Kottke Trucking - 75 Years of Family Tradition

18 Wheels of Justice Proudly Presents…

75 Years of Family Tradition – Kottke Trucking

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Celebrating 75 Years - Kottke Trucking – A Family Tradition

Kottke Trucking was born on a cold night in 1938 in Buffalo Lake, MN.  The Kottke family patriarch, Mr. Elmer Kottke, started hauling milk, feed and fertilizer for the local creamery. 

In 1961 Donald and Duane took over, called it the aptly named Kottke Brothers and started hauling gravel and dry freight to help grow the business. 

Kottke has had its ups and downs over the years, but in 1983 it lost one of its largest customers and this forced them to change the face of the business.  The Kottke Family is a tough lot and they stuck together and triumphed over these challenges.  They traded in the hoppers for reefers and never looked back.  The Kottke family went after, and was awarded a new ICC authority that gave them the ability to pursue customers and freight in all 48 states.  This was a tough period for the company, but family pulls together and finds a way to make things work.

Connie and Duane Kottke have dedicated their lives to the continued success of Kottke Trucking, Inc. Duane started out driving a mail route truck, then moved to hauling grain. He soon found himself in the position of a dispatcher, and at times, both a driver and dispatcher. Connie’s involvement in the company’s success included buying and selling grain, bookkeeping and occasional dispatching. She and Duane also devoted much of their time to raising their three sons; Kurt, Kory and Kyle. We thank them for creating the strong foundation of Kottke Trucking and with pride; we will carry those traditions into the future.

The Kottke Family, not just the relatives, but every driver, owner operator, dispatcher, office worker and mechanic all work together to make this one of the best reefer companies to work for in Minnesota. 

The Staff at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ was fortunate enough to speak with Kyle Kottke, General Manger, to ask him a few more questions about Kottke…

Thanks for joining us, Kyle.  75 years of trucking, that’s a lot of experience and a lot of responsibility.  Why do drivers and owner operators like working for Kottke?

We like to believe we treat them as part of our family.  They have become an extended part of our family and the foundation of our success.  I believe we work as hard as anyone at keeping the quality of life for a driver high.  Most of our drivers are home every 4-6 days.  Some of the routes go 6-10 days.

 

We work hard to make sure that our offerings are in line with the big guys but their quality of work atmosphere is far superior with us.

We like the family owned and operated tradition at Kottke.  As Kottke has grown over the years, how have you kept this tradition alive?

We are deep into the roots of our company.  Kurt, Kory and I are very involved in the day to day operations of the business and are proud of the team we have assembled.  No question, our heritage is very important to us but we don’t rest on yesterday’s success.  We know that we need to be in front of the industry, working with our drivers and customers to continue to be successful going forward.

 

Our tradition is our drivers, not our family.  The most important Christmas Card exchange we have is with many of our retired drivers who have spent their career with us.  I love to hear what they are doing in retirement and glad that we had a small role in their success and their lives.

 

What are your hiring areas?

We are very heavy in the Upper Midwest(MN,WI,IL, and IA) but we hire from the Midwest, South and Southeastern part of the US.  If you go to our website(click here) and find the lanes serviced page, we will hire a candidate from any of our territories.

How much reefer experience do you require?  A large portion of our audience has expressed interest in switching from to reefers…

I require one year of over the road experience.  Reefer experience is optional and we can train on the reefer technologies.

Who should drivers and operators call? ME!  I personally recruit all of my drivers.  I promise no bull!  800-248-2623 ext 2422.

Very nice touch, call one of the owners, Kyle, the hands on approach is the best way to go in our business. 18 Wheels of Justice likes that and likes Kottke.  Thanks for your time today, Kyle, enjoy your Thanksgiving…

Click on Logo above or call 800-248-2623 Ask for Kyle

3 Ways to Avoid Truck Stop Turkey on Thanksgiving

18 Wheels of Justice Proudly Presents…Trucking Legends 

800-500-3089

Memphis, TN

1. Call Empire or click on any Empire logo to go to website.
2. Fill out Application.
3. Work for Empire.

Empire Express - Memphis, TN only hires drivers in specific areas for a reason.  They get you home when they say they will.  To find out more - read on...



Empire Express began by listening to and embracing an idea from one of their own: a loyal driver.

 

Mr. Ed Gatlin founded and developed a successful automotive refrigerant business, lg-Lo Products Corp.  It was so successful; that the company caught the eye of the Valvoline Oil Company in 1985, and Valvoline made an offer to Ed he couldn’t refuse.

Now, the way I understand it, lg-Lo had a private fleet of 12 trucks at the time, Valvoline realized it wasn’t tough enough for the trucking business and didn’t want to continue to run the private fleet.  Luckily, one of his best drivers (who was also about to be out of a job) approached Ed about starting a trucking company.  Ed decided to try his hand at the “For Hire” trucking business for a few years.  In 1989, Mr. Tim Gatlin, with a belly full of fire and a love for the trucking business, took over and the business grew from 8 trucks to the proud 194 trucks under his careful watch today. 

18 Wheels of Justice likes it when the owners of a trucking company use specific numbers when they are talking about trucks and drivers.  It says a lot about the person, the company and the overall attitude of things there. 

We’ve done this long enough to know whether the owners, managers and dispatchers have a handle on things at their company after the first few minutes of talking to them.  And quite frankly, we are hearing loud & clear that Empire Express in Memphis is running an outstanding outfit.

We were fortunate enough to get a few minutes of Mr. Tim Gatlin’s time to answer some questions for the 18 Wheels of Justice Staff about Empire Express in Memphis (please see excerpts from the interview below).

Mr. Gatlin, thank you for joining us today.  We have heard many good things about you and Empire Express, and we are honored to finally have the chance to speak with you here at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ.  

Now, Empire Express has been in business for 27 years, a big milestone in our industry.  What do you attribute your long term success too?

Empire specializes in safety and time – sensitive freight.  Over 50% of our business is packaged chemicals and 40% is JIT or time sensitive.  This has been our focus for over 20 years and we have a very strong loyal customer base because we deliver the safe, on-time performance they demand. 

Empire is in the top 10% in terms of driver retention in our industry, this is among the best of the best of low driver turnover rates in the country.  Why do drivers who begin with Empire stay so long? 

They stay because of the way they are treated.  We know at Empire Express, without the drivers, we wouldn’t have Empire Express. We have created and encourage a driver-friendly culture.

What is so great about Empire Express for drivers?

They are a name, not a truck number. They get the miles, get paid and get home. During the recruiting process, we make sure the driver lives in an ideal place to get him home regularly.  We know home time with family and friends is so important.  Our customers’ freight is also driver friendly, no-touch high velocity freight. 

Pay per mile is one thing, but miles are important also.  The 18 Wheels of Justice Audience takes their careers seriously and they like to run and not sit when out on the road.  What kind of miles can drivers expect? 

2500 – 3000 per week.

Can they depend on the operations staff to get the miles and get them home when they need to be?

Absolutely! We offer a great pay package, “Pay for Performance”.  Every six months our drivers are evaluated on their performance in Safety, Service and Miles.  The majority of our drivers average over 2,500 miles per week, are safe, and deliver on-time.  This performance qualifies them for the top pay level which helps us retain the top performers and attract other top drivers to Empire. 

Mr. Gatlin, we can’t thank you enough for sharing your story about Empire with us today.  That sounds like quite an operation you have there in Memphis.  How can drivers and operators get a hold of your company? 

They can call our Recruiting Line at 800-500-3089 or visit our website at www.EmpireExpress.com.  Thank you for having us. (Please click on the Empire logos or photo and it will take you directly to the Empire Website)

COPYRIGHT 2012 - 18 WHEELS OF JUSTICE©

Jim Palmer Pride - Experience the Difference

18 Wheels of Justice Trucking Legends Series Presents…

Palmer Pride

November 2, 2012 14:30 - Missoula, Montana…

Nestled in the foothills along the Bitterroot River in Western Montana, there are only two objects which steal the beauty of the surrounding mountains. The Hellgate Trading Post and Jim Palmer Trucking. The Hellgate Trading Post was established in 1860 to supply the western settlers with much needed “DIY” books on bear wrestling, delicious opossum lard cracklin’s for protein, and chastity garments for the gals. Jim Palmer Trucking was founded exactly 105 years later in 1965 to serve the good people of Missoula and eventually all of us Americans. The Hellgate Trading Post was later renamed Missoula, but Jim Palmer Trucking will always be called Jim Palmer Trucking.

Today, Palmer still succeeds in providing the best opportunities to the best drