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

Not Shocked… Not Surprised
that sucks for the Office Folks.

 

Is Abilene still in business or what's going on?

 

As I understand it, they're officially being rebranded as Swift by January 27, they will no longer be autonomous and the Abilene name will be no more.

 

And our two remaining terminals will be shuttered.

 

I missed a memo or two… I know West Memphis closed but which other one closed? Wytheville? They had/have a new Yard in Savannah too right?

 

Wytheville has been an unstaffed drop lot for at least four months. Don't know the disposition of the Savannah yard because I haven't been there since 2021.

Richmond and Pooler were the only terminals with people in the building.

 

I am probably going to move over to Swift. Probably. The continuity of benefits is a big temptation. As is the fact that they say they'll let me continue driving my current truck instead of moving me into a new one.

But I have one week left of vacation time for this year. So when I heard Abilene was closing its doors in two weeks, it seemed prudent to put in for that last week of vacation and take that time to do some due diligence on what else might be out there for me.

My phone rang a few minutes ago. It was Chris from the weekend crew. He hadn't noticed that I was on vacation starting tomorrow. Asked me if I could take a load to Alabama.

It was a brief conversation.


First load ever delivered for Abilene (while I was still in training): A load of brake liners, picked up in Tappahannock, VA. Delivered to Lakeland, FL. Notable because my trainer had me in the driver's seat the first day, in direct contravention of training policy.

First load delivered for Abilene without adult supervision: A load of forklift parts, picked up on the Richmond yard, delivered to Berea, KY. Notable because I managed to effortlessly find parking at the Love's in Richmond, KY. A feat which I was never able to repeat.

Last load delivered for Abilene: A load of insulation, picked up in Winder, GA, dropped on the yard for someone else to deliver on the 23rd to Berlin, NJ. Notable because the trailer had an expired inspection sticker. A ticket has been placed with the trailer shop, though I have no idea if we even have a trailer shop in operation for the last week of Abilene's existence.

 

Good Luck… let us know how it goes… keep your options open and create your Plan B. Just in case.