Truck Driver Jobs Blog

Barr-Nunn Transportation launches new Trucking Employment Assessment Monitor

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

Granger, IA-March 3, 2006-Barr-Nunn Transportation is a widely acclaimed provider of highest quality transportation and logistics services. Since our inception in 1982, we have been the industry leader in pay packages; have grown to a fleet of nearly 675 tractors, 1,800 trailers and over 500 customers nationwide. Our large customer base and ability to efficiently meet the needs of shippers across the country have made us not just a stable operation, but one that is here for the long haul. We are also an organization that is poised for strategic growth. At Barr-Nunn, we want all Owner Operators and Company Drivers to be happy. We constantly work hard to come up with new ways to prove how much we value them.

Barr-Nunn Transportation has now launched T.E.A.M. (Trucking Employment Assessment Monitor). This allows any driver or owner operator looking for employment to log on to www.barr-nunn.com and compare the features of any company with Barr-Nunn Transportation's features. "This will allow company drivers and owner operators to see why Barr-Nunn is a great place to work and all of the driver designed benefits we offer", said Doug Albrecht, Recruiting Director.

For your chance to compare other carriers with Barr-Nunn, log onto www.barr-nunn.com and click on T.E.A.M.

To find out more about how Barr-Nunn anticipates and responds to the needs of our people, offers outstanding pay packages including our New Practical Mileage Program and gives them all the advantages they deserve, call us at: 888-999-7576, Visit our website at: www.barr-nunn.com

DANNY O'QUINN JR. FINISHES WHERE HE STARTS IN FIRST CAREER ROAD COURSE RACE. WE ARE PROUD AT BARR-NUNN TRANSPORTATION.

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

MEXICO CITY (March 3, 2006)- Danny O'Quinn Jr., the No. 50 World Financial Group team and associate sponsor Barr-Nunn Transportation, headed south of the border for the first time this weekend to race in the TelCel Motorola Mexico 300 presented by Banamex. It was O'Quinn Jr.'s first trip outside of the country, and he wanted to do well in his first showing in a race outside of the U.S.

As has been the case previously in the season, O'Quinn Jr. and team came into the weekend focused on qualifying. At this race in particular, qualifying was even more present on the minds of the crew, because it was O'Quinn Jr.'s first time on a road course. Going into the season, it was the one race that the team was most concerned about.

That concern was forgotten when qualifying time came around. During his first laps on the track, O'Quinn Jr. ran a lap fast enough to guarantee him a spot on the starting grid of the TelCel Motorola Mexico 300. At the time he ran, he was the quickest rookie on the track, with a lap time of 90.034 seconds. His time qualified his Ford Fusion in the 26th position.

O'Quinn wasn’t unhappy with that run, and talked about how he gained the speed in the practice sessions on Friday.

"I just ran as many laps yesterday [in practice] as I could trying to get a feel for the track," O'Quinn Jr. said in a post-qualifying interview. "We never really changed anything and I picked up maybe seven seconds from start to end. I think that says a lot for seat time for me on road courses."

O'Quinn Jr. also shared his strategy for the race.

"The same is going to be for the race. It's just ride the race out and learn what everybody is doing and apply that," said O'Quinn Jr. "I'm going to take the first half of the race and try to learn, and try to keep myself on the blacktop and out of harm's way for a while."

This is exactly what he did.

When the race started, O'Quinn Jr. was already learning, racing with those who started around him. On lap five, the first caution of the day fell for trouble on Stacy Compton's machine.

Crew Chief Drew Blickensderfer called O'Quinn Jr. to come in and pit on the last caution lap before the restart, to execute his pit strategy of coming in early and only having to make one more pit stop. If the plan worked out right, Blickensderfer would put O'Quinn Jr. out front late in the race.

It worked. For the first half of the race, O'Quinn Jr. logged laps and learned how to race on a road course.

He was going a little too fast into one of the turns early, and spun-out on his own, causing the second caution of the day on lap 19. But it was a clean, harmless spin, as he didn't hit the wall or damage the car. He got back on course and kept digging.

