FFE

Hey All,
I'm lookin to retire from the military shortly and never heard of these guys until recently. I'm trying to get a little "real" inside scoop on how they are to drive for, miles, pay, etc...I live in Houston TX now and want to stay here after I retire. From what I can find on the net it looks like they have a terminal here in Houston. If hired by these guys where can I expect to run? FFE is going to be one of the companies featured at an upcoming veterans employment expo here in Houston so I will definitely go check them out but like I said, just wanted to get some real scoop, I kinda already know what the recruiter is going to say. Thanks everyone.

 

Bikegoon,
Is there training facility in Houston?

 

Bikegoon, do you know if FFE does teams?

 

they do matter of fact they have or had a dedicated plasma run from cali to ga that required teams

 

mgt, thanks. my wife and i are looking into getting our CDL. trying to do all the research i can before and see what companies do teams. i am in iraq right now as a contractor, and will be home towards the end of the year, so i am looking into schools and companies and what not to figure out what we can do. any advice would be great, looking to do OTR all 48. been looking around on this forum for a few months just reading what other people have to say about things.

 

April 10th 2011





Hello Group:


Yes, the Grande Hotel is one of the best places to stay and they have a free shuttle van back and forth to FFE a few times per day and they will even send You back to Dallas free in their van if You don't pass the Tests. The cost of an Upgrade to a Single room is $24.00 per night. Try to get a room facing the Atrium or the Flag lobby.

I ate at the Salad bar because the FFE Food was mainly just some bean and beef casseroles that they served back in the confrence room. The Salad bar cost about $9.00 apiece. They also have a Pizza Hut nearby and the Waffle House and Cracker Barrell is right outside in the front of the Hotel. There is an excellent Mexican restaurant, in a car repair shop right off of Danieldale Road at 35E.

Your Burger Kings and Cafeterias are within walking distance and the cabs there in Lancaster are cheap.

There is a DART City bus that runs into Dallas about a Mile and a half away that the Grande Shuttle will take You to. The Greyhound Bus is right next to the Love's Truck stop at about 2 Miles away, You may need to use it to connect to Your Trainer in a nearby Texas city. They have to ship packs that are over 50 pounds. Amtrak is also not too far away.

They picked me up at DAL for free and they were Good enough to make some Walmart runs for all of the FFE people a couple of times as well.

You don't need much to pass the Tests, just give them some respect show up for each of their presentations and pay attention to what they are talking about in the Orientation.

The only evals that they have there are: Your work history, Your DMVR and Your Drug screening as well as a quick driving test a few blocks away.

You can double clutch or "float" the gears, as long as You don't miss too many of them.

The examiners are really concerned with watching the mirrors and then not changing lanes too quickly and You have to use the horn and 4 ways when You are backing up the Rig.

Wind out the gears, go slowly enough, watch the Trailer and You will be able to at least pass the entrance Tests.

 

I can't seem to find how much they pay a mile for FFE? I finished cdl school about a week ago and SWIFT has kinda fell through for me so I have applied at KLLM and probably will for FFE tomorrow. I have two speeding tickets but swift called today telling me not to drive up today because of that. Which a week ago said it would be find.

Tell ya the truth I was just about to take off in my car for Memphis this morning when I got the call to not come that they could get me in on the 26 of this month maybe. I'm at the point now and just want to say screw swift they clearly don't have there #### together.

FFE is lookin pretty good from the little I have read. I can't find the cpm on there website though.

Chris

 

Congratulations on your upcoming employment with FFE Transportation!
Your recruiter name is Cal @ 800-277-1816 ext. 1.
We are looking forward to getting you onto our driving team!

YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO ATTEND:

FFE Orientation
MCM Grande Hotel
1515 North I-35
DeSoto, TX 75115
972-224-9100

Tuesday, Jan 11th, 2011

TRANSPORTATION:

Fly into Dallas (try and be there by Monday the 10th at 4pm)

When you arrive at the Airport, call the Hotel and they will send the shuttle to pick you up. Just make sure you tell them you are at the Airport and not the bus station. Bring your airline receipt so we can reimburse you.

YOU WILL BE STAYING AT:

MCM Grande Hotel
1515 North I-35
DeSoto, TX 75115
972-224-9100

You will need to arrive on Monday at the hotel by 4:00pm for a "Meet and Greet". The "Meet and Greet" will be conducted in the Hill room at 4:00pm and 6:00pm with dinner being served following, you must attend one of the meet and Greets in order to receive dinner. If you cannot arrive before 6:00pm on Monday, please go to the Hill room Tuesday morning at 7:00am for breakfast and the introduction to orientation.

