH… first time in 5+ years… I see the Loves there is still overflowing all day long. I saw a few green trucks so I guess y’all are still getting to that area.

stay safe
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Yeah, we still have places in and around Groveport and Columbus. The Petsmart right behind the BH is one. Also American Standard. Few other places I'm forgetting now.

bondin · Oct 12, 2025

JohnBoy said: ↑

They say change is a good thing, I sure hope so. I applied at Abilene Motor Express 3 weeks ago after speaking with one of their drivers, Runningman0661 whom I had the pleasure of speaking to on numerous occasions through TTR 2 years ago when he was looking to come over to my previous employer Calex. Because of our discussions I called into their safety department and spoke with Kurtis, who happens to be one of the owners. I had what turned out to be a phone interview and based on that interview I filled out an online application. I liked what I heard, everything that was discussed with him was also verified with Jason (runningman0661).

I was called by Kurtis the following Monday to tell me my app was processed and the background checks were complete and I was offered a job. Having just 4 jobs in the last 33 years makes verification rather simple. I was invited by Kurtis to stop off at their terminal in Richmond Va on Wednesday to get a tour, meet various people and take my physical and drug test. I asked him if it would be ok for me to park my Calex truck there without getting run off. I was assured it was ok and on my way to Wilmington I stopped and took care of business. It was planned that I would be at orientation on the 8th, but due to a death in the family I had to push it back to the 15th. I spoke with Sally this past Friday to go over my time frame and she said that was fine.

After leaving Pittston yesterday I called her to tell her that I was now unemployed for the first time in 33 years and that I wanted to make sure I was still wanted. She laughed and told me to enjoy my next 5 days off and that a reservation will be waiting for me at the motel they use up the street from the terminal on Sunday. I have to admit, I don't like this process, I guess thats why I tend to stay employed at places for extended periods of time. Both Kurtis and Sally have made this process very easy and both seem to be straight shooters. I will not use this forum to compare Abilene with Calex. If anyone wants information about Calex, all one has to do is read 400+ pages about them and get every question answered. This thread will be about my adventures with Abilene and what I go through on a daily basis here. I'm excited to be joining their team and look forward to doing for them what I have done for the last 33 years, and that is safe driving and on time pick up and deliveries. Like I have said before, one door closes, and another opens. I will post my orientation process Monday night. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
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I understand this thread is a bit old, but anyone reading it; always keep the back door open no matter how cozy you feel with a company.

Knucklehead · Oct 12, 2025

Rugerfan said: ↑

Idk if it’s just me, but those new Volvo’s are the ugliest trucks I’ve ever seen. I just don’t see what they were thinking when they designed them.
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Disagree. I think it's an awesome looking truck. Wish I were able to drive one.

JForce28 · Oct 12, 2025

Knucklehead said: ↑

Disagree. I think it's an awesome looking truck. Wish I were able to drive one.
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Do the trucks come fully loaded with an apu an inverter?

snowmantrucking101 · Oct 12, 2025

Lonesome said: ↑

I never understood "rebranding". Place I worked at had a reputation in the RV industry as being a lousy place to work. It didn't start that way for me, but slowly over the years ended up that way.
Anyway, they were having an issue hiring people, because of the reputation. So, instead of spending the time and money fixing some of the issues, that led to the reputation, they spent the money and time "rebranding" themselves. New logo, sign's, literature, etc. Same ol' krap company, with a new coat of paint. I understand it's still got the reputation, but it looks prettier....
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Still a dog crap outfit. Like you stated...try to cover up the bad rep. but can't. Too many drivers know the truth!

Rugerfan · Oct 12, 2025

Knucklehead said: ↑

Disagree. I think it's an awesome looking truck. Wish I were able to drive one.
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Knock yourself out. You can have all of them

Knucklehead · Oct 12, 2025

JForce28 said: ↑

Do the trucks come fully loaded with an apu an inverter?
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Depends on the dealer's specs.

ExtremeUnction · Oct 20, 2025

Picked up a load off the Wytheville yard. While I was there, decided to check out the parking lot at the top of the hill that they spent so much money on several years ago. Totally empty. Nothing up there but weeds and an abandoned tarp.

Office locked up tight, too. I knew they were going to decommission that office, but didn't realize it had already happened. Someone probably mentioned it in this thread three months ago and I'm just not remembering.

Got pulled in to the TNDOT weigh station a bit south of Davy Crockett and they discovered I had a flat drive tire. Screw got lodged in it somehow. Musta been since I started driving this morning. Maybe driving around up on that parking lot at the top of the hill in Wytheville.

Didn't get a ticket, but I'm sure they've made a nice note in our Permanent Record. Currently awaiting Southern Tire Mart to come out and fix me up.

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