from WAL-MART PRIVATE FLEET to SUPERIOR CARRIERS LTD

ENTRY #5

This entry I will talk about work scheldules and assignment of equipment ...

WALMART PRIVATE FLEET..

IF you figure on going into a company and getting an assigned truck as a new hire.. Think again.. (unless you are at a NORTHEAST D.C.) the reason I say NORTHEAST which includes the states of NY,NH,MA,VT,PA,DE, these are prodomentally UNIONIZED (teamster) and the WALMART wage although it does sound apealling is not the most attractive packages in these areas (ESPECAILLY THE INSURANCE) sure its lax but its is about $$$ Money and Benefits.. at the end.. Retirment also ...(will touch on retirment plans in a latter entry) Walmart has a BIG,BIG problem attracting drivers in these areas and also on the WEST COAST in CALI..

Work weeks...

Walmart does offer some attractive work weeks but you have to have the MAGIC SENIORITY to get anything..
Walmart works off of a UNION concept for bidding work weeks (although they are non-union) it is called REALIGNMENT which is 2 times per year SPRING and FALL this is when the D.C. realigns the stores in which it services in its area sometimes you loose stores sometime you gain.. this is called CAPACITY..
The bidding process is by SENORITY and works its way down to bottom now just FYI... I had 4.5 years (roughly) senority and was
123 out of 125 on the board (bottom feeder)

Work scheldules

Set runs = a set run same store same backhaul everyday and go home each night. (better have 12yrs plus to get one at least probally more like 13-15)

5 Day / 5/12 day work week = You can run this scheldule and go home for 2 or 1.5 days depending on scheldule.
(**NOTE must have an assigned truck***) to bid this..

6/2 = Work 6 days off for 2 and it continues to rotate so you get a weekend off from time to time.
(**NOTE assigned truck only)

6/3 = This called a PROGRAM for reason that 3 drivers work 2 trucks and it rotates 6/3 6/3 you switch trucks between the 2 trucks each week so truck #1 one week and then truck#2 then back to #1
(** NOTE not an assigned truck but you must bid this position to get it) there are 3 positions per 6/3 program 3 drivers share 2 trucks)

3/2 = This is also a program 3 drivers 2 trucks but a little different you have 2 drivers (SENIORTY) whom have assigned trucks and a slip seat driver so an A,B,and C driver C = slipseater
They way it works is A works a week and B works a week
A takes 7 days off B works next week again
C works on truck A when driver A is off then truck B when driver B is on his week off
When C is on week off both A and B drive their prospective trucks..

(Bid Run )

5/5 2 DRIVERS 1 truck alternates 5 days on 5 days off same truck
(bid run)

Extra board = This is not guaranteed work as an extra driver you work any drivers truck which may be on vacation, leave, sick, etc.. If work is slow then the extra board driver goes home before anyone else. and will be called not to come in if freight is slow ..

Most new hires will be on EXTRA BOARD until you win a bid which will most likely be a PROGRAM an ASSIGNED TRUCK will take at least 1.5 to 2 years at least unless you luck into one which can happen but very slim chances most PROGRAM drivers with any time take the ASSIGNED TRUCK BIDS and get off the PROGRAM they are on PROGRAMS to stay off EXTRA BOARD and have guaranteed work . If you are ASSIGNED TRUCK or PROGRAM you are GUARANTEED your work EXTRA is not it is just that EXTRA....

Running lanes ...

LOCAL = just run the stores at your D.C. and backhauls (BID POSITION)

WAL-MART = run the system within your work week.

only about 10-15 local runs per D.C. DEPENDING ON SIZE OF d.c.


SUPERIOR CARRIERS

Assigned trucks

home most every week

System or Local work and some dedicated ..


Back to WALMART

You will work every weekend unless you have 10 yrs plus and you will slipseat . Most freight goes to the stores on the weekend thus the busyest time for freight is FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY,

Slow time is MONDAY, TUESDAY, Wed

If you are extra try to get out in the system so you wont get sent home early.. just FYI....

I have been EXTRA and Program got close to a ASSIGNED TRUCK at about the 3 year mark and decided to stay on program I was on... Home time I was on a 6/3

Remember where I was on the board 123/125 with 4.5 in some D.C. might have been a little higher up but but probally not much more than 10 below me no matter where I went unless NORTHEAST where I probally would have been Middle to Top end of Board ...


Thanks for reading


ky 24

 

ENTRY #6

DRIVER RECRUITING DEPARTMENTS >>>

WALMART PRIVATE FLEET..

