Heartland Express is doing good

Yea, from what I have heard everything West of the Rocky's is western regional and they keep the drivers in that region most of the time. The pay is lower in some regions than others. So top pay is Northeast region and system. The rest are all lower. This is just due to how rates are in various regions. They do have some of the newest trucks in that area though. Good luck. I hope they are a good fit for you.

 

I'm sure the fit will be fine...I'm pretty flexible (being an old dog and all, lol!) - just give me loads and I'll get them where they need to be when they need to be there - cpm was quoted the same as what I'm getting now - so, I know the miles I need, to take into account the $$ cost of benefits (which we don't have now). Looking forward to it. I'll let the masses know how life is in Western Regional once I'm out running. Wifey is fretting a little since it seems the other gig has dropped way off - perfect timing to start with HE at the beginning of 2013!

 

That would be good. We have not had anyone from that fleet posting on here that I know of.

 

So, have had a few phone convo's w/Scott in recruiting at HE (dude was very honest about average mileage expectations and co. average of $$ per year) - last one was 12/31 - all clean on my DAC/PSP/MVR - zip, nada, nothing, on them (knew that going in). Waiting for the release of drug testing info from my job prior to my current one...so, getting closer, hopefully.

Later

pick

 

Can any current drivers for Heartland tell me what kind of miles you are averaging? How about getting back to the house? I live in Missouri and would like to get through the house a couple times a month....is that possible? Any current info would be appreciated, thanks.

 

I am regional out of Columbus Ohio. Average miles for me have been down some. Right around 2000 per week. But I am salary, so no big deal. And I am home every weekend.
Region average at the moment for my region is around 2150, home most weekends.
System drivers have been sounding like they are getting in the 2400 mile range. Home every other weekend.
Missouri can be a good area, if near the interstate. So getting home should not be a big deal. System (OTR) would be out of Iowa terminal. Not sure what region that is, probably Iowa. Since we do not have dispatch out of O'Fallon terminal. Miles in that area should actually be better than Ohio region. You would have to ask them on pay though. I have no idea since every region is different. System has highest level, without hazmat or safety bonus mixed in should be somewhere around 46-48 cpm with good experience.

 

Thanks Chrome, that's exactly the info I was looking for. I did an online app the other day, we'll see what they have to say, once they have a chance to review it. Do they do the orientation up in Iowa? How long is it? Thanks.

 

You would probably go to Iowa for it.
They start it on Monday and Wednesday. 2-3 days. Cannot remember which. Mainly because I have no idea how it works on Wednesday lol, since people would be coming in and going out. Was only one group when I got hired, and have not bothered to pay attention. It is just a couple days then they get you a truck, and if you want a load headed to home to grab your stuff. Plan to have stuff for a few days, in case it takes a couple loads to get you to the house.
You will probably hear from them by Tuesday. That is a guess, but they will not be in even looking at Apps till Monday. And they might start checking them before they call. They can give you a better idea of what people are averaging in your area also.
Go in informed, let them know that for the most part you are informed, and you will get pretty accurate info from them.

Does not look like you live that far from St. Louis, Jeff City, Pontoon beach etc. So we have allot of freight going in and out of the region.

 

Yes, I am about an hour from Jeff City, about 3 from St Louis and Pontoon Beach. I have been off the road for a few years, working locally, and am looking forward to getting back out there. It sounds like a decent outfit, and I like the idea of .48 per mile. (as long as they are not too stingy with the miles, lol.)

 

I hired on with Heartland last April, went to Iowa City for Wednesday orientation.
It was a relaxed time, Linda the facilitator is excellent, she doesn't waste time with stuff an experienced driver should already know.
You will understand "The Heartland Way" of doing things.
She has the company van, takes you to lunch each day the food was good she picks up the tab.
By Friday they will be setting you up with a load that should swing you by the house to get the rest of your things you need to take on the road.
With the new tractors coming in they will most likely set you up there.
I'm not suggesting you'll get a new one, but you never know.
There was one other driver in my class, and at that time, they rented a car for us to drive to Columbus Ohio to get our tractors.
They paid us a little revenue, made motel reservations, so we got rested before reporting to the terminal.
I left Heartland in June when another job was offered to me.
The driver who hired out at the same time left shortly after I did too.
We keep in contact, but my dislike was being at a shipper, for my 10 hour break, with no bathroom access on the property.
If your a system driver, you won't get home every other weekend.
They kept me out for 5 weeks.
I'm not a complainer, their were equipment problems, so I "rolled with the flow" till I got home.
I liked Heartland, they kept me roll'n, had a good tractor, and they do take into account your experience when they dispatch.
The "Heartland Way", On Time Delivery no excuse, if your not going to be on time, they will setup a meet with another driver, and you will swap loads.
You will also help another driver who can't be on time if they need you too.
They are a good Company to drive for.