Anyone Work For Millis?

did you know what the contract was?? if so why didnt you ask why you had a different contract infront of you ?? Why didnt you ask for the correct one?

 

As with all trucking companies, 100% of drivers will not be happy.

I worked for Millis for 3 yrs. I had very few problems with them. I started with them 12/03 and put in my 2 weeks notice in 12/06. I attended their school in Cartersville, GA. $500 cash, 3 weeks training, follwed by 5 weeks otr training. I was lucky; I was home every weekend during training! The remaining $2000 would be fronted until I completed 1 yr of employment. From what I read now, things look to be different. I will do my best to research this and find the true answer to the present "contract." They also increased the wage for trainees. I was paid $300 a week I think???

After your "on the job training" you will recieve your own truck. You will be designated a dispatcher for about a month (1 of 2 "head" dispatchers). They will "feel" you out; your running style, hometime request, etc. They basically will run you until you cry uncle! They will then assign you to a permanent dispatcher that they think both parties will get along.

Pros (my opinion; for what it is worth):
Tucks - some of the best in the industry. They give you 2 load bars, 2 straps, and a tadem release tool that comes in handy!
Family owned - Although Millis is getting LARGE, I always felt the "family owned and operated" feel. I had a name with them.
Pay - one of top paying CO. in the industry. Not many "newbies" will start making $.34 per mile. Thats not including the milage bonus that are easy to obtain. You run 2000 mi a week, you will make $.37 pm, 3000+ $.39 pm.
Customers - Alot of Millis shippers and recievers are drop and hook.
Maintenance - Millis shops got me in and out. If something was going to take long, they would tell you and arrange a loner truck for you.
Pay Roll - You are assigned a specific person. Any problems, you call that person direct. I had one problem in 3 yrs; they forgot to pay me bonus for NYC. It was resolved in the following paycheck.

NO Haz Mat - Alot of companies don't mess with it but it is a plus

Cons -
Training - Millis' school is not certified (when I was there). If you do not get a yr experience with them, you may have to attend driving school again to find work with another company. They will give you the basic knowledge of how to drive and rely alot of the teaching to your assigned trainer. For me this was ok, I had experience driving. For someone that may not have any past experience with trucks, I hope you are a fast learner!

NYC/Long Island -Not a factor for me. But for some, this may cause for concern. They DO NOT force you to take loads to NYC or LI. I don't know for sure, I always took them, but they will not "punish" you decline a load.

North East/New England - Not a factor for me, but I am not "normal", alot of Millis freight goes from WI and SE to the NE. I call it the Millis triangle. GA - WI - NY - GA. I live in GA. I would normally take a load to WI then to North East and back to WI or back down south. 90% of Millis freight is east of MS river. If you want to go west, Millis may not be for you. Keep in mind Millis has regional and dedicated in WI, SE and MW.

Idle - They will harp on you about your idle time (summer). In that all trucks have the Wabasto??? heaters, idle time is not an issue in winter. The goal was 40%, not bad. I am one that likes to be cold. I refuse to sweat my arsse of for a few extra $$$ and to make my dispatcher happy. They will confront you on it. If idle time is consistently over 40% they will "threaten" to turn your truck down to 65mph. They won't!

If I was to start driving again, they would be the first I would call. If you have any questions about something I didn't touch on, post it and I will see if I can help. Benefits was something I didn't classify b/c I didn't use them. Health I got through my wife. I contributed to the 401K for the company match and that was it. I invest my own money so I have control over it.

 

kc thanks for such an informative post. you have definately answered a lot of millis questions.

Im going to school in feburary in cartersville. if you get any more info let me know!

 

I don't hear much bad about Millis. Probably one of the better training companies out there.

 

Your welcoome bigpappa. I know when I was making my decision on what company to start with, I was always second guessing myself. Stress and fear ruled my life leading up to driving school! LOL!
I think you made a good choice. Cartersville driving range is big and open. People are friendly. Your hotel was recently updated from what I hear. There is a Waffle House and a sports bar next to the hotel. 2 truck stops across I 75.
One thing I didn't metion was QualCom. Millis uses this service. You will hear alot of drivers "bark" about it because it allows "big brother" to watch you! Millis did not match computer readings to log book entries when I was there. From what I hear from current drivers, they still do not.
Best of Luck!

 

Kc, Thanks,glad To Hear Of The Good Millis Has/had To Offer. I Was Going To Go To Mti But Was Able To Get A Grant So I'm In School Now. I Was Told I Need To Have 1yr Experience Or Go Thru Mti In Order To Get Hired. Is That True? If I Already Have Cdl Then Go Through Mti Is There A Contract For Me Or Do I Just Go To Orientation The On The Job Training?

 

If you have no OTR experience within the last 12 months I am 99% sure they would make you go through MTI schooling, even though you have CDL training and obtained your CDL A. If you go through their MTI school, you would have to sign the contract.
If you are "sold" on Millis, I would either knock out a yr of employment with another carrier to gain you exper. and apply to Millis as a experienced driver or just attend the Millis school and just use it as extra time behind the wheel (I know the 3 extra weeks of UNPAID training would suck!). The only problem with knocking out a year with somone else is the risk of Millis not hiring you. God forbid you have an accident or get ticket (s)/ violations, Millis may deny you.

 

Thanks for the info, I'm not in a position to do an extra 3 weeks of schooling once I have my cdl. I either need to get to one of the companies I applied to, One of the tank yankers I looking at or Hope for a Teamster ltl job. If not I'll be back at my old job until I get on with a company. Thanks

 

Thanks for all the info-I start training in Richfield on Jan. 14th. and can't wait to get started. Do you know anything about that training or trainers? Why did you quit? I heard that you have to buy your own CB for your truck. Anybody else going to Richfield? Thanks again.

 

Biker don I wish you the best of luck.Keep us posted on your schooling. From what I've ready they have great trainers,good & bad. Its the luck of the draw. My $.02 is get it,work hard ,pass cdl, get with trainer ,do the time, get your own rig and Keep On Truckin.

Biker don I wish you the best of luck.Keep us posted on your schooling. From what I've ready they have great trainers,good & bad. Its the luck of the draw. My $.02 is get it,work hard ,pass cdl, get with trainer ,do the time, get your own rig and Keep On Truckin.