Looking for a new job: Ryder vs. Penske

[peterbilt]

Hey fellas:

Been a while since I've posted here. Maybe some of you remember me. To give you a little background, I work full time at Ryder in the shop (fueling/washing trucks and other misc. duties), and had a part time job with Flying J doing PM work for a bit. This past summer, I was in the hospital for 2 days for unexplained dizziness, and come to find that I got fired from Flying J for absence (I had worked for them for only 2 weeks at that time). That didn't matter to them. Had all the documentation, return-to-work paperwork; nothing worked. They have a very strict attendance policy, any absence for any reason within the first 30 days would be grounds for dismissal, period.

Penske has an opportunity for a Manager trainee, and before I leave Ryder to take this job, I was wondering what your experiences with Ryder and Penske were like. Which treats you better? Which has better service? How about equipment? Breakdowns? Any light you can shed on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Please reply here or PM me with any information. Thanks a lot for all your help.

Erick

[brian griffin]

i do remember you and actually i am interested in knowing how your career move worked out?

i am trying to learn more about the mechanical side of trucks and i wonder if getting a job like yours might be a good idea?

About Ryder vs. Penske:
Based on my experiences, Ryder beats penske hands down.

1) Ryder most definitely treats their customers better. Penske is unionized, so that may have something to do with it? At any rate, that may be a better thing for you, as labor.

2) Ryder, hands down, has better service (see above). This includes 24 hour breakdown service as well.

3) Ryder, hands down, has better(and cleaner) equipment. Penske does not believe in balancing their wheels.

4) Breakdowns---much quicker/efficient and friendlier response from 24 hour call ctr.

[peterbilt]

HI Brian:

Hope all is going well for you. There are times I really have a passion for trucks, but most of the time, with the people I work with, I just don't have it anymore. They are the laziest bunch I've ever seen.

I'm still at Ryder...Penske never called back. So screw them.

I'd say if you are physically able, then definitley get some schooling under your belt, and become a mechanic! The money is great, and most shops are union. If you want a start, and don't know much about the mechanical side, getting a part time Preventative Maintenance tech or tire guy might be the way to go, depending on what your trucking schedule is like.

Trucks will always be around, so the job is relatively stable.

The only BAD thing about my job, is all they want me to do is fuel/wash trucks, and clean up after the pigs. I cannot do any work on the trucks at all (I got written up for lubing a door hinge...). If you can find a shop that will let you watch the techs as they do their work, that might be an option.

About Ryder vs. Penske:

Based on my experiences, Ryder beats penske hands down.

I guess it could be different from the other way around. Every time I see a Penske truck on the road, its a newer model, freshly cleaned. That gives me a confident feeling. Whereas, Ryder, everytime I see our truck on the road, its always dirty, and many of them are early 90's equipment. You never see an older model Penske truck on the road...

1) Ryder most definitely treats their customers better. Penske is unionized, so that may have something to do with it? At any rate, that may be a better thing for you, as labor.

Ryder is union, too. Sometimes its good, sometimes its bad.

2) Ryder, hands down, has better service (see above). This includes 24 hour breakdown service as well.

That's debateable. The people who run Ryder are idiots. The quality of work could be so much better. We are so short handed; people get laid off/fired, and they don't make any effort to replace their positions. Its all about the almighty dollar...

If you don't mind, please drop me a PM. Lets chat. Hopefully I can answer more of your questions.

Erick