Truck Driver Jobs Blog

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 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

Hill Brothers Names 250,000-Mile Drivers

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com

Hill Brothers Transportation recently recognized Wayne Birdsell, Franquis Tapia, Darwin Weinbrandt, Aleksandr Plyushko, Gary Hales, Michael Edie, Gilbert Shipman, David Thomason, Williphord Daugherty, Johnny Conley, Kenneth Jones and George Stallions for having achieved 250,000 safe miles throughout their tenure at Hill Brothers. This is an accomplishment that very few professional drivers ever reach. Assistant Safety Director Sandie Bokelman stated, "Hill Brothers is proud to be one of the few carriers that have accomplished drivers with this type of driving record." Hill Brothers is a family owned and operated company since 1986 and is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Job Outlook for Truck Drivers and Trucking Jobs

Truck driver jobs should be readily available in the coming years. Not only is substantial growth expected in the industries that provide jobs to truck drivers, but the numbers of "baby boomer" truck drivers is expected to dwindle as that generation nears retirement age. Jobs have a high degree of variance in terms of income. In 2002 the average hourly earnings of american truck driving jobs was almost $16 per hour. The high wage variance comes in that the middle 50% earned between $12.51 and $20.01 per hour. The highest paying job sector for heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers was for general freight trucking which weighed in at a little over $17.50 per hour. The lowest paying sector was cement and concrete product manufacturing. The big employment picture for truck driving jobs is expected to have the same growth as all other occuupations through 2012. This stability of employment should make truck driving an attractive employment alternative due to it's deep roots in many other sectors of commerce. The feasability of using truck transport is considered better than other means of transportation, especially when dealing with time-sensitive goods and perishables. LTL or less-than-truckload jobs have better working environments and are therefore expected to become more competitive.

Truck driver/sales worker jobs are expected to perform below the entire truck driving sector. This comes as a result of specialization. The truck driver will no longer have to wear the hat of a trucker and a salesperson. The sales jobs that drivers have performed in the past are expected to be deligated to office personel. The driver/salesman is projected to become specialized in thier working position by just delivering product. Since job opportunities will always fluctuate from year to year, truck drivers should be wise in their choice for employment. The relative strength of the economy has a direct influence on how many job opportunities there are for truckers. When the economy is doing well, there is more freight to be hauled and thus more opportunities for truck drivers to gain high paying trucking jobs. The flip side to that is that when economic performance is low, there is less freight being sold that can be hauled via truck.

The good news for the younger generation of truck drivers and the future generations of drivers is that the most experienced drivers have served their country well and are nearing retirement. I would venture to say that the shortage of drivers do to a retiring labor force will outweigh most economic downturns. This increase in demand for qualified personel should increase the median wages paid for performing those services. Truck driving jobs will be readily available for a very long time. we should all be ok unless someone figures out a way to move freight through the telephone lines or something.

Coastal Transport Names Glenn a Million-Mile Driver

Coastal Transport recently recognized an outstanding driver from the Mocksville, N.C. terminal, Fred Glenn, for having achieved One Million Accident Free Miles. Very few professional truck drivers ever reach this lifetime achievement. Coastal Transport President Steve Reid stated, “Mr. Glen is a safe, professional and courteous driver. We are proud to have him on our team at Coastal Transport. This recognition is well deserved as he holds the safety of the motoring public in the highest regard. We wish Fred and his family continued success in the future.” Coastal Transport, part of the Comcar Industries, is based in Savannah, GA.

Barr-Nunn Transportation Offers “Premium Pay”

Trucking Press Release on www.bigrigjobs.com
Granger, IA— October, 7th 2005- At Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc., a widely acclaimed long-haul, dry van truckload carrier providing highest quality services to over 500 customers nationwide, we want our drivers to be happy. At Barr-Nunn we constantly survey our fleet and review the information to improve their benefits. Listening and allowing our fleet to help design our pay packages significantly increases their ability to be successful here. And our latest enhancement is no different.

Our drivers now get additional pay for loads picked up and delivered in certain mileage bands. Most know it as ‘Band Pay’, but at Barr Nunn, it’s called “Premium Pay”. And premium it is, as our Owner Operators are being paid up to $1.50 a mile and our Company drivers up to $.75 cpm.

Remember, the Difference is Real at Barr Nunn, not just words. And we’ll prove it to you. To find out more about our Company, our great benefits, and our career opportunities, call us at :( 888) 999-7576. Visit our website at: www.barr-nunn.com

BAYLOR TRUCKING DELIVERS PAY INCREASE FOR 2005!

As posted on www.BigRigJobs.com:
MILAN, INDIANA. One of the nation’s premier carriers for driver pay and benefits announced today that they will be implementing a pay increase and drive more money home. The new pay package will provide multiple incentives to Baylor’s entire fleet of Dedicated drivers, Regional Drivers, OTR Drivers and Independent Contractors. The pay increase will raise the actual rate per mile per mile and also change the way drivers are paid. The new pay package will pay all drivers on all miles, loaded and empty using PC Miler Practical Mileage Guide Version 18. This coupled with Baylor’s new healthcare options and guaranteed weekly home time makes it the top compensation package for any driver’s lifestyle.
The raise will go into effect the first week of December. Company drivers will now earn up to 49 cents per mile. Independent Contractors will earn 94 cents per mile, all miles loaded and empty using practical miles as the mileage basis. Baylor made the decision to increase pay in 2005 because it wanted be an industry leader once again and ensure that it was driving big bucks home before the holidays.
“Paying and driving using practical miles is the best choice for everyone,” says Bob Baylor, President of Baylor Trucking. “I have a valid CDL license and I use it. My company and I understand the increased traffic on the roadways, the challenges of the job and life on the road. Baylor will pay on the best and safest routes.” Bob Baylor, second generation trucker, works avidly defending and lobbying for drivers, the industry and everyone’s safety.
Baylor proceeded to proudly comment, “The professionalism and service our drivers provide our customers is the reason we can provide such a dramatic increase in pay. We commit to performance and after 60 years, our team keeps trucking along strong.”
The “Driving Big Bucks Home” compensation package will expand the healthcare options for company drivers in all divisions. Supplemental options including vision and dental will be added to the existing healthcare program. All drivers get customized home time plans also. Drivers are guaranteed home weekends if they chose. Baylor dispatches to driver’s preferences, home weekends, weekly or bi-weekly. Drivers are encouraged to live healthy, balanced lives.
Independent Contractors have several advantages at Baylor. The pay and the miles are great but the added programs make the difference. Independent Contractors make money on Baylor’s fuel surcharge program. Fuel purchases are not deducted from settlements until the revenue from the corresponding trip is paid. This alone puts Baylor’s IC’s ahead. Add the small business training program, discount maintenance, consistent routes, free Maptuit, free TripPak, EZ Pass make Independent Contractors happily driving big bucks home weekly.
“We offer the best programs in the trucking world, stability and a family atmosphere, I make sure of it” says Beth Baylor, Recruiting Director at Baylor. For more information about Baylor Trucking call 1-800-322-9567 ext. 570 or visit www.baylortrucking.com .