The New FFE Driver Academey

The high CSA points drivers are getting let go. They canned the dry van division, the final hanger-ons from Lisa and American Eagle seem to be around here. None seem surprised or mad, apparently FFE is helping them find other options. Rumor, not substansiated fact on job help.

I have one more day in orientation, and might get a trainer tomorrow. So far so good, although between the stock tanking today, and the drivers (apparently 50 were let go today alone) getting canned I am kinda nervous about the next level. It is different than where trucking was a decade ago. #### that makes me feel old...

 

Yeah, this mass driver termination reeks of kinda' odd seeing as how they just made me a job offer last week. I had the impression that FFE was looking for drivers as opposed to canning drivers...things that make you go "Hmmm".

 

WOW, I had no idea it was like that in Alaska. I figured from the Show that there were a lot of companies willing to train. Then again I've neverbeen. Anyhow glad your jumping on the FFE wagon!!!!

 

Well, they do, in fact, "train". But consider it like "finisher school for arctic driving". With the exception of the small geographic areas in the immediate vicinities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Alaska road system, such as it is, is no place for an inexperienced driver. And even though this works against my own self interest, as a "sourdough" I whole heartedly agree with this philosophy. And for the sake of my own well being I'm just as happy to get my basic driving experience on well maintained highways where roadside assistance isn't (potentially) two days away. Time and experience will tell if I actually have the chops to haul freight up here. Because otr driving in Alaska surely ain't for everyone. You necessarily have to be at the top of the game else you'll just off yourself in some ravine. Hopefully not taking someone else with you.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to dissuade any driver from looking for work up here. Not at all. There are usually more jobs available than there are qualified Alaskans to fill them hence we get beaucoup drivers from the outside who drive up here seasonally. And there just is no place else quite like Alaska. When your skills are up to snuff driving up here isn't really all that bad. In the winter, it's so cold that the ice on the roads actually gets tacky and it's not all that different from driving on asphalt. And the roads are much smoother in the winter since there are no potholes to contend with. And there's zee-roe traffic. And, yeah, the scenery is AWESOME! Shoot, if I were an experienced driver from outside I just might come drive the Dalton for a season just to say I did it. Like I did with commercial fishing...and working in Prudhoe Bay....etc.

 

Thanks Chad. That explains much. Should be a good deal for both FFE and Celadon in these rough economic times. And I guess Celadon will be hiring more drivers wtih a fleet increase of this size so that's a good thing. Thanks for laying out the straight skinny for everyone. The FFE dealio was kind of freaking us new guys out.

 

My take on it was 1 year of otr and I would have been good to go but I can see why 3 years is even better. Yea I want to drive up there for a season when I'm ready for it and see how it is. I just want to have that experience and also I dont know why but I want to visit Alaska. From what I've seen I think it is a beautiful place.

On another not. What is going on with FFE recruiting I have tried to get in touch with my recruiter for the last TWO days. I have left messages but no return call. Granted I realize she has many applicants to deal with BUT shes the one who told me to call her Wednesday/Thursday. I guess if I have to call everyday I will