Need some answers from o/o's

There is a huge difference between a 30 year veteran and a rookie who is obviously incompetent. Not only is the driver in question incompetent, he has something that is very common in this industry amongst many(not all) drivers, a welfare mentality.

I judge things on a case by case basis, I don't subscribe to the one size fits all theory. I agree with you, you do get what you pay for.

I also know that in the current economic climate that those high paying jobs are getting harder to come by. Employers can be much more selective as to their hiring criteria.

Unfortuneately, I don't see that trend sustaining much longer. I see a rebound in the second or third quarter of this year and things will return to the status quo that so many are used to.

Yes, I said unfortuneately. I don't even try to hide the fact that I am a capitolist. Drivers to me are employees or tools if you will. Tools that allow me to do a job, provide a service and make money. That's not to imply that I believe in mistreating employees, because I don't. You must treat a driver fairly to retain them(recruiting, hiring, and retention costs can be absurd), at the same time I don't allow drivers to hold me hostage either.

I guess my point, after all this rambling is, If I were to offer somebody a job with a fair rate of pay and benefits, they are free to take the job or walk away. Nobody forces anyone to accept a job. As long as I can fill a job at the rate I want to pay, there is no reason for me to pay more. If I can't fill the job at that rate, then I would be forced to offer more wouldn't I?

 

You are doing the job at that rate, have been there awhile now, and are reasonably happy with it. You even stated that you think it should pay more, but yet it must not be so bad or you would have quit by now. Sounds to me like your bossman has a pretty good handle on what that job is worth and is paying right there in the ballpark. Answer your question?

 

I see exactly where you are coming from. I actually do agree that compared to other segments of the industry, hazmat should pay better. Fact is though, if your boss can keep trucks full at the rate he pays, why would he want to pay more? It is simple economics. I know that a lot of people beat this principle to death, but it is pure supply and demand.

 

Heh Rick sounds like you got it made! I don't expect you are going to start pulling air lines off anytime soon, and screw it up!
Of course there may be people that read your post and say "you're full of it, NOBODY has a job that good in this industry". Tell them to kiss your a%#!
Good luck Hand, and keep it rollin'.
Maverick