With about 33 laps to go, the pit strategy plan came to fruition. O'Quinn Jr. found himself in the ninth position. He began to pick off cars, as one lap later he was in the eighth position and with 31 laps to go, he had worked his way to the fifth position.

O'Quinn Jr. ran as high as third during the closing 30 laps of the race as a result of the pit strategy, but fell behind in the closing laps.

O'Quinn Jr. finished in the 26th position after falling from the top-five.

"We're happy with the way the car came out of it. We're definitely not happy with the finish, but I learned a lot," O'Quinn Jr. said in a post race interview. "So, we'll take this and it will make us 100 percent better when we go to Watkins Glen."

Officially, it was O'Quinn Jr.'s first ride in the top-five in his NASCAR Busch series career. Thanks to a good pit strategy by Blickensderfer and team, O'Quinn Jr. saw the front of the field at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

O'Quinn Jr. and his No. 50 World Financial Group team head to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway next weekend for the Sam's Town 300.


Roush Racing is a subsidiary of Livonia, Mich., based Roush Enterprises which operates 13 motorsports teams; five in NASCAR Nextel Cup with drivers Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, six in the Busch Series with Martin, Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards, Todd Kluever and Danny O'Quinn, Jr. and two in the Craftsman Truck Series with Martin, David Ragan and Erik Darnell.

To find out more about more about the racing program at Barr-Nunn Transportation, or about joining us as a Company Driver or Owner Operator, please call us at: 1-888-999-7576, or visit our website at: www.barr-nunn.com

American Truck Driver Job Shortage

Most people in the trucking industry already know this, but there is a shortage of qualified OTR truck drivers in the United States. The American Trucking Association reports that there are nearly 3.5 million truckers in the U.S. and that almost half of them are long haul drivers. The shortage is now considered to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000 truck drivers. It is estimated that there will be a shortage of around 111,000 drivers by the year 2014 if current economic trends continue.

This presents a dramatic problem especially when one finds out that large truckload carriers reported an average annual turnover of 121% last year. I personally have heard that of one of the nation’s largest trucking company’s (they will remain nameless) hires of truck drivers, an estimated 42 percent of those are rehires. There is a tremendous amount of turnover (churning) in the trucking industry and a recent study says the same. That same study reports that the average truck driver makes less money than they did before the 2000 recession. A lot of this churning is the result of many truckers’ complaints about lack of home time and regularly scheduled home time not just truck driver pay.

Another issue to consider is the 219,000 truck drivers who are over the age of 55 that will likely be retiring in the next 10 years. Most truckers do not continue to drive beyond the age of 65. In the year 2000, drivers between the ages of 55 and 65 comprised roughly 14% of the driving workforce. Only 2.8% of that same workforce was made up of drivers who were 65 years or older.

The trucking industry may be facing these driver shortage problems because of issues outside of home time and pay. An estimated 95% of truck drivers are male. This is not to say that women have been excluded from truck driver hiring practices, but it does show a great example of an outlier. Another startling statistic from the 2000 census is that more than 80% of all truck drivers are white only. Roughly 12% were black only and 8% were some other race. Roughly 10% claimed some Hispanic origin. According
to these Census data, the Hispanic population is slightly under-represented, and the African American population is slightly over-represented among truck drivers in the American Truck Transportation Industry.
All of this while the female population is grossly under-represented.

In order for the American Truck Transportation Industry to continue to be able to move 85% of all goods in the United States, they have a long road to travel. Trucking companies must target minorities not just white males. They must also deal with drivers’ concerns over home time, the scheduling of that home time, and most importantly driver pay.

