Yeah I agree. It looks like its gonna be a long winter. It was pretty exciting (sarcasm) coming across Wyoming by the light of the moon last night. It was either snowing or snow covered highway from Wamsutter, WY to Cheyenne, WY. For those that don't know that area it's about 200 miles and a lot of mountains. Not fun at all. The company did help us out big time by giving us tandem axle sleepers. Much better traction than the old single axle trucks we had. I heard about Donner getting hammered with snow this week. A buddy of mine went over Donner yesterday and said they got about 12-18 inches of snow. He said the roads were just wet now. My partner and I run from Chicago to Tracy, Ca every other week and from October to April the company sends out there on the "southern route". Basically down thru Flagstaff and back up the 5 to get there. Adds roughly 400 miles round trip.
Yeah, that was interesting! I wonder though, I thought the pay scale topped out around 24/hour or 60 cent/mile w/out the pay cut and that drivers hit that "top scale" in just a few years. But, from what you're saying, it sounds like I'm missing something. I figured with Holland, I'd just have to go down there and ask them what schools to go to and where to get experience, so they'd hire me. Conway's close to me too and they hire with a year i think and start at almost 20, there's a Landstar terminal near here, as well. But, it seems like the most content drivers are either union or some pretty smart o/o. Usually, the kind of guys who could do something else and still make good money. The seniority thing is tough. It sounds like picking a wife. You better get it right the first time! ha ha
No your not missing something. The pay-scale for new hires goes up every 6-12 months and you reach top scale in 3 years. Not sure if Holland hires rookies. Land star is all owner operators. Don't get me started on Conway. Not a big fan of them. Sorry. I would have to carry that conversation over to PM.
I know where your talking about in Wyoming. I think that has to be one of the worst states to be in during the winter. It can be sunny out but if there's snow on the ground and the wind starts blowing, it looks like it's a blizzard. Southern route is always a better option when you might face snow on the 80 especially through Donner, plus you're getting an extra 400 miles. BTW, I agree with you on Conway!
And I will third you on con-way!! Got a tropical storm coming our way so I'm glad I'm not working in that
Ok, got the call (looks like it's gonna be 1 run a week til after the election), I'm at 261. Got here just in time for the free breakfast buffet. So that's cool. Also, I have a Jacuzzi in my room and a big screen TV. Oh, also, I love this terminal because there are 3 girls that work here that are drop dead gorgeous. Anyway, I'm sure I'll get sent right back home tonight. I stopped begging to stay out, ain't gonna happen. Night...
I got a call as well to return thursday... just for thursday and friday... Of course during the hurricane week, now Im told the terminal has been shut down until further notice... Not far from the water so Im sure the WHOLE place will be underwater