Hired on By Dahlsten Truck Lines

I'm not sure where this thread should go so by all means move it if this is an inappropriate forum.

Anyhow, I've been driving around the state of Kansas for five years. Working for the county and a local construction company. But I've wanted to drive a truck full time, OTR, for years. I had a speeding ticket almost six years ago that stopped me from hiring on with Dahlsten. So I ended up going to work for the County. But some recent developments made me again pursue hiring on with DTL.

Well, I just received the call and they want me at orientation 8/8. I'm ecstatic, to say the least. I've done alot of research on the company and spoken with drivers from around here. The home time will be very good, compared to a lot of places. They are not a huge company but have been around a long time.

It seemed alot of companies I've spoken to didn't like the fact that I only had "local" experience. Plus they wanted me to be gone for six weeks out the gate. Just didn't want to have to do that so I kept holding out for this job. I began to wonder though. lol

Nice thing is a good friend is hiring on at the same time so it'll be a familiar face.

 

Most definitely. Government jobs are not what they are cracked up to be. At least not in today's economy. And county government is probably the worst. At least here. Wage freeze for the past three year. Don't make crap to begin with. Maybe 25-28 grand. The benefits are horrible. Gradually have gotten worse the past five years, especially the past 2. Now they are going to be taking more money away. At least one holiday will be taken at a no pay now. And it is too much about who you know, not what you are able to do.

With DTL, I'll be home most weekends and being based out of Hutch, what I've been told by drivers there are that I'll see my bed a few times a week. Not every week will be that way but alot of the time. I guess they run pretty much dedicated lanes. I think it showed 8 states. And the average wages is 42 grand, not including safety bonuses etc... I'm sure it will have it's negatives just like any job but I'm telling ya, the county job here is garbage. That's a fact.

 

Well I know their main terminal is in Clay Center, NE and the other one is here, in Hutchinson, KS. It looks like you're out of Illinois so I don't know what your home time would be. I go to orientation this Sunday so it's not like I know "facts" about them. I just know the drivers and other employees I've talked to say it's a great place. And my inter-action with their management has left a wonderful impression on me.

I could only suggest that you call their main terminal in Clay Center and talk with George Akerson.