For a more in-depth look at this situation, point your browser to: http://www.truckline.com/NR/rdonlyres/E2E789CF-F308-463F-8831-0F7E283A0218/0/ATADriverShortageStudy05.pdf

MCT Truck Driver School Announces its 35th Anniversary

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

MCT Driver School Announces its 35th Anniversary

The Midwest Coast Transport Driver School has been training men and women to become professional truck drivers since 1971. This year marks its 35th anniversary, and to celebrate, they’re offering a special discount to students during the first half of 2006. Insurance and drug screening, which usually cost $67, will instead be offered for only $35 for the first six months of this year.
Improvements in technology and equipment have caused the Sioux Falls, South Dakota campus to change through the years, but its solid reputation for putting prepared, competent and professional drivers on the road has remained constant. Last year, over 80 students graduated from the program.
The MCT Driver School is known for its warm, personal atmosphere, low student to teacher ratio, and quality curriculum. With an emphasis on professionalism and safety as well as basic technical skills, the MCT Driver School equips its students to build solid careers as professional truck drivers.
To receive an application to attend, plus more information about MCT's tuition-free training program, please dial 1-877-JOIN-MCT or e-mail recruitment@mct.comcar.com.

Roehl Takes a Different Approach in Truck Driver Recruitment

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

Roehl Takes a Different Approach in Truck Driver Recruitment

Right here, in the pages surrounding this article are dozens of ads for drivers, each making
attractive promises... higher mileage rates, fairer treatment, friendly management, more home
time... we're better... join our team... call now! Who should a driver believe? How do you tell the real thing from empty promises?

Roehl Transport's driver recruitment communications are distinctly different from those of most
other trucking companies, according to Roehl Executive Vice President Bob Rader. "Drivers
deserve verifiable facts that allow them to objectively compare job offers and they need
sufficient information to make an important decision that will affect their careers and families," he explained.

"The kind of information we provide prospective drivers about their opportunities here is not
only useful in and of itself, I believe the fact that we choose to approach drivers this way says
something about our company," President Rick Roehl added. "Carriers who appeal to drivers
with unsubstantiated statements and a couple of bullet points aren't treating them like intelligent, thoughtful people. Right off the top that's a strong signal the company may not treat its drivers with the respect and courtesy they have coming," Roehl said.

Independent verification of take home pay

Lots of driver ads claim high mileage rates; others claim high miles, some both. But driver
income is based on several factors—the rate, mileage, bonuses and extras. That makes it almost
impossible to compare one company to another, Rader explained. He noted that ads often
promise miles that are mathematically impossible. When you figure hours of operation, speed
limits, and freight statistics, it doesn't work on paper. "When we say experienced drivers can
earn from $46,000 to $55,000 their first year at Roehl, it is based on realistic mileage goals that are achieved by many of our drivers."

More importantly, an independent organization has done an in-depth analysis of driver pay over
the course of several years and Roehl driver compensation has been consistently ranked among
the 10 best in the nation. "So when we say Roehl drivers Take Home More, you don't just have
to take our word for it," Rader said.

Provide a full picture

You'll notice Roehl ads and other recruiting materials have a lot of information in them. In fact, Roehl's booklet for prospective drivers is so thorough that many driving schools use it as a guide for teaching students about driving careers. "For example, we provide details that support the Be Home More portion of our reputation. We encourage drivers to compare our home time options, point-by-point, with those of other companies. If you truly have a great program, which we do, it shows," Rader said. The company offers a number of home time options including innovative HOMEtime PLUSâ„¢ fleets that provide drivers 120 or 180 days/year off.
Roehl also goes to great lengths to explain all other parts of its operations—equipment, dispatch, freight profiles, training and safety policy, maintenance, productivity tools and so on. "Different factors are important to different people. Rather than presenting just the high points, we try to give drivers a complete picture. The drivers will decide what's important to them. Our job is to present our company honestly," Rader emphasized.

Truck Drivers like the Roehl approach

Drivers frequently tell Roehl how much they appreciate all the information and independently
proven facts the company provides. "Roehl's turnover rate is much lower than the industry
average. That's because they are making a well-informed decision to join us and when they get
here they find that what they read and heard during the recruiting process is true." Rader said.

