Is $104,000 a year a decent w2 salary for an experienced otr reefer driver

Could not agree more on this. My only issue would again be requiring to do the stick. But you know how to run your business just like I know how to mine. You may miss out on a few guys because of it just the same way I would.

 

The ones i know wouldnt work at a mega, theyre to good for that. They arent looking for handouts they have good credit. If they just knew how to do a pre trip and spot problems before they had to call for a service truck. Just last week one broke an air line but doesnt carry any tools must less know how to fix it.

 

Well then you would have missed out on an 18-year veteran with zero tickets and zero accidents.

Statistically you may be right to have the stance you do, but there will be diamonds in the temporary rough.

 

Exactly, you win some, you loose some. I'm sure there are some "diamonds in the rough" that I've missed and that sucks......but to what end. So you have to take a chance and weed through 100 crap drivers to find him? Nah, I'm good. I am the way I am because I've found out the hard way and learned from it. I'm never gonna tell someone else how to run their life or their business, because it's none of my business. However, when one asks for opinions I will offer mine up.

 

Like I said, I wouldn't hire them. That is part of the pre hire process. Show up, BS a little, do a pre trip, do a drive test. Some slip through the cracks obviously, but they don't last long. I look for a certain kind of person and I don't settle.

 

Interesting to see what others think is important.

It's a decent rate. Personally I wouldn't do a straight salary like that, but I could see with the right business in place why you would.

I think even with the eye catching salary, you're going to have challenges. As in prospective employees wondering how a small operation can offer that, and how sustainable it is. In other words, how long before the well dries up?

Not judging you. Just saying what I'd be thinking, comparing your offer vs a larger outfit. I'm a risk taker, and not wholly dependent on that salary, so I'd probably jump on it if I was wanting to work for someone else. If you went bankrupt in a month, it wouldn't be a huge risk to me other than starting the job search over again. If that was my sole income to feed my hungry family, I might hesitate.

My preference is performance based with some minimums. I ask a prospect what they need. If I can deliver, I explain how and show actuals to back it up. If not, I say that. What you see is what you get. I expect that in return. If it doesn't work for them, no hard feelings. What I offer isn't a universal fit, much the same as there's no such thing as a universal driver.

• Be able to tell time and operate an alarm clock (you said reefer, right? LOL).
• Be where you're supposed to be and when you're supposed to be there.
• Be a problem solver. Understand your role in not making a minor problem a great big one, even if it's not your fault.
• Act right with my customers no matter how they press your buttons.
• Be a communicator. Keep your phone on and charged. Answer it. I promise I won't bug you while you're sleeping, and one call to me will end that with the customer.
• Don't tear up my equipment, or anyone else's.

In other words, be a responsible adult and just do the job, without needing to be supervised like a child. Mega carriers hire a staff for that. I don't have virtual daddy available. If real daddy is needed, some hurt will come with it.

 

Exactly, that's why I'd BS with a guy before we even start. Guys will tell you all you want to know if you just listen. If a guy is obese and shows up in sweat pants, that's an instant no. First impressions mean something. I treat people how I want to be treated. I don't micromanage, because I don't want someone over my shoulder all day either. I like intelligent guys who are thinkers and doers. I don't want a guy who is gonna call a service truck for a light out. Who knows when it's best to shut up and smile and nod with customers. Good drivers are a very rare breed indeed.

 

I wouldn't even work for salary.

I absolutely despise being the guy who works hard while others slack ### for the same pay with no consequences.

I also dislike constantly wondering if my productivity is what is expected, if nothing is established in advance.

 

I just heard one of your prime driver candidates left in a truck with a engine light on. Lolol. Now hes having problems. Lol. You cant judge a book by its cover....

 

104k a decent salary? Man if someone can't make that work, then they suck at life. I can't believe that's a question lol