Hi Hands;
I'm an experienced driver, but have not run reefers for a few years.
I have been running tankers out of Casper hauling crude oil to Eagle springs NV. The job has ended because of local freezing temps and the crude has an 18 percent water content. The job begins again next spring, but I'm looking for a job now.
I filled out an on line application, and received offers of employment from both Knight and Pride both reefer outfits.
Any comments or advice? First hand only please, because I have to commit to one or the other by Tuesday 12/05/06.
Thanks for your trouble, Nightwing

 

reefers pretty much run themselves and are pretty self explanatory, (esp the newer ones). keep em fuled, check the oil, and check temps and for warnings whenever you stop, call in with any trouble you don't know how to fix.

Newer reefers are very simple, don't worry much about it just make sure they show you how to adjust them.

older ones can be a royal pain and need more attenition and playing with, esp in extream outside temps.

 

Jolly White Giant;
Thanks for the come back. I'm not as concerned about the new reefers as I am about the companies Pride and Knight.
I have downloaded info on Carrier and Thermo King and am pretty up to date on them, but your advice is welcome and reassuring
Thanks again, Nightwing

 

I've heard from a number of drivers Pride is a great place to work

 

Sorry, misunderstood.

There is a post on this forum about Knight refridgerated with allot of good comments. I am looking at Knight dry van now.

 

I've also heard Pride is a good place to work. They also have nice equipment from what I've seen going down the road.

 

Jolly White Giant;
Knight reefer is in Idaho Falls, but I stopped at Knight dry van in SLC at 5600W to talk to some of the drivers and get a general idea of Knight overall.
I guess that there were about ten drivers that I spoke to outside in the smoking area. They all were happy with Knight except for the speed limiter on the engines and idle time.. They were not too pleased with Knight's policy re. idle time. If Knight decides that you idle too much they cut down your top speed from 66 mph to 62 mph as punishment. Knight has a formula to govern idle time. If you are near SLC at 5600 W. or pass a Knight dry van on the road, look for "Tiny" he has the scoop on Knight.
They all said that conditions were better in the reefer division.
Nightwing

 

I currently drive for Knight Dry van. All in all they are a good company. They seem to pay on time and I never have a problem getting miles. I have not had a week under 2500 miles. I run the part of the country that I want to run. I do occasionally have to go outside of that area but I usually get a load going right back. My experience thus far is good. My average length of haul is around 750 to 900 miles. They are a no forced dispatch company. They do have some strict rules on idle time. They want you to keep it under 34%. If you keep it under that your truck will do 66 mph. If it goes above it it drops down to 64 mph. They will either pay you after each trip or weekly. They use Trans FLo. If you chose the daily pay all your paperwork has to be received by Phoenix by 10 am Phoenix time to get it that day otherwise it will be on your card the next day. I understand the Refer division is run pretty much the same way. I hope this helps! BOL

 

fireman;
Thanks for the info.
I had to decide today and I picked Pride. They govern their trucks at 70 with no idle penalty.
I start orientation on the 11th., and am supposed to drive a new T-600 or Century in the 11 western states.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Nightwing

 

BOL! I hope they turn out to be a great company for you! Keep up posted on how they are treating you! Again, BOL!