For years the BLUE &WHITE TRUCKS recruited for themselves and drivers flocked to the D.C.'s to apply for this premiere job. But in the age of buying cheaper and cutting costs WALMART has found themselves in a bind to find the same QUALITY drivers that they once had in abundance to apply for them. A lax automsphere is not the only thing a driver looks for in a job. IT is PAY and Benefits with the rising cost of HEALTH CARE I feel WALMART is behind the times to catch up with with the GROUP RATE HEALTH CARE COVERAGES that most companies provide to their DRIVERS. and or potential emplyees. (I will touch more on Medical in a latter entry)

never the less on the recruting side WALMART recently finds it hard to get drivers to leave their current positions to join this team. RAESONS you may ask .... here are just a few...

• WORK EVERY WEEKEND or 95% of them..
• SLIP SEAT (unless you have SENORITY)
• Not a guaranteed scheldule until you win a BID (extra board)
• Under the MICROSCOPE

With most (not all ) catching up in the mileage pay catagory and some now paying ACTIVITY pay for things such as

• Drops
• Hooks
• Layovers

Walmart is not ahead of the pack as it once was..

As a result WALMART has taken actions 1.5 yrs ago and implemented a recruting department. This person was a former GTM in BENTONVILLE at the home office D.C. and his primary goal is to attract drivers to GROCERY D.C.'s and the NORTHEAST and WESTCOAST. They now are currently hiring in AREAS like

Raymond NH, Tobbhayna PA, Syermia DE which are all GM D.C.'s which if you have been reading my posts thus far and remember the term REMIX and remember the position of EXTRA BOARD you will see where I am headed here ...
These GM D.C.'s hire drivers as EXTRABOARD and then TRANSFER them to these GROCERY D.C. or HVDC's (sound familar??? what happened to me ?) due to the fact they cannot get any drivers to currently with any SENORITY to transfer to these HVDC's

example is this ...

Raymond NH ... (a general merchandise D.C.) Hires drivers for
LEWISTON MAINE (HVDC) (that D.C. sounds familar dont it ??) or I should say hires drivers to transfer suddenly there..

Tobyhanna PA (GM D.C.) Hires for Pottsville PA (a HVDC) SAME senerio tranfers them there.

It starts out as a driver hired in is sent there (a near by HVDC) for a few weeks or a month or so.. Then it becomes UNPROFITABLE and they need to transfer. to a HVDC or the one they have been driving the truck from the GM DC to for the past weeks/months.
It started for me this way going to OLNEY IL and LONDON KY for a while before the bubble burst on me and some times NEWALBANY MS
Then came the IT's NOT PROFITABLE FOR US TO DO THIS SPEECH and then the LEWISTON MAINE transfer offer.. (see entry#1 for more details)

Have you picked up a truckstop book lately>>>>>>>>?????

See the full page wal-mart ads ???

This is why.. !! You used to never see them in these books they did not have to be but now that they have implemented REMIX (see entry 1) and have the capacity dropped from the GMDC and up at the HVDC and drivers not willing to transfer and resigning (sound familar) Now they have freight sitting and no PRIVATE FLEET DRIVERS to pull it or a limited amount of them.

SWIFT, JB, CRETE, & SCHNEIDER all have operations and also some GREATWIDE Trucks , at these HVDC but WALMART in all its wisdom thought they could save a buck and now only have Month to Month Contracts with these carriers now and some have 1yr deals but no more 3-5 year contracts anymore so they have put themselves in a pickle so to say..
WalMart has moved in built showers and now have Fuel (from SAMS CLUB) and now ALL these carriers buy fuel from WALMART with a COMDATA card if you drive for one of these carriers and noticed this.. This is why.. They were planning their hostile take over and in some areas it will work but not for a long shot ...

Hence the recruiting books... ads, ads, ads, I have counted 3 books all full page ads all with the WALMART DRIVERS standing in the front etc in uniform you probally seen it... mentions DE, NY, NH, MA, PA and some other DC'S hiring (or transfering to HVDC's )

Walmarts turnover is low last I checked 0.07% but I would venture to say it is up to 5.0 - 6 % by now with 8300 plus drivers takes a while to get the % up I project within 1 year it will be 20-25% which is still good for industry standards.. but not even close to what it was and now the older hands are taking early retirment to get out because of discust. for the company they once worked for so proudly... (EVEN ME)

Walmart wants to turn these folks over and RECRUIT THE NEW DRIVER which does not know of the TRUE WALMART CULTURE of old (THE SAM WALTON DAYS)

So this is where its headed ( more latter on this in a latter entry)


SUPERIOR CARRIERS

Superior does not have a recruiting department nor will you see them in a truck stop book .. Reason = Retention.. they have a GREAT retention rate..

To get hired you must GOOGLE SUPERIOR BULK LOGISTICS go under locations and call the terminal direct .. if you Google SUPPERIOR CARRIERS you will see a website also

go to DRIVER OPPERTUNITES there will be a 1-800# call it this a number in OAK BROOK IL and is the HR department and he will but you in touch with a terminal manager.. this is not a recruiting #


Back to WALMART

They have a 1-800# also to be fair and balanced this is a recruiting hotline which will tell you which DC's are hiring and you can request an application sent to your home via mail.

I you decide walmart is for you be sure to fill out every blank and put N/A in anything that does not apply leave no blanks at all nothing fill it out or N/A everywhere..

Thanks for reading

I will cover retirement / 401k in next entry

ky 24

 

ENTRY #6


401 K and RETIRMENT PLANS....

To be quiet honest the retirment plans are a bit simular but do have some different setups inwhich if I had to give an edge it would be Superior you can make your own determination after reading I would like to see what is thought about the plans...

WALMART PRIVATE FLEET..

1. 401K (no match)
2. Profit sharing
3. stock purchase

401k = Walmart has different investments you can go high risk, moderate , or low risk in which will determine your return. Walmart does not give a match but does give you a portion of the profit sharing into your 401k ..
See PROFIT SHARING to see how it is figured.

Profit Sharing = Walmart gives a portion of the companies profits to drivers and all employees of walmart. Most of the time it is a percentage of your yearly gross. like for instance last year I got 1.5% which was roughly $1,000 Free money. They take half of your money it goes to your 401k and the other half goes into your profit saring account.
I CAN TELL YOU.. That after 4.5 years my account which was not fully vested (i will say that) but I was 65% vested my check before taxes on profit sharing was. $1,450 at 65% vestment. less taxes.....

The other dollars go into your 401k account which fluxuates based on Market. It is primarily vested in WALMART STOCK..

Stock Purchase = You can purchase stock through the company not at a discount but market price. But If you purchase over $75.00 per payday you get 10% added by the company to purchase the stock so the minum $75.00 get you $7.50 from the company. There is no vestment period on this you can sell anytime for a transaction fee of 0.25 per share and a $20.00 fee .. You DO NOT GET the company stock match unless you pay in or buy the minium amount of 75 per pay period. You can purchase less amounts down to $10.00 per pay period but no match given unless or after 75 is met and the most match per payday is $100 which means you would have to buy $1000 in shares I never saw anybody do that but it is policy so I state it here...


Superior Carriers ...

Superior has 2 options for drivers and employees also. The are at a very generous rate. I feel with all that they pay for the drivers such as Long term short term it is VERY GOOD plan...

1. 401k
2. profit sharing

The 401k = is based on a company match program in which they will match 50% of your first 6% of weekly contributions Which beats WALMART hands down. Now this is a vested period and is based on what you choose. The Company will auto enroll you for a 3% deduction per week and give the match for they believe in your retirement and future. You can opt out of the 3% or raise it as you see fit. up to you but I like the fact that they auto enroll you because if any of you are like me you forget to do this and keep putting it off. I LIKE THIS PLAN...

PROFIT SHARING = is based on the companies true profit margins at the end of the year it has been averaging roughly 3-4% is what I have been told . I have no true data on this just hear say... And what other drivers and Terminal employees have told me..


Both companies feature a vesting period in which is 7 years for a 100% vestment and both have a graduated vestment scales
which in my scale listed above at 4.5 years I was vested 65% same thing at both companies and 100% is achieved at 7 years. This is only for company funds your investments from payroll is 100% yours.


Walmarts profit sharing is less than atique in my opinion for a company that profited over 32.5 Billion last year my profit sharing was a mere $927.00 dollars estimated. The years of the 10 year million dollar WALMART DRIVERS is of the past altough there are a few still left in the system that have not CASHED OUT and retired.
In the HAY DAY'S SAM WALTON would take care of his employees and gave true profit shares to all .. And in the begining paid his DRIVERS with STOCK in the begining for he had no true cash flow YET. The true profit sharing stayed intact till SAM WALTON died APRIL 5,1992 a day that started the decline of the empire from an EMPLOYEE and DRIVER prospective.
Since then Profit sharing declined due to new CEO's and Management deciding to Build, Build, Build and pay for buildings outright instead of LEASEING buildings as SAM did . And purchasing products way in advance to lessen the profit margins...

Thanks for reading

Next I will post some articles and some publications on each company stay tuned and feel free to ask any questions you may have...

ky 24

 

INFO ON SUPERIOR CARRIERS.. (WALMART to Follow)
A Company on the Move

Superior Carriers...Your Best Career Move! ​

You have career options. Aligning yourself with a highly respected, financially strong organization is one of the wisest career moves you can make. Why are we the SUPERIOR choice of SUPERIOR drivers? Company Drivers & Independent Contractors check out the benefits.​

"Quality of Life" Dispatch Policy - You have a life beyond work - so we make it a priority to get you home weekends. Generally, maximum haul is five to seven days, usually less. First in, first out dispatch policy routes you back to your domiciled terminal whenever possible.​

Great Pay Package - Superior drivers reap the rewards of quality performance. Company drivers have the potential to earn in excess of $72,000 annually. Independent contractors have the opportunity to run about 2,000 miles or more per week. Both company drivers and independent contractors can enjoy free direct deposit - so while you're on the road, your money's safe in the bank.​

Best Company Driver Benefits - To our Company Drivers we offer a competitive employment package that includes: assigned late model tractors, major medical, dental, life and long term disability Insurance, 401k with a company match, and all the other bells and whistles that you, the Professional Driver should expect.​

Excellent Insurance and Licensing for ICs - As an independent contractor, you'll benefit from the excellent insurance and licensing options available. Cargo and liability insurance are provided free. Superior reports and pays all state fuel taxes.​

Top-Notch Equipment - Superior Carriers spends millions of dollars each year to have the finest fleet in the industry. Company drivers are assigned late model tractors (primarily Navistar) equipped with advanced features for driver comfort and safety. Independent Contractors must have a tandem axle tractor in excellent mechanical condition with a good appearance.​

Preventive Maintenance Program - Ensure optimum safety and performance. Full service round-the-clock maintenance at most terminal locations, highly skilled mechanics, rigorous testing and inspection schedule, tank wash service.​

Paid Training Program - A week-long training program at the start of your orientation helps you learn about Superior's culture and important safety, regulatory, operational and quality issues.​

Satellite Communication Systems - You're never out of touch with your terminal or family with this easy-to-use, advanced technology. In-cab e-mail available via the OmniTracs mobile terminal.​

Idle Aire - Company provided Idle Aire services to include: heat and air conditioning systems, ac electrical outlets, phone calling, unlimited e-mail and high-speed internet access using Idle Aire's built-in pentium-class touch screen computer, crystal clear television access for entertainment and information. With these amenities, we believe you will rest better, feel better, drive better and live better. ​

What We're Looking For In A Driver​

Like most carriers, Superior is seeking drivers with recent over-the-road experience and a good safety record. But unlike most carriers, we're looking for a lot more.​

We want drivers dedicated to quality performance...skilled professionals who would like a career, not just a job. We're looking for people with genuine interest in the bulk distribution industry - drivers who will go the extra mile with customers and find new ways to improve service. We tend to hire people who can work well as part of a team, and have fun doing it. ​

Minimum Qualifying Standards For Company and Independent Contractors​

Experience - At least one year over-the-road driving experience in all four seasons in a commercial semi-tractor. Experience should be recent (within last six months).​

License - CDL licensed with Tank and Hazmat endorsements.​

Safe Driving Record - No more than three tickets (excluding parking tickets) in the past three years. No involvement in a major chargeable accident within the past year. No license suspension within the past three years, or a record that indicates a disregard for public safety.​

Stable Work History - Should be able to furnish a work record for the past ten years, listing company names, addresses and phone numbers.
Age - Must be at least 22 years old.​

Good Physical Health - Should be able to pass a DOT physical, including pulmonary function test and a drug and alcohol screen. Applicants must qualify under all DOT rules and regulations.​

Superior Carriers is going places! In our drive to maintain excellence in bulk logistics, we're reaching new quality benchmarks, new geographic locations, and new standards of service. For over 60 years Superior Carriers has exemplified “Quality in Motion,” achieving ever higher levels of performance while fulfilling our customers’ needs.​

We are one of a family of companies within Superior Bulk Logistics (SBL), among the largest bulk truck carriers in North America. As such, our financial resources allow us to develop diverse, value-added services to supplement our core bulk truck operations – from multi-modal Transportation Management System (TMS) technology solutions to onsite logistics management to bulk transloading operations. Superior Carriers is experienced in a wide range of liquid and dry bulk products, with broad geographic coverage that locates us close to the customers we serve.​

With well-established operations in Mexico and Canada, Superior Carriers makes it easy to efficiently and economically transport a wide range of bulk products to virtually any destination in North America. ​

The Finest Fleet in the Industry ​

Superior's well-maintained equipment sets industry standards for performance and appearance. Our modern tractor fleet is designed with the comfort and efficiency of our drivers in mind. Our tank trailer fleet is well below industry average age, with a diversity that reflects its versatility: DOT 407 (single/multi-compartment as well as tri/quad-axle for Canada); self-loading, dry bulk pneumatic; fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) for corrosive liquids; deep drop tanks for viscous liquids; and lightweight tanks for maximum payloads. ​

Dedicated drivers and equipment are available for specialized applications. We welcome the opportunity to develop a comprehensive distribution program tailored to your unique needs.​

​

The Renowned "Superior" Service​

Day in and day out, we live up to our name with quality-driven logistics planning and execution, managed by a knowledgeable team who works onsite or offsite with your organization.​

Superior's management information systems provide timely, accurate data for optimum information sharing and performance reporting. Our web site offers customer-accessible Shipment Tracking for current status reports, as well as Employee Verification for transportation security. Satellite communication systems in all power units permit near-real-time communication between driver and dispatcher. Finally, our document imaging, Elemica TransLink™, electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic funds transfer (EFT), and TMS electronic load tendering capabilities speed administrative processes, improve data accuracy and reduce billing errors. ​

Wherever You Need Us...We're There!​

From Mexico to Canada and everywhere in between, Superior Carriers provides bulk transportation services from 40 Terminal Locations. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, we are an ISO 9001-2000 registered company with quality standards that apply to all of our customer-critical processes, not just transport. Our ability to handle almost any product in any operating environment has far-reaching benefits for our customers. Geographically, we offer the best of both worlds: international service with a regional focus on customer needs.​

​

Superior Carriers Terminal Locations Map

Other SBL companies work in tandem with Superior Carriers to deliver a full complement of bulk distribution services. Carry Transit, one of the nation's leading food grade bulk truck carriers, provides similar services to the edible products industry. Our SuperFlo branded bulk transloading services allow you to combine cost-effective long distance rail transport with reliable tank truck delivery service.​

Leaders in Safety, Environmental Awareness​

To keep pace with safety, operational and regulatory changes, Superior requires all sales professionals, terminal managers, dispatchers, drivers and driver trainers to attend our Training and Development Center in Kingsport, Tennessee. This award–winning school provides job specific training, allowing attendees to become “generalists” and respond to customer needs with higher levels of expertise. Superior Carriers has garnered national acclaim for safety and quality performance, having received Carrier of the Year, Performance Improvement, and similar awards from some of the world's most recognized companies, industry publications, and the U.S. government.​

As an American Chemistry Council Responsible Care® Partner company, Superior undergoes regular, independent RCMS audits and participates in educational and emergency response programs to protect our communities and natural resources. Superior's corporate culture fosters environmental stewardship, and we have a long-standing commitment to stringent environmental standards. This includes operating efficient wastewater treatment plants at those terminals with tank cleaning capabilities.​

Thanks for reading I hope you have enjoyed this thread so far
Next entry will be of SUPERIOR TERMINAL LOCATIONS ...​

ky24​

 

TO ALL

I posted the information on Surperior Carriers I found on the Web I disabled the links and included no phone numbers so it should be up soon once approved by the MODS . It is a pretty good read ... tells about the company and other useful things ..

Look for it latter ...

thanks

ky24

 

JUST updated my sig and avaitar just checking it out...

 

SUPERIOR TERMINAL LOCATIONS...

Here is a list of superior terminals if you want the phone number you will have to google
Superior Carriers or Superior Bulk Logistics I took the phone numbers out to stay compliant to board rules . This is for general reference use..


<FONT color=#0000ff>COMPANY LOCATIONS

Select the location on the map to go to a complete description of the facility and services.

Scroll down the page for locations by state.

​

​

​

<FONT color=#333333><FONT face=Tahoma>

 

Here is the list of WALMART DISTRBUTION CENTERS THIS list includes (listed below) this is a 100% complete list ... (phone numbers have been deleted for board rules but you can google for more information ...

• GMDC (general merchandise)
• HVDC (groceries)
• IMPORT/ EXPORT
• CLAIMS
• RETURNS
• SHOE
• FIXTURE

ALABAMA (3)
Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7019
Brundidge, AL 36010


<FONT face=Arial><B>Wal-Mart Distribution Center<FONT color=#000000> #6006
Cullman, AL 35055

 

dont know what happened I will try to post them in shorter list

sorry