Heavy Haul Driver Looking for Regional. Who's Hiring?

Wrong Papes, although our website needs some updating as well! We're based in Dubuque, IA. Most of our outbound shipments consist of RO-RO freight for heavy equipment manufactures in the area. We do a lot of OSOW freight but keep it smaller than you're used to; we usually stay around 10' wide and 14' tall. Occasionally we >13' wide and >14' high. Sounds like you might get a little bored with our operation if you're used to doing hauls that big. TWICs are helpful, absolutely not necessary. However I would say 1/3 to 1/2 of our loads require tarp. We haul a lot of plate steel, skidded coils, and stand-up coils.

Not trying to be a recruiter by any means, I just like to make sure the perception of our company is spot on. Good luck with the search.

 

Valley is not a part of Keen. Midwest is in with ATS

 

might also try Brewton Express also an ATS division runs La. north up I-55 and La. out to Carolinas

 

Triple Six is very much correct!!

I knew about the need for a TWIC card and passport before I got back to open deck. Many loads are going to Canada in support of the expanding work in the oil fields, so a Passport Card (or traditional Passport) is now mandatory for many companies.

 

Some shippers and receivers are requiring a TWIC even though they are connected to a waterway. Go figure. I have been to a few of them. They say it's their way of utilizing increased security measures for their customers.

The problem is, some do not inform trucking companies of their new requirements. I have had to drop what I was doing to finish a delivery or lose my better paying load with someone by swapping out because of a company's failure to inform trucking companies. What I would tell a driver to do now is, call the shipper and receiver before they get loaded to prevent any potential problems.

 

Back to your main question: employment. Once again, Triple Six is dead on accurate. He also knows the companies which should fit your requirements. If I owned my tractor now, I would go to Keen in a heartbeat. They hold major contracts for Caterpillar and other big outfits.

ATS is lowering earnings for all drivers right now. Stay away from Midwest Transport!!! I am leaving ATS very soon (trust me).

Tennant is a very good company. Pape, Valley and Buchanan are good, but they don't hire in my area. Smaller companies like Irish Express (out of Alma, KS) do some of the heavy stuff, but not that much. However, they run like you want to. They might be a fit for you.