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08-19-2007, 09:52 PM
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Non-union LTL companies
Even though I'm primarily interested in driving bulkers ( as that's what I have experience in, and like to do as well ), I'd like to keep my options open, since, when I start applying for jobs upon my move to western PA, I'll be starting off as a rookie, with no experience, and won't exactly be in a position to pick and choose.
Of late, LTL has begun to interest me a mite, primarily because of the hometime and the pay. The only thing I'm still unsure of is the dock-work aspect, as I'm loathe to lugging stuff around ( unless it's a hose & fittings ) due to a damaged left knee and a dodgy back.
What I've gleaned from this board is that almost all unionised LTL companies start rookies off in the docks, and they ( the rookies ) have to depend upon father time and dame luck to claw their way up the seniority scale to get to a full-time driving position.
That being said, what about non-union LTL companies ? Is there any such creature in existence ? Do they hire rookies ? How does one find a driving position with them ?
Any information will be highly appreciated.
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08-19-2007, 10:56 PM
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I work for Central Transport -- a non-union LTL carrier.
In the past, Central has had a horrible reputation and many on here will acknowledge that. However, in my opinion, they are s-l-o-w-l-y turning things around.
I'm a city driver. 90% of the time I don't finger-print the freight. We get the freight to the end of the trailer and from there (dock or non-dock) the customer is responsible for moving it (unless the customer pays extra for me to move it--which is rare).
As far as dock work, sometimes I load my trailer in the morning with a forklift, sometimes it is preloaded. In the evenings, we are required to unload our trailers and place the freight on linehaul trailers. So...you will be operating a forklift.
Linehaul drivers (night runs) hook up to the trailer and take it to a hub. There they hop on a forklift, unload their trailer weighing each piece of freight, and put it on the proper outbound trailer. They then drive back to the terminal, hop on a forklift, and unload their trailer again and load the city trucks.
I'm sure other LTL drivers will chime in how it works at their barns.
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08-19-2007, 11:46 PM
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www.truckingboards.com has most LTL companies represented and a ton of LTL drivers. I think that question would be best answered there.
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08-20-2007, 12:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigWheels
I work for Central Transport -- a non-union LTL carrier.
In the past, Central has had a horrible reputation and many on here will acknowledge that. However, in my opinion, they are s-l-o-w-l-y turning things around.
I'm a city driver. 90% of the time I don't finger-print the freight. We get the freight to the end of the trailer and from there (dock or non-dock) the customer is responsible for moving it (unless the customer pays extra for me to move it--which is rare).
As far as dock work, sometimes I load my trailer in the morning with a forklift, sometimes it is preloaded. In the evenings, we are required to unload our trailers and place the freight on linehaul trailers. So...you will be operating a forklift.
Linehaul drivers (night runs) hook up to the trailer and take it to a hub. There they hop on a forklift, unload their trailer weighing each piece of freight, and put it on the proper outbound trailer. They then drive back to the terminal, hop on a forklift, and unload their trailer again and load the city trucks.
I'm sure other LTL drivers will chime in how it works at their barns.
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Thanks for your response, Wheels. How long have you been working for them ? Do you get laid-off every year, as seems to be the norm with other LTL companies ? How many pickups and drops do you average every day ? Do you know if your company hires rookies for driving positions ? Would love to hear from you again. Thanks.
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08-20-2007, 12:59 AM
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PJAX
Pitt-Ohio Express
Old Dominion(non-union in this area)
ESTES(Has a terminal close to New Castle, PA)
Pyle
Ward
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08-20-2007, 03:23 AM
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I have been driving for a non union LTL company for the past 2 years
(actually 2 different companies)
There has never been any lay offs. Maybe an early night here or there or a night off. But never more than one day off at a time.
With my company the dock work for the driver depends on their run.
I just got off a run where I was spending 3 hours on the dock breaking 2 trailers and loading mine.
Now I am on a longer driving run where I just do a drop and hook and return to my home terminal. The most I do on a dock now is leave my footprint in the dust. Oh happy day
At the 2 non union LTL companies I have worked for. If you are hired as a driver you drive, most of the dock workers don't have CDLs.
I think in the long run the union jobs would be better, but I don't want to go thru the pecking order process to get where I want to be. I already did that in construction years ago.
I am home everyday, but working nights can really mess up your schedule even on the weekend.
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08-21-2007, 07:29 PM
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R+L CARRIERS. I just started three weeks ago, they have terminals in PA, are non-union and dont require you to start to work at the dock. I actually applied for city driving where you have to UNLOAD at most customers yourself with your own pallet jack. Since they had only a position open for linehaul I thought I give that a shot. I drive now only nights MO-FRI and just switch my trailers with another driver in a macys parking lot. I dont have to deal with ugly traffic and unloading anymore. Next to that I am HOME in my OWN bed every day, no ugly showers in ugly truck stops anymore, either.
Also no more BS from shippers, receivers,dispatch or DMs.
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08-21-2007, 07:38 PM
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Fed Ex is non-union. (I think)
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08-21-2007, 11:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackrabbit379
Fed Ex is non-union. (I think)
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Yep, they are non-union
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08-22-2007, 06:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ben45750
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackrabbit379
Fed Ex is non-union. (I think)
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Yep, they are non-union
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Well 99.99% Non union. IIRC the pilots for the express component are union.
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