Working for TankStar, Schwerman, Rogers, et al

[mbadriver]

TankStar called me today about working for them. He stated their freight is strong, just the usual hiccup the first couple weeks of January. I kind of giggled and said that's not the case where I work.

A little research shows TankStar has a few companies under it's umbrella. Schwerman, Rogers, Wheatfield, Bulk Logistics, and North American Bulk.

The gentleman I spoke to said their freight with BASF is strong. He buzzed through the pay scale real quick, I didn't write it all down - except $0.43 a mile and the drivers are averaging (take home?) $900 - $1500 a week.

I hate bailing on Superior so quick. But they just can't keep me as busy as I need to be.

So the question is - Who has any knowledge of the TankStar Companies????

[mudpuddle]

I must first say I have never worked for this company, so Take this for what its worth.

Why are they calling you?

Did Superior call to recruit you? Or did you call them.

In my experience companies that recruit aggressively HAVE TO!!!

The business is slow right now. It will pass. I have said before it is partially your responsibility to stay busy. Go to your terminal manager and tell them you want to deadhead to freight. Get on the phone as soon as you are loaded and tell the next terminal you want to stay out.

This company is not perfect. None are, but if you jump ship after just a short time you do your work history and resume a lot of damage. We will only be slow for a few more weeks then you will have to beg for time off, its the nature of the business.

[mbadriver]

I will take it for what it is worth...

I must first say I have never worked for this company, so Take this for what its worth.

Why are they calling you?

Did Superior call to recruit you? Or did you call them.

In my experience companies that recruit aggressively HAVE TO!!!

The business is slow right now. It will pass. I have said before it is partially your responsibility to stay busy. Go to your terminal manager and tell them you want to deadhead to freight. Get on the phone as soon as you are loaded and tell the next terminal you want to stay out.

This company is not perfect. None are, but if you jump ship after just a short time you do your work history and resume a lot of damage. We will only be slow for a few more weeks then you will have to beg for time off, its the nature of the business.

[Skywalker]

For what it is worth...you will find that what affects one company within a sector of industry affects all the companies within that segment. Unless there are some severe competitive shennanigans going on....which the current state of the entire industry and the economy denies.... I really have serious doubt that other outfits are that busy.

Having recently spoken with drivers from other companies...in our segment of the industry....things seem to be about the same all around.

For what its worth...traditionally, in this industry....this is normally a slow period. Its been like that since I got into this 15 years ago. I do believe that things will pick up here fairly soon. It normally does.

[mbadriver]

I started this thread in the hopes of hearing something about the TankStar Companies. I don't need career advice or a lesson in economics from Mud. FWIW, he has been with Superior 3-weeks longer than me. I was somewhat miffed by his "its partially your responsibility..." Geez, ya think so?

On the other hand, I appreciate the info you and cy have given me and the rest of the board.

Thanks and if no drivers from TankStar comment then this thread will just fade away.

For what it is worth...you will find that what affects one company within a sector of industry affects all the companies within that segment. Unless there are some severe competitive shennanigans going on....which the current state of the entire industry and the economy denies.... I really have serious doubt that other outfits are that busy.

Having recently spoken with drivers from other companies...in our segment of the industry....things seem to be about the same all around.

For what its worth...traditionally, in this industry....this is normally a slow period. Its been like that since I got into this 15 years ago. I do believe that things will pick up here fairly soon. It normally does.

[Cluggy619]

Let us know if you hear anything about them.

:wink:

[mudpuddle]

Yes I have been with Superior just about six months now, not much longer than you. I have been in this industry for a long time though and know how recruiters lie.

I offered you some constructive suggestions on how to stay busier. I didn't give you any lessons. Your attitude sucks and with that in mind I think that Rogers is a great company and suggest you don't let the door hit you in the azz on the way out.

[mbadriver]

Nice touch!

I guess I should have said, "tell me something I don't know." However, your tone implied I was doing something wrong - that isn't true.

If wanting to work is a bad attitude, then count me in!

No one questioned your attitude when you expressed dismay about local work and dealing with Baltimore/DC traffic.

I am not looking to pick any fights around here. So lets call a truce.

Yes I have been with Superior just about six months now, not much longer than you. I have been in this industry for a long time though and know how recruiters lie.

I offered you some constructive suggestions on how to stay busier. I didn't give you any lessons. Your attitude sucks and with that in mind I think that Rogers is a great company and suggest you don't let the door hit you in the azz on the way out.

[mudflap276]

i worked for schwermann a few years ago. i really liked the company. freight was dependable and constant. they haul mainly cement for Portland and Lehigh. winter is a little slow. but they had plenty of freight to keep me busy. i made a percentage of each load. i started early each day and made my 1 or 2 deliveries, preloaded for the next day and was home by 1pm. i pulled flatbeds and tankers for them. pretty basic trucks with satellite communication. low power and no fancy bells or whistles. i hope this helps some. they are a good company. i would go back but i am out of the industry.

[mbadriver]

thanks!

i worked for schwermann a few years ago. i really liked the company. freight was dependable and constant. they haul mainly cement for Portland and Lehigh. winter is a little slow. but they had plenty of freight to keep me busy. i made a percentage of each load. i started early each day and made my 1 or 2 deliveries, preloaded for the next day and was home by 1pm. i pulled flatbeds and tankers for them. pretty basic trucks with satellite communication. low power and no fancy bells or whistles. i hope this helps some. they are a good company. i would go back but i am out of the industry.

[johnny99]

I pulled tankers for 15 yrs and this time of year it allways slowed down. From Christmas untill early March bulk freight just don't move that much for the most part.