Comments By Jenny

Based on him trying to acquire the other company back.

I have considered this, but minimally. The last company he started was sold at around 300 trucks, which we are quickly approaching. He had a non compete clause which he honored, and when it expired he offered to buy back the company, it had been sold again to a mega carrier, who would not make a good enough deal. So he started another.

My income increased by 33% last year, even with the lower mileage months, compared to the prior year at May (which also included training/mentoring during the summer). I'm looking at another increase of 15% above that just in the mile gain I've seen in the last 6 months. I'm trying really hard not to count the chickens before they hatch, however if these numbers come to fruition, my sweat equity will be compensated for in my eyes anyway.

I say minimally considered because of the pay, and frankly, I don't want to think about it yet. The things I've learned mechanically about the trucks and the skills I've gained otherwise are almost unquantifiable for me. I paid ( and am still paying) a large sum for a college education that I never sought employment with. I'd say I don't use it, but I do every day. So I am not ready to consider the what ifs of a sale, and my value in such.

My knee jerk reaction is he's not going to sell, he'll go to his grave trying to make this work, and that is an even scarier thought than a sale. Again, knee jerk and still just enjoying the pool of knowledge I'm gaining.

I suppose I should clarify the new acquisition added 100 trucks to our 75.

Brett. You are exactly right. I am very aware of the competition out here, that's why I am sticking this out. I used to dream of buying my own truck, and still do, but this has been a real eye opener. If I ever own more than a pickup it will be highly specialized ( though at the moment I don't know why) OR just simply a water truck during retirement to fight fires during the summer, no need to work much at retirement time.

I have been respectful of the things they've asked us to do voluntarily so most of the changes haven't hurt me yet. For example, I've used the fuel brand that they've said they get the deepest discounts at, and even check on which exit is cheaper. So when they locked down the fuel cards to that brand, I didn't know for 3 months, until they told me.

I don't think this one is going to fail, there's too much history, and plenty of financial backing. We've grown in the years and added 100 trucks to our 75 trucks, and have purchased another small fleet that (I believe) had hit its breaking point and couldn't grow. That acquisition has more than doubled our fleet size and profitability. They've chosen to keep the companies working under their own names and in their own demographic. There's a bit of crossover but for the time being we look like separate entities. Some money really has to go out for equipment replacement though with the newly acquired business.

Currently, Knight Transportation has the closest benefit package I've found, bonuses are easily achievable but not as easy as my current one. 10k miles per month is what we need out of each and every truck to even justify having it on the road. The miles above that I run, probably supports the tail end of at least 3 other trucks that don't keep up their end of the bargain. It is pretty cutthroat even inside the company.

The absolute hardest part for me, is hearing drivers complain that the don't get the miles. I can't (well. I won't) discuss mine specifically with them, I have to simply say I am happy, and here's what I do. Then go on to say that I'm never late, I get there early every time if I can and the company notices. This has its own pitfalls when they believe they are gods gift to Trucking and want to argue that they do the same. I've had to eventually shrug my shoulders and walk away.

That's the same everywhere, but I don't need them going to the top playing the "but Jenny said" game. I'm not their boss. I just have a better attitude and willingness.

G-Town, I'm glad I could do that for you.

As I mentioned above, I'm really enjoying the challenges. I really do have it easier than most of these guys, simply because I don't have pre existing expectations. I also am fully aware that my job is to make money and save money for the company, and my compensation for that is my paycheck. My ONLY expectation is honest, and open communication in both directions about how it's going (and not going) and of course my paycheck at the end of the week lol

Thanks Brett, I don't mind the raining on the parade info either. It's a bit unnerving to me at times not knowing what's coming, but it's also a bit exciting.

As for being a "founder" it's really called being a member of the Founders Club. It's the first 25 drivers who took the chance on them. We get a better benefit package than the drivers who came on after us. It started with higher CPM, more splits in our bonus tiers, (we earn 1/2 cpm at 500 mile marks, and new hires only earn 1cpm at 1000 mile marks), premiums fully paid for medical and dental insurance, more input in which way the company policies will go, and just being closer to the top. Also, we get first dibs when new trucks are bought.

The insurance has changed, we have to pay part of our premiums, but the package is considerably better, and worth it.

Right now, I'm enjoying the ride, learning TONS about what I'm willing to do and not do. I also enjoy being the hero of the day. I limped a produce load, using jumpers to maintain temp (regularly stopping, not leaving them hooked up) because none of the shops had the right alternator, until I decided to call ahead, get the alternator ordered, overnight, by a shop and finally got it repaired the next day when I got there. I spent about 1200 miles fooling around with it. (Just west of Cheyenne WY to Toledo OH) while staying in contact with the broker, and the maintenance manager, basically just telling them what I was going to do next. It was neat that I solved the problem when ones I'd have normally depended on were at a loss.

Thankfully the true Founder has done this before, successfully, so some of the sting has been worked out before.

That is a super interesting story and tomorrow I'm going to have quite a bit to say about it. I'm about done for today and there's a lot I'd like to cover with this one. Thanks very much for sharing all that. I'll respond thoroughly in the morning.

We lost Brett on this one PJ.

Rainy, mentioning wiping the truck down with them reminded me....

Makeup remover wipes are THE BOMB for getting grease off. Even 5th wheel grease!! I had some on my jacket and it cuts right through it. Plus they're pretty gentle on skin if you need a quick way to get it off your hands or even out of your hair.

Yes, I've had it in my hair..

Folks here say it all the time, you get why you put into it.

The guy turning down loads he doesn't like is going to sit, while guys like you will take the not so pleasant loads, and earn the gravy loads too.

Depends on the system. I'm on a new ELD program that only allows me to move at speeds under 5mph. It doesn't seem to matter how far I go, but the second I hit 5mph I am in drive mode. I also have PC mode though.