NOTE: Meals will be provided, don't eat anything crazy prior to the physical
Stay out of the Hotel Bar! This could be grounds for termination
There is a pool if you want to bring your speedo!
Meals
Monday - Voucher for dinner if arrival is before 6:00 pm.
Tuesday - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in the Hill Room
Wednesday - Breakfast at the Hotel buffet, Lunch and Dinner in the Hill Room
Thursday - Breakfast at the Hotel buffet, Lunch and Dinner in the Hill Room

DOCUMENTS FOR ORIENTATION (very important):

Social Security Card - Make sure your card is an original social security care and not a stub or copy. The name on the social security card should match the name on your driver's license, Medical Card and INS documents.

Birth Certificate- you will need to bring a copy of your birth certificate or passport to orientation.

Valid Class A CDL License - You must have the Class A CDL before going to orientation but you are not required to have a Hazmat endorsement at that time.

DOT Physical Card, and/or Long Form Physical (if you have it) - You can present your DOT card at orientation but you should carry your long form with you at all times.

*Work boots/shoes* (no flip flops, cowboy boots, or open toed shoes are allowed)


OTHER ITEMS TO BRING WITH YOU (Not Mandatory):

5-7 changes of clothes to include winter work clothing.
Bedding for a truck (sleeping bag, blankets, and pillow).
Alarm clock, flashlight, sunglasses, plus any glasses you must use when driving.
Personal hygiene materials (soap, deodorant, shaving materials, etc.).
A couple towels and washcloths.
A good pair of work gloves and work boots.
Cancelled or voided check for direct transfer of your paycheck, optional.
Foreign Born applicants must have correct and proper documentations with a card that does not expire for at least 8 moths.

ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Orientation begins at 7 am on Tuesday morning and concludes on Thurs.

Please make sure you wear appropriate attire to orientation. This includes long pants (no shorts), shirts (no tank tops or cut offs), and shoes/boots.

On Thursday, experienced drivers, will be brought to the Lancaster terminal to begin payroll/settlement and fleet orientation by 2:45. The trainees will remain at the Grande for their fleet orientation at 1:30. They will be brought to the Lancaster terminal for assignment if they have a trainer leaving out Thursday evening. The remaining will stay at the Grande and will come to the terminal Friday 8:00am for assignment.

If you are an experienced driver, you will hit the road directly from.

If you are a trainee, you will go on the road with a lead driver (trainer) for up to 6 weeks, depending on experience to complete your on-the-job-training. After that, you will head home for 5 to 6 days of home time. FFE Operations is responsible for getting you home, and the way you get home will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

There are several tests you must take depending on your individual circumstances. All drivers will take a road test, basic knowledge test, a DOT drug screen and physical.

We have OTR and Regional positions available. The 2 regional positions are Southeast (TX to FL and as far north as NC, TN and AR) and Southwest (TX to CA and as far north as CO and UT) If you live in a high freight lane (close to a major city) you can get to the house every 1 to 2 weeks for 1-2 days of off time. OTR drivers should plan to be out 3 weeks and home 3-4 days. Regional drivers plan to be out 2 weeks and home for 2 days. Again if you live near a major interstate or freight lane you may see home more often than that. Keep in mind we have many Dedicated and Local runs available as well, we normally just pick these drivers from our otr and regional fleets. You may be considered for these positions after 3-6 months of safe/on time driving.

We look forward to having you come on board. We wish you the best of luck and want you to feel comfortable calling us if you have questions or concerns.

Best of luck and drive Safe.

 

***Experienced Drivers (1 year otr experience) Sign on Bonus $1000.00***



To get hired on with FFE, you would need to attend one of our new driver orientations that are located in one of these 3 locations.

Lancaster/Dallas, TX (starts on Tuesday of each week.)

Chicago, IL 1+ year OTR Exp Only(starts on Monday of each week.)

Atlanta, GA 1+ year OTR Exp Only(starts on Monday of each week.)

Los Angeles/Norwalk, CA 1+ year OTR Exp Only (Starts on Monday)

(All recent graduates and those with less than 1 year of otr exp will attend orientation in Lancaster, TX)

If you need a bus ticket to get to the orientation we will be glad to provide that for you, or you are welcome to drive yourself, get a rental car or plane, and we will reimburse you the price of what a bus ticket would cost us. Your hotel and all meals will be provided for you while attending the orientation. At orientation you will be required to pass a drug test and physical, be prepared for this especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. They will also do a road test with you to get an idea of where your skill level is. The orientation will last for a total of 3 days.



EXPERIENCED DRIVERS (if you have 6 months or more of recent OTR Tractor Trailer experience or 1 year in the last 5 years.)

If you have over 6 months of recent over the road experience you will be considered an experienced driver. If you have a year experience in the last 5 years, you will take a road test at orientation. If you do well on the road test you will be able to hit the road solo, if you struggle in some spots, we will put you with a trainer for a week (maybe more) of training. During that training period you will be paid $500 per week. Your pay following the training will be based upon your experience.



