Andrew's Trucking Journey Continues

Yep, I had a similar experience this past year. The West Coast stuff tapered off and I ran almost exclusively DC transfers (Ecru, Arcadia, Advance) which, you’re right, were easy miles and good running. I’m guessing Rick was your manager out of Missoula….when that guy left the wheels really came off. With Portland, Missoula (and soon Spanaway) closing down the writing was on the wall for all to see, sadly.

good luck to you brother!!

 

So, Wilson is completely shut down now?

 

Wilson out of Springfield MO is still in business, in fact they sent me birthday wishes and and offer to come to work for them recently.

 

Yes, he was the best driver manager I've ever had in 15 years of trucking.

 

I have a few thoughts as to why they got rid of APNW.

• APNW drivers were allowed to have pets; Ashley ADS drivers, a hard NO
• ADS drivers have to wear a uniform; APNW - nope
• APNW drivers get fuel when and where ever and how much they want; ADS get a fuel solution for where and how much
• APNW drivers take their truck home; ADS must drop their truck at a yard and go home on their own transportation
• ADS drivers must take a monthly online class/course, APNW drivers were able to totally ignore these classes without repercussion from HR

Also I heard that their insurance claims have ballooned up to like $12 million in payouts last year, over triple what they normally pay out year over year. They definitely had to do some emergency cost cutting.

Post pandemic spending has really dropped, free government checks have dried up so Americans have less spending cash to buy stuff like furniture.

West coast customers we used to have, put up their freight for new bidding. Ashley observed that they could not run for that cheap so let all of those contracts go.

I do think in a few short years when the rebuilding in North Carolina and southern California are picking up, there will be a huge market for new furniture which Ashley will be in a good position to scoop up billions in sales.

 

Hey I ran APNW for a year and always felt like we were the outlaw branch of ADS, lol. Yeah the rules and regs were a lot less stringent with more freedom but I’m also sure we (OTR Fleet) made a heck of a lot less than the ADS side. I averaged less than $1500 a week with next to zero home time (my choice, I just run). Yeah we got to take trucks home but I believe anybody in an OTR Position minimum 3-4 weeks out should have that opportunity. If I lived within 100 miles of a DC I would’ve jumped over to ADS in a heartbeat. But not now with all that talk of slip seating daycabs for the regional guys, lol. Oh well keep on truckin!

 

Does anybody else here sometimes book a free shower at the truck stop when available just to go in and blow up the sh!tter? I love having a nice clean John in peace and quiet. Not to mention you can opt for the undercarriage rinse after if you need it LOL.