McElroy Truck Lines

Saw an example of this yesterday. New Years Eve is a paid holiday for us but they asked for volunteers to return a bunch of XTRA Lease trailers, a full days regular pay on top of the holiday pay for 4-5 hours work.

There were 12 of us running these and only 2 check- in lanes at XTRA so there was a back up checking in the first round. I parked and walked up to a group of drivers and they were discussing how our main dispatcher , aka Mr. A. Hole, treats them so badly. Apparently he gives them terrible runs, messes up truck assignments, screws them on payroll, yadda yadda yadda.

Want to know how Mr Hole treats me? He calls me on Thursday to ask me how I want to start next week. Usually he gives me about 3 options and doesn't bat an eye if I counter with: "You know I'd really rather do this, this and this". After we agree on a plan he usually ends with a promise to get me done early the next day, Friday.

Understanding the troubles that trucking companies are faced with will help us to understand the nature of the performance based equation we're faced with. Top performers are highly valued. They are counted on. When you see drivers whining and singing the blues about their trucking jobs you are seeing the guys and gals who, most likely, will never figure out how all this works.

.