1 year exp .31 cpm

2 years exp .32 cpm

3 years exp .33 cpm

4 years exp .34 cpm

5 years exp .35cpm

( ½ cpm increase every 6 months up to .44 cpm)



TRAINEE DRIVERS (if you have less than 6 months of fairly recent Tractor Trailer Experience)

Once you complete the orientation, if you have less than 6 months of experience, you will be required to go on the road with a trainer. Your experience and how well you do on the road test will determine how long you are with a trainer. It could be anywhere from 1-6 weeks. You are normally paired with a trainer who lives in your area so the two of you can coordinate your home time. During the training period you are paid $500 per week. Once the training is complete, you will be assigned to a truck and hit the road as a solo driver.



Below is the pay scale for a driver with less than 6 months of experience.

After upgrade to Solo Driver advance trainees will start at

.29 cpm - (less than 3 months OTR)

.29 cpm - (3 to 6 months OTR)

.30 cpm - (6 to 12 months OTR)

.31 cpm - (1 year OTR over 5 years old)

.31 cpm - (1 year local or military in last 5 years)



RECENT GRADUATES (Those who have completed truck driving school within the last 6 months)

Once you complete orientation, you will be paired with a trainer for a period of 6 weeks. We try and pair you with a trainer from your area so you can coordinate your home time during the training period. You are entitled to 3 days off with pay during training!



Driving school graduates begin with six week training:

Week 1 and 2 $375.00 per week

Week 3 and 4 $400.00 per week

Week 5 and 6 $500.00 per week

After upgrade to Solo Driver*

Month 1-5 = .29 cpm

Month 6-12 = .30 cpm

1 years exp = .31 cpm

2 years exp = .32 cpm

3 years exp = .33 cpm

4 years exp = .34 cpm

5 years exp = .35cpm

( ½ cpm increase every 6 months up to .44 cpm)



We have OTR and Regional positions available. The 2 regional positions are Southeast (TX to FL and as far north as NC, TN and AR) and Southwest (TX to CA and as far north as CO and UT) If you live in a high freight lane (close to a major city) you can get through the house every 7-10 days for 1-2 days of off time. OTR drivers should plan to be out 3 weeks and home 3-4 days. Regional drivers plan to be out 2 weeks and home for 2 days. Again if you live near a major interstate or freight lane you may see home more often that that. Keep in mind we have many Dedicated, (LTL-short haul) and Local runs available as well, we normally just pick these drivers from our otr fleet so most new drivers start in an otr fleet. You may be considered for these positions after 3-6 months of safe/on time driving.



Understand that you can almost live anywhere in the US and have this job. You don't need to live close to any of our locations because once you are into a truck and it comes time to go home, you normally just take the truck home with you. If you don't have a place to park the truck at your home, you can park it at one of our customers in your area or possibly a truck stop etc. Once it comes time to go back on the road, you will go pick up your next load and you will start pulling freight all over again until it comes time to go back home. You won't be reporting to a terminal everyday or even every week, you just report to the truck for your load assignments.



Some other benefits of driving for FFE include:

- OTR drivers average 2750 miles per week. Regional drivers average 2400 miles p/week.

- Great Medical coverage, with a EPO or PPO selection. Medical, dental, life and vision.

- OTR, regional, dedicated, and local runs.

- No contract to sign

- Your paid for both loaded and empty miles

- 75% Drop and hook freight.

- 70% No touch freight, (no unloading) the other 30% you are paid $1.25 per thousand lbs. to unload, with a $25 minimum on light loads.

- Our trucks are recent model Freightliner condos century class, 10 speeds.

- $75 layover pay if you happen to be without a load for a period of 20-24 hrs. Very rare!

- Bonuses: Quarterly Performance bonus-8500 paid miles per month and meet safety requirements; you will earn a Performance bonus of $300 per calendar quarter. Fuel Savings Bonus: Drivers who operate efficiently enough to raise their MPG above standard for their truck will be a share of the fuel cost savings.

- Vacation pay, 1 week vacation after 1 year of employment approx ($680). Two weeks vacation after 2 years, approx ($1400.00)





FFE "MINIMUM" QUALIFICATIONS

Description: *-Must be at least 21 years old and pass a DMV/D.O.T. (Dept of Transportation) physical and a pre-employment drug screen.

-You must have a good driving record and have been licensed in the United States for a minimum of 2 years out of the last 3 YEARS .

Description: *-No DUI, DWI, or open container violations in the last 5 years, If the DUI occurred in a tractor trailer, you don't qualify. No more than 1 DUI in the last 5 years and no more than 1 DUI's in your lifetime.

Description: *-No felony convictions in the last 10 years. All felony convictions must be approved by FFE management. No violent felony's or major drug crimes ever.

Description: *-No misdemeanor convictions in the last 3 years. Any Drug, Sex or Theft Misdemeanors must be 10 years old.

Description: *-No reckless or careless driving convictions.

-If you have been getting turned down by other carriers, you will most likely be turned town by FFE as well so please don't apply if this is the case.



Note: We do background checks; Please be up front about any criminal convictions to be sure not to waste any of ours or your time.