Saia and Estes in Springfield, MO

I think that's a great idea. I remember when I was talking to LTL drivers gathering info about the different companies, a driver from another company said Dayton called him a few days after he committed to his company (which is also a good job), and he said he always regrets that he didn't back out of starting that gig and go to Dayton instead. That said a lot to me.

 

I don't know the exact mechanism, but I was told the local terminal manager could at least look it up immediately after it was completed online. I don't know if emails are sent out normally or what. But that's where a phone call soon afterwards will bring you to their attention.

I say this for everyone, no matter what LTL company you apply to: always follow up with a phone call to the actual terminal manager. It is probably best to wait until late morning when all the city drivers are out and there's a lull in the action. Or after lunch, when most people tend to be in a better mood. If you get their voicemail, definitely leave a message. But office staff should be able to tell you if he/she in the office when you call in and ask for them.

Years ago I applied at Estes. Needless to say I didn't get the job, but the advice I was given at the time by their drivers was to do exactly as I'm describing. That led to me getting an interview set up. For whatever reason I didn't get the job, but it gave me valuable experience to have that interview with the Estes Terminal manager at the time. I also struck out with another LTL before getting a shot with Dayton. I'm glad I had some practice ahead of time interviewing with those type of guys because it prepared me for my interview with the management at Dayton Freight.

 

Yep, they're technically called Service Center Managers, although we all still say Terminal Manager because it is standard industry jargon. Same with Service Center vs. Terminal. We also say "linehaul" even though it is called Transportation at Dayton.

I first struck out with Estes due to not having much experience back then (back when you basically needed around 5 years experience to get a decent LTL job), and I struck out with Pitt-Ohio because the terminal manager said he interviewed 3 of us and chose the guy with prior LTL experience coming over from a competitor. But I kept at it, and I'm really glad I landed where I did.

 

I know when you submit your application with Saia, it goes to safety for a basic background check. Than it is forwarded on to the terminal manager. He then does a first sense phone call interview, than if he likes you it goes to a face to face. From there if he likes you, you fill out the new hire packet and a full background check is done with drug test. Once all of that is done, as long as safety signs off, and the TM gives the final "ok", you get your contingent offer and perform the driver test and than set up for your first day.

For the first step, definitely do what all these guys are saying and contact the TM directly. The best thing to do is actually a face to face. If the TM is there, he can easily hide in the office. If you are standing in the dispatch room, its a bit harder for him to turn you away. I know at least here at Saia, the TM's like face to face above all other methods.

 

Yea man keep us posted. Happy 4th to you and yours be safe!