Noticed a lot of threads about waiting for trucks at starter co.

That's just way large companies do things

 

Now wait just a minute! What is all this talk about drivers having to sit around waiting for a truck to become available? With all of the talk about the "driver shortage" we're allegedly wrapped up in, you'd think there would be a SURPLUS of trucks sitting around waiting for drivers to be hired to fill them! Obviously somebody is lying...if drivers are waiting for trucks, there surely can't be a shortage of drivers.

 

Might be that they are moving the experienced drivers into new trucks so they can put them in the older trucks. I know i wouldn't let someone fresh out of training roll out of the yard in a brand new truck.

 

I can tell you from USA Truck, we do not have a shortage of unassigned tractors. Your friend may be waiting on a "trainer," as there is often a shortage of those, but most likely NOT a solo truck assignment. If he is waiting for more than a day or so, and not for a trainer, I would assume that he has already been assigned to a truck that is being reconditioned or repaired. All of our terminals have unassigned trucks in a row against the fence, in addition to the brand new trucks that arrive fairly regularly. We are not even close to maximum utilisation. He's either given you bad information or he doesn't understand what he's been told.

USX I can't speak for as I've never worked for them. However, I do understand that they run a lot of teams. Perhaps he's being kept holding while they are trying to form a team to assign to a truck?

 

That's the excuse they use. But why have 50 guys a week come to training and then play musical trucks. I agree with Pedigreed, it's a crock and a reason why there is a shortage of drivers, especially at these mega companies that claim to pay so much.

 

Some dry van & reefer companies do that, but it's unlikely you will see that with tanker & flatbed companies.

 

You don't understand turnover . 100% turnover means a company with 4,000 drivers hires 4,000 drivers a year . The thing is 3,000 or more stay more than a year . The 4,000 hired are drivers staying an average of 3 months trying to fill the other 1,000 postitions . Newbie turnover is often 300%-400%

 

It's just the nature of the business that training companies have a higher turnover rate. Many newbies quit because they realize trucking isn't for them. Many see the training company as a stepping stone. They know they aren't going to stick with the company. The company knows it too.

USX usually gets a driver into a truck right away after training. If the newly upgraded newbie has to team then there might be a wait. My last student had to wait for someone from his area.