It's been very quiet in the KLLM forum

Go KLLM. I did TMC back in 07. Great company, nice trucks, but I think their earnings for drivers has plummeted to the ground.

 

Only one way to find out, right? 800-635-0147 or 909-349-2585. They are nice enough people. They have sent me two since I finished there in July '07.

 

what does the testing out test after your 6 weeks training consisit of to get you in your own truck for solo

 

You know, I hate to disappoint some of you who are looking for, expecting, hoping or just waiting for the demise of KLLM. But then again, some of you just can't wait for another trucking company to flop. It's always doom and gloom. It's as if it's sexual to some of the people here, and they are usually the ones sitting on their duffs at the house watching Oprah and trying to figure out how they are going to pay the bills next week. Yes, it's been quiet on this forum, but for me, it's because I'm drivin' my butt off. I just don't have the time to get on line like I used to. As for the demise of KLLM as some of you speak of, I wouldn't hold my breath. This company has been through worse economies and survived. I ain't going no where for now. I've got a job to do. Except for this very moment. My hours finally caught up with me and I'm in Ohio, doing a 34 restart.

 

Good to go newbie!

What are your miles averaging lately?

 

Let me respond to the key statements in your reply. Reports is the trucking industry press are written to paint rosy pictures, else the reporters will no longer get invitations and shwag from the various industry conferences and trade shows that industry execs attend on the companies dime. They should be taken with a grain of salt.

With regard to the lease program. I wish you much success. I have known some drivers that did OK and others that were far better off before they got involved. It is the luck of the draw concerning how reliable your truck turns out to be. I think your statement of "those guys are doing very well" tells the tale.

In the 5 years I was associated with Kllm, management always did well. I expect that to continue. I can't say that was the case for all the drivers. Some of the drivers did well. Mostly the old timers and certain trainers. Seldom did you hear one of those guys complain. That was not the case with the majority of the 50 -90 guys they hired each week.

Best of luck on your lease.

 

The bottom line question is: What do the company's financials look like?

 

Look them up. You seem to be connected to the web !!!!

 

Sorry things didn't work out for you. I'm sure that the 50 or so people I have talked to on the Lease Program weren't lying to me. In fact, some have shown me weekly settlement recaps and said their only regret was not going on the lease sooner than they did. Personally the only program I believe I would avoid, would be the Southeast Regional out of Atlanta. I haven't heard too many of those drivers speak well of it. Many were leaving it and going on the Lease. KLLM is not a perfect trucking company, because there are none. However, when I hear the horror stories and treatment that other drivers get from other companies, I'm glad to be here at KLLM. They have been truthful with me from the start, paid me accurately everytime, and given me what I need for my job. I'm satisfied where I am.

 

Hey Jarhead, I've been averaging between 3000 and 3600 miles lately. I've had some slower weeks at 2400 or so, when I've had to do a 34 hr restart, or been out on hometime of course, but I stay busy. I have a pretty good dispatcher, and she keeps me rolling. I've talked to several drivers who do the same as I do, and some that roll 2400-2600 a week, and they say that's fine with them. I guess it depends on how you work the system and what you want to get out of it. I stay out 4 to 5 weeks. What I'm finding is, if your dispatcher and load planners trust you to get the load there on time and do your job, they will put more on you.
My way of working is to get it there as early as possible, keep the left door shut, try to get unloaded as early as possible and let dispatch know you will be ready to go as soon as you see that you are getting unloaded. Let them know, "Hey, I'll be available in a short time, gimme something." I shop at walmart, keep plenty of food and drinks in my truck. Truck stops are for fuel and sleeping, when you can find a space. I sleep at alot of shippers and recievers, when possible, and some rest areas.
Some truck stops will take up a half hour just getting into and out of them. I prefer to fuel there when I have to, but stop and make a sandwich at a roadside rest area, and get back on the road. Before I take off for the day, I slice up some cheese, cut up ham or lunch meat, and have a pack of crackers close by my cooler. It let's me munch or lunch while I drive. Grapes, chunks of melon in a bowl, all keep you rolling and avoid the "trucker traps". I drive mostly during the day, because I just don't like night driving. I'll do it when I have to, but just prefer to drive in the daylight. I start earlyat about 5 AM while traffic is light, and go till it gets dark or I get where I'm going. That is how I work. It just happens to work for me. Others may choose another path.