Find out more

Roehl operates van, curtainside and flatbed divisions and offers drivers National, Regional and
Dedicated fleets. For more information about switching to Roehl—The Take Home More, Be
Home More Carrierâ„¢ call: 1-800-325-5608 or visit: www.GoRoehl.com

Barr-Nunn Driver Tom Logue Gets A Taste Of Life In The Fast Lane

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

Granger, IA-February 13, 2006-Barr-Nunn Transportation is a widely acclaimed provider of highest quality transportation and logistics services. Since our inception in 1982, we have been the industry leader in pay packages, have grown to a fleet of nearly 650 tractors, 1,650 trailers and over 500 customers nationwide. Our large customer base and ability to efficiently meet the needs of shippers across the country have made us not just a stable operation, but one that is here for the long haul. We are also an organization that is poised for strategic growth. At Barr-Nunn, we want our Company Drivers and Owner Operators to be happy. We constantly work hard to come up with new ways to prove how much we value them.

Kelloggs had a sweepstakes over the holidays and 754 drivers from different trucking companies all entered to win two tickets to a Nextel Cup race. We think it's great that one of the Barr-Nunn Company Drivers won, said Doug Albrecht, Recruiting Director.

The winner, Tom Logue said, "It was great to win and although I am not the biggest fan of Nascar, my girlfriend is".

Tom Logue and his girlfriend will be attending the Pocono Nextel cup race on June 11, 2006.

To find out more about how Barr-Nunn anticipates and responds to the needs of our people, offers outstanding pay packages including our New Practical Mileage Program and gives them all the advantages they deserve, call us at: 888-999-7576, Visit our website at: www.barr-nunn.com

BARR-NUNN TRANSPORTATION WANTS ANY COMPANY DRIVER TO FULFILL THEIR DREAM OF BECOMING AN OWNER OPERATOR!

As Posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

Granger, IA—January 26, 2006—Barr-Nunn Transportation is a widely acclaimed provider of highest quality transportation and logistics services. Since our inception in 1982, we have been the industry leader in pay packages, have grown to a fleet of nearly 650 tractors, 1,650 trailers and over 500 customers nationwide. Our large customer base and ability to efficiently meet the needs of shippers across the country have made us not just a stable operation, but one that is here for the long haul. We are also an organization that is poised for strategic growth. At Barr-Nunn, we want our Company Drivers and Owner Operators to be happy. We constantly work hard to come up with new ways to prove how much we value them.

"We are so pleased to announce our new program for Company Drivers who would like to become Owner Operators. Of course, we greatly appreciate all our Company Drivers and we’re happy to have them continue in that position. But, for those who envision a future for themselves as Owner Operators, we want you to stay or join us", says Doug Albrecht, Recruiting Director.

"This program isn’t only directed at our Company Drivers but for any Company Driver that wants to become an Owner Operator.", stated Rene Beacom, President.

Here’s how the new program works. Effective February 1, 2006, we are offering a transition payment benefit of up to $3500. This benefit will be for all current Company Drivers and all new Company Drivers hired between now and April 30, 2006. Additionally, with the down payment, we are offering 3 months of free comprehensive Owner Operator business consulting services through American Truck Business Services. At Barr-Nunn, we need all Owner Operators to be successful and this tractor purchase program is centered on Company Drivers owning their business.

To find out more about how Barr-Nunn anticipates and responds to the needs of our people, offers outstanding pay packages including our New Practical Mileage Program and gives them all the advantages they deserve, call us at: 888-999-7576, Visit our website at: www.barr-nunn.com

Tennessee Truck Show 2006

Friday May 12th & Saturday the 13th 2006, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville at exit 81 on I-65 will be the when and where of the 2006 Tennessee Truck Show. The Truck Show will feature free concerts by trucking musicians Joey Holiday, Red Simpson, and TC Bush. The Master of Ceremonies will be trucking entertainer Dave Nemo. There will be 2 Show Truck Competitions. The first 200 CDL holders will receive a free breakfast compliments of Forward Air, Inc. There will also be a pre-event BBQ sponsored by Crossroads to Hope. Admission will be free and there is said to be "Lots of Free Truck Parking". There will be a NASCAR simulator on site.

The show will open to the public at 10am on 12 May 2006. This is when Forward Air's free breakfast for the first 200 CDL holders will take place. There will be a silent auction running from the time the gates open until 4pm that afternoon.

Starting at 11am there will begin prize giveaways and a free lunch for the first 500 CDL holders will begin. From 4pm - 8:30pm there will be a FREE CONCERT with Joey Holiday & TC Bush. Get your shopping in because vendors may close up shop at 5pm to attend the concert.

From 8:30-9:30 there will be a Truck Light Show.

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On Saturday May the 13th, the show will open at 9am to the public. From 9am - 3pm there will be a silent auction supporting Trucker Buddy International.

The Truck Show judging will begin at 10:30am with awards for the show being given out at 2pm.

From 3pm-5pm there will be a free concert with Joey Holiday & TC Bush. The show concludes at 5pm. Souces say that All Vendors, Show Trucks and Participants must be vacated no later than 11:00pm on Saturday May 13, 2006

Hope that you attend and have a safe and happy time.
For more information go to http://www.joeyholiday.com/truckshow.htm

Fed Highlights Driver Shortage

Posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

The Federal Reserve noted in it's January 18th edition of the Beige Book that the truck driver shortage continues. The report said that driver shortages in the Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, and Philadelphia Districts remained strong. This issue of the Beige Book said "Most Districts reported moderate increases in employment. Labor markets tightened in some areas and for some occupations". Some of the tightening occured in the Philidelphia District where "Trucking firms reported continuing high rates of activity, resulting in difficulty finding sufficient numbers of drivers.".

The report said that the Cleveland District felt that "Demand for trucking and shipping services remained strong throughout the last six weeks of 2005, and stronger than at this time a year ago. Higher fuel costs continued to concern contacts, even though trucking companies have been able to maintain their surcharges. Many contacts also reported that their firms intend to increase base rates beginning in 2006. Carriers continued to report difficulty attracting and retaining drivers, however few firms planned to increase wages. Some acquisitions are reportedly being undertaken to add additional drivers to firms. Capital spending in the industry is expected to stay strong given changes in emissions regulations that will take effect in 2007.
".

The Atlanta District stated of Transportation that "Trucking contacts reported that freight demand remained solid. However, some noted lower margins because of high fuel costs. Driver shortages are still a major concern. For instance, activity at the Port of New Orleans was reportedly limited by a shortage of truck drivers.
".

The Chicago district said of Business Spending that truck driver shortages persisted. In spite of these persistant truck driver shortages, "trucker wage gains reportedly slowed".

The Kansas City commented "The percentage of contacts reporting labor shortages edged down from the previous survey. However, several types of workers were said to be difficult to find, including truck drivers, auto mechanics, oil and gas workers and unskilled manufacturing workers.".

More complete information can be found on the report itself at: http://www.federalreserve.gov/FOMC/BeigeBook/2006/20060118/FullReport.htm

USA Truck, Inc. To Offer Interest Free Loans For Truck Driving Students In Texas

As Posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

For more information, contact:
USA Truck
Steve Brantley
Manager, Driver Recruiting
479-471-6671


Van Buren, Ark. –– USA Truck, Inc. is announcing a new interest-free loan program to help students attend truck driving school at a lower cost.

USA Truck, Inc. has a partnership with Weatherford College in Texas to help their vocational program. The loan will pay for the Truck Driving Training course at the college, which is near the Dallas/Forth Worth area. After completion of the course, the loan will be paid back to the company through a small payroll deduction. USA Truck, Inc. will pay an additional $1,000 incentive to the driver if the new driver completes one year of service.

Manager of driver recruiting, Steve Brantley, said “The industry is providing great opportunities and we are encouraging more people to attend truck driving school, and to get into our business at a very low cost. We are simply helping people seek a career change to the fast growing and stable trucking industry.”

There is no credit check or down payment for the loan, just an agreement to stay with the company for a year. Prospective drivers must be at least 22 years of age, have a good driving record and be able to be DOT qualified.

For more information on USA Truck, Inc. or to fill out an application, please visit www.gousatruck.com.