My new adventure with Gordon Trucking

Does anyone here run out of the Green Bay terminal? What's it like up there? Just spent the last few days going through Joseph's & Victor's threads, and despite V's pessimism I've been really impressed with Gordon. Particularly like their trucks with the good specs and APUs. Is Gordon still getting trucks with APUs after the Heartland buyout? Or have they already started ordering barebones trucks?

Also, what's the freight like up here in Wisconsin? I live about 3.5 hours from Green Bay, closer to Madison. Would hometime be much of an issue? (Not that I would 5 on 5 off like Victor did, that sounds like a big mistake money-wise

 

First off.. the 5 on 5 off never existed.

We are still getting new trucks in with current gti specs through 2014 but after that no one knows. This is under review.

Your hometime will depend on which fleet you run. If the U.S. Fleet we get 1 day for every 7 out minimum of two weeks out. In your area getting home should not be a problem.

The green bay terminal has a good staff. That is where I was originally assigned. You will get through most of our terminals while on the road.

I have seen some of the new heartland cascadias and they are ok. I suppose they are better than what some companies have but we have really great equipment at gti. For those of us who stay out for extended periods.. 4 weeks or more.. it is a big deal.

Don't want to get into the Victor thing anymore but his inexperience really hurt him and we don't have any part time jobs here.

 

That question came up during my orientation. GTI tried them on a few trucks and after a few months traded to duals again.

You should not see any Super singles in GTI fleet...

 

If I got into it I would plan on staying out at least 4 weeks at a time...I don't have family or anything like that at home to worry about. That's the reason why I like Gordon so much...having an APU really helps if you're on the road for such a long time. Also looking at Roehl, they have more options cargo-wise (flatbed, reefer, dryvan or curtainside) while Gordon only has the dry van and reefer fleets.

Other than that, Roehl and Gordon seem like pretty much the same thing, very focused on safety, etc. I would have to get my CDL first but it seems like both companies hire newbs.

 

If you get into it, absolutely look at all items that will keep you comfortable in that truck like APU's.
There are many things about trucking that will mess with your mind --the least you should be worrying about is if you will freeze or roast --even if it means a couple of cents less a mile.
If Gordon uses APU's or idle --point for Gordon.

 

Before choosing a cdl school you need to check with recruiting to find an approved school. They will not hire graduates from many substandard schools.

 

There's a CDL school about an hour from my house that's endorsed by many trucking companies, I'd have to check and see if Gordon is on the list.

 

Actually. . You need to check with Gordon to see if the school is on their list. Many schools will tell you anything to get your money. Always check with the companies you want to work for first.

 

We had heavy ice last night, and I mean HEAVY ice. I've been without power all day and received an email from the power company saying to expect resolution 12/25 at 2300. Fun. It's a good thing I'll be on the road in a truck WITH power...I hope. I was assigned a loaner truck - an International ProStar - and got stuck in 2" of snow in our own yard while backing into a parking spot. Having power to only two of the four drive tires really sucks in this weather. I told the dispatcher NO MORE INTERNATIONAL for me. Freightliner or I'll stay home.

 

Well still in Indy yard truck is in the shop. Supposed to get worked on first thing in the am. Im at a motel for the night and getting break down pay for yesterday. Would much rather be running. But I want to have the truck ready to go for the 30th.

Gti is not a bad company to work for I think a person could do a lot worse than here. There was a load going to UT that I would have jumped on if it was not the holiday. Moma would have been royally Pissed if I did something like that. Well off to get something to eat and then watch some TV.. Later all