May Trucking Southeast Regional

Not sure if this is TMI but it would be a shame to waste so much time on this. Currently waiting on the hurricane to blow through.

Hello, I joined the forum last year to ask some questions about getting into trucking. I meant to document some of the experiences, but haven’t found the right moment to put them down. I have seen some people curious or not know much about this route so I figured I would give some information about it.

I’ve been with May for nine months, six of that on this route and joined right out of school. The route is young with maybe about 150 drivers out of 1300 for the company. They also deal with many recent graduates and retention is low. So, keep that in mind. For new grads, orientation is three days, then you will wait to be picked up that weekend. Training is two weeks or until you are ready.

This information is based on my experience at my location in Jax, FL. Results may vary. As far as I know it’s selective where it’s open and it’s not always open as the route is somewhat new. It’s possible to join right into it after joining but depends on availability. I was able to join after three months when it started to really begin.

Terminal is out of Pensacola, FL and is only for this route. Pretty small, quaint little building. You won’t be here often.

This route is on a dedicated account for GP, usually drop/hook at pickup, live unload. Pickup can be at a warehouse or mill, unload either at a customer or another warehouse/mill. Nothing like the smell of the paper mill in the morning. Ahhh. Although about one trip every week is not with them. Usually beer or beverages for me.

Mostly you will be hauling roll stock which are rolls of paper or cardboard which weigh up to 8000 each. Load weight is average 44k, truck load 77k average. Other times you haul paper towels, TP, plates. Under 20k.

Route area runs dependent on your home location, but keeps me generally 600 miles from home in Jacksonville. A regular week consists of bouncing between FL, GA, AL, MS, TN, SC, or NC. Every once in a while they may send you out further. I’ve went to Ohio and NJ so far.

Mileage has been an interesting area. Generally is about 2300 a week, but has had some major fluctuation lately. I figure it’s growing pains as a new account.

Pay is also very interesting. No experience drivers start at 0.38 cpm empty and loaded with a sliding monthly safety bonus of .03 at 8k, .04 at 9k, .05 at 10k miles. After nine months pay goes up to 0.44 cpm. Mine ended up to that @ 4 months then a half cent raise at 6 months. Weekly paychecks consist only of daily pay, starts about 120. Currently around 140 now. Then the first check whose pay period is after the last day of the month has a reconciliation for your mileage and your safety bonus.

Home every weekend for 34 hour reset. You can select if you prefer Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun. For me, I usually come home Sat afternoon or Friday night and dispatch Mon morning. It’s possible your preference isn’t able to be met some weeks, but I’ve only had it happen once where I was dispatched Sun morning. If you need certain important days during the weekend you can block it off.

Freightliner Cascadias, oldest trucks are pretty much 2019s now, with several 2022s coming online. Automatic, full collision systems, adaptive cruise, lane sensors. First three months the top speed is 59 on pedal and 61 on cruise (everyone hates you). Then 62/65. You can park the truck at a secure location of your choosing. Truck stops are not okay. If you are very close to a terminal you may have to park there.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this company. Dispatch is very friendly and give you complete ownership and decision making of the truck. Pay might not be the best but it’s a great company to learn with and there’s a lot to the company that I enjoy that keeps my sanity in check.

Side note: The health insurance is abysmal if that is important.