Truck Driver Jobs Blog

WARD TRUCKLOAD PAYS ON PRACTICAL MILES; RAISES PAY

Altoona, Pa. (May 15, 2006) – Ward Truckload Express has recently moved to paying on Practical Miles rather than PC miles, resulting in a raise of approximately $3,000 per year for its drivers.
"We saw the industry moving this direction a few months ago and wanted to be one of the first to make this improvement for our driving force," says Creg Strock, director of recruiting & training at Ward Truckload Express. "Paying on Practical Miles is just the fair way to pay drivers and since we were adding a pay increase as well, we felt this was a good time to implement the change."
The company has recently upped pay for drivers with four years of experience from 36¢ per mile to 37¢ per mile and pay for those with five years of experience from 37¢ per mile to 38¢ per mile. Drivers joining Ward are required to have at least two years of experience and start at 35¢ per mile while three years of experience earns 36¢ per mile.
"In addition, we have a 2¢ per mile quarterly bonus that brings pay up even more," says Strock. "It can add up to as much as $650 per quarter."
Ward Truckload Express has experienced steady growth in recent years and has driving opportunities open now for regional and OTR drivers and owner operators.
One of the company's most attractive features is guaranteed weekend home time for 48 hours. According to company President Tim Ward, making allowances for the driver's lifestyle is a priority.
"Our goal is to provide our drivers with a lifestyle that balances time at home with time on the job," says Ward. "We are committed to providing excellent income potential and benefits, and we strive to create a pleasant work environment."
The length of haul for Ward Truckload Express OTR drivers ranges from 50 - 1,000 miles per load, with the average being about 410 miles per load. These drivers will average first year gross earnings of $52,000.
Company driver benefits include direct deposit, paid vacation and holidays; group-term life, AD & D and group medical insurance; voluntary profit sharing/401(k) plan, Ward pension plan and much more.
Benefits for owner operators/lease operators include 100% of loading/unloading billed, 100% of fuel surcharge, weekly pay settlements, direct deposit, 50% trip advance; EFS fuel card program, mobile communications at no cost, physical damage insurance, paid authorized tolls, bobtail insurance, fleet price tire purchase program, paid permits , and more.

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.
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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.
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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

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.

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 .

OAKLEY TRANSPORT REWARDS DRIVERS WITH STAYING POWER

As posted on www.bigrigjobs.com:
Oakley Transport, a premier bulk food grade carrier, is making headlines by increasing driver pay for the second time in less than a year. In addition to the increase in its base pay package announced earlier this year, the company is raising it again, and is also launching a Cash Rewards Program.
“We want drivers in the industry to understand that we are serious about offering profitable, long-term careers, and we will reward drivers who stay with Oakley,” says Larry Barnes, Director of Fleet Development at Oakley. “Their experience is worth a great deal to us, and this proactive pay increase is a great way to communicate that.”
The program is quite simple. The company is raising its base pay for experienced OTR drivers by 1¢ per mile, and will also pay regional and OTR drivers a $1,500 bonus every six months, starting January 2006. “There are no strings attached to that money, no fancy gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors” says Barnes. “If you’re an Oakley driver and you’re here working for us in six months, you get $1,500. Six months after that, you get it again, and again. As long as you’re here for us, that bonus is there for you. New drivers will get their first bonus check six months after their start date.”
The combination of the experience base pay increase and retention bonus amounts to an unprecedented 4¢ per mile pay increase across the board.
"We see this package having a huge impact on our drivers’ take home pay. If you drive an average of 60,000 miles in 6 months, that $1,500 check comes out to an extra 3¢ for all those miles. This is real cash money going to the driver’s bottom line," says Barnes. "Add to that our annual base pay increases, and mileage bonuses as well, and this compensation package is as good as the tank industry has seen. Now, a top earner can make 44¢ per mile, 40% of our trucks are brand new, and we operate 3 regional boards for improved home time. I’ve not seen a total package that competes with this one."
The company operates a fleet of late model Macks, Freightliners and Volvos, all pulling Oakley’s shiny, stainless steel trailers. Their corporate headquarters is in Lake Wales, FL, with terminals in Memphis, TN and Laredo, TX. Each of their facilities has integrated logistics for smooth, efficient operations, a first class preventative maintenance program, and state of the art wash facilities for its equipment.
The focus on driver satisfaction starts with the company’s president and CEO, Tommy Oakley. "I’m very proud of our driving force," says Oakley. "I’m always looking to add good drivers to our team, and this new program really shows everyone how important they are to us.”
Barnes says having the tank industry's best pay package on the table is the just the beginning of how the company is improving all of its driver services. “It's plain and simple: Mr. Oakley demands the best environment for a driver to work in, and we are going to deliver that."
Drivers with and without tank experience are urged to call Oakley Transport today for information on their newest opportunities. Call 877-8TANKER or visit www.oakleytransport.com.

Truck Drivers and Fuel Prices

Do truck drivers jump up and down when they hear that the price of fuel has dropped by a nickel? If fuel drops 5 cents when diesel costs $2.35 per gallon, that represents a 2.08333333% drop in the price of fuel. Surely if diesel represents about half of an owner operator's revenue for a year they would be all giddy about keeping that money in their pocket. My question is: Does the average owner operator spend $30,000 per year on his/her fuel? By my humble calculations, that represents an extra $625 savings in the course of a year. Does $50 per month or $12 per week make a trucking job more worth while?

I'm sure that when given the opportunity to get free lunch for one day a week throughout the year, anybody would say a resounding YES. Consider a whole trucking company with 100 trucks. 100 trucks x $625 = $62500 in savings. Does a trucking company get excited about having an extra $62k for a year? You bet they do. Even though $62,500 is but a drop in the bucket of a company running 100 trucks, they should none the less be excited at any time when fuel prices drop even 1 red cent. The real question is whether or not they start jumping out of windows when the price of fuel goes up 10 cents in a month. Hopefully not...

Either which way. I know that when my van needs gas that I'm going to the cheapest place in town. Although there is not a lot of difference between paying $40 and $39 for a fillup. I'll take the $39 every time. And it is surely the case with truck driving.

Trucking Stock Update

It never seems to stop. Google is up while the rest of the market reaches for any stable ground. Well, It is about lunch time and the only trucking stocks that have their noses above water are J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT), Knight Transportation (KNX), Pacific CMA, Inc. (PAM), and SIRVA, Inc. (SIR). I guess that I should also mention that Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. (PATR) is holding steady at even for the day. There are lots of good gambles out there with:
AHI Allied Holdings, Inc. (AHI) $1.79
CD&L, Inc. (CDV) $1.85
Central Freight Lines Inc./TX (CENF) $2.81
Pacific CMA, Inc. (PAM) $0.80
All of these stocks are sitting as penny stocks. With CDV getting the most serious look of the four. They had an IPO of around $11 and a low of less than a dollar. This trucking sector company who is one of North America's leading providers of time-critical delivery and logistics services, noted that 2004 revenue increased around 19% over 2003 estimates. And if you believe in momentum plays, this is one that could pay off in a big way. Russ Reardon, the Company's CFO, is paying special attention to the trend that started in 2002 with the Company's new business development initiatives.

Trucking Stocks

Here is a list of trucking stocks that I have compiled:
ABFS Arkansas Best Corporation
AHI Allied Holdings, Inc.
CDV CD&L, Inc.
CENF Central Freight Lines Inc./TX
CNF CNF, Inc.
CVTI Covenant Transport, Inc.
DDMX Dynamex, Inc.
FFEX Frozen Food Express Ind.
FWRD Forward Air Corporation
HTLD Heartland Express, Inc.
JBHT J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
KNX Knight Transportation
LSTR Landstar System, Inc.
MRTN Marten Transport, Ltd.
ODFL Old Dominion Freight Line
OVNT Overnite Corporation
PAM Pacific CMA, Inc.
PATR Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc.
PTSI P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.
QLTY Quality Distribution, Inc.
SCST SCS Transportation, Inc.
SIR SIRVA, Inc.
SMXC Smithway Motor Xpress
SWFT Swift Transportation Co.
TCAM Transport Corporation of America, Inc.


The arrangement is the ticker symbol then the company name.