Haul Fuel Eagle Transport

I've been driving for Eagle out of Knoxville for 9 months and it's my first fuel job. I don't have too much to complain about except things that are probably par for the course with most companies. I gross 1900-2000 a week but I have to work 6 days to get that. I can choose to work 5 days but would only make about 1500 because there's an extra bonus for working 6. I've heard of guys making the same with 5 days at other companies, and some guys that have been here longer that make more. But I haven't complained yet since I'm still new and don't have enough experience to bargain with. Knoxville has an $1100/week minimum guarantee, but I haven't made that little since the first couple weeks out of training. It's all load based pay so you're at the mercy of dispatch. There's only three dispatchers so you get to know them and they know you when you call. Maintenance guys are cool and I've never had an issue getting something fixed when it's actually important. Only things that don't get fixed promptly are minor annoyances. The TM is pretty chill and down to Earth. They don't micro manage you even with the cameras and stuff.

Overall I think I'm happy here. There's some BS sometimes but it's really not a bad gig.

 

It will depend on your terminal. Each terminal pays differently and has different guarantees. I’ve heard of weekly guarantees as low as $1000 and some around $1500 or more. Based on what Clem just stated, you’re looking closer to the $1000 range. The guarantee just means if you work 5 days and run all of your assigned loads you’re guaranteed that much.

I’m in a different state. My guarantee is on the higher end of that spectrum but I have almost never made only the guarantee. I make what Clem makes but it only takes me 5 days. If I worked 6 days I’d be closer to $2300-2400. The pay is based on your loads, hours worked, experience, and extras. Some terminals don’t give a bonus for a 6th day of work if they have enough manpower.

There are competitors that pay more money, but I’ve learned talking to other drivers that they don’t get much as far as benefits. So it cancels out. We get PTO the day you’re hired, for example.

Overall, the job is pretty good and becomes easy once you get experience. You learn all of the tricks/skills to get yourself out of trouble (and there will be), you get better at getting in and out of the sites, your speed increases, etc.

The only negative may be the equipment at times and not having much free time. The equipment is ran 24/7 and not everyone cares, so you can end up in lower quality equipment. Again, great job but you have to survive those first few months because it’s a lot to process.

 

Pump work generally sucks more responsibility , load pays by the gallon and most carriers don’t charge extra for a pump. Or they insult you with a $25 charge to the truck….. Whoopi

 

Congratulations on the new job! Just take everything slow and easy, double check everything, and don't be afraid to ask questions before you take action. You'll do just fine.

 

Most of my pump loads pay pretty well.
Especially pump outs…. Those are bank!
Given a choice, though, I’ll run pellets (dry bulk) as the dollars are much better and i don’t work nearly as hard.

 

Good luck.

Run your loads, and keep your head down. Don’t ask for extra work right away. Stay off the radar. Get your speed and experience up first even if it means only getting the guarantee for a few months.

And ALWAYS call dispatch before you make a decision on anything involving products. ALWAYS. If you’re not sure, CALL. At the rack and at the site.