Comments By Tracy W.

At my company we get similar compensation, some others:

Drop/Hook Hand Unload, $ per stop, plus a per piece rate (don't remember what it is) Safe Miles Bonus Fuel Bonus (scales up the better mileage you get) Layover/Breakdown $ per day - also pay motel if you can't be in truck during breakdown Tuition Bonus - payback for your CDL school Recruiting Bonus Vacation Pay Dispatch Pay - If you do something special for dispatch, like ontime delivery of a hot load or extra compensation for a difficult load. Local - If you do a local run while waiting for an OTR load

Plus of course they pay expenses you incur: Parts, additives, tolls, scale, lumper fees, truck wash, parking fees, etc.

Welcome Broc!

Heavy C is another Mainer, I think that's what you call yourselves.

Both my kids were born in Maine while I was in the Navy there. Some of locals call themselves 'Mainers' but I refer to my kids as 'Mainiacs'

It's much more appropriate.

Tracy

Congrats! What great folks we have here in the likes of Daniel B. and RedGator.

Tracy

I started trucking at 57, I'm 58 now. As long as you are physical able to do the work at the company you are at you should be fine. I personally think I'm too old to do flatbed as I have not done it before, but Dry Van is great, even though I often have to move some types of cargo to the back of the truck.

With age comes wisdom and the ability to work your way through complex situations. Something the younger crowd still has to learn.

Go for it!

Tracy

I think we've all experienced it. I'm not one to drive at night unless I have to. I always try to sleep from 11:00pm to 5:00am at a minimum, and get an hour or two on the ends of that period for a total of 8 hours. Having worked shift work for years in the Navy, I know your body just doesn't like being awake in the middle of the night.

For me, I try to get up by 5am, roll by 6am and be parked for the night by 6pm at the latest. I shift that a bit when out east to try to hit a stopping point by 4pm because they fill rapidly. It's worked well for me.

Tracy

Awesome, RedGator .... you clearly 'Get It' and are doing a great job.

Well deserved accolades, and your company is lucky to have you!

Tracy

I'll put in my bid here also. Watkins Shepard!! Great company, treats drivers very well, pays actual miles driven, not the zip code to zip code scam many companies do. Mostly Dry Van, good long runs nationwide (and Canada if you like). About 20 terminals around the country. New trucks, upgrading trailers, good benefits.

They have treated me very well, and I love driving for them.

www.wksh.com or call recruiting at 800-392-2470

Tracy

My last two jobs (unfortunately not driving positions) have both STARTED me off with 4 to 5 weeks of vacation time PLUS a 7 to 10 company holidays IN the first year.

Who in the world offers a brand new employee over a month of vacation time their first year? You must have been in management somewhere. I've never heard numbers like that in my life for anyone.

Even management doesn't get that unless they are executives and have a negotiated compensation package. That is, unless you live in Europe...then the socialist environment means people get ridiculous vacation out of the box.

Tracy

Excellent work. You get it when it comes to planning the drive and places to stop. Many drivers never get it and are either screwed when it comes time to stop, or are always out of hours when they should be picking up the next load.

Tracy

Grats to the year! I felt...and still feel, the same way. Still know I have a lot to learn, so I stay focused. The weather has been tough, the good thing is you have experienced a tough year, and made it through without giving up! Good job.

BTW....spent three years in Maine (Winter Harbor) when in the Navy, my kids were both born in Ellsworth in the late seventies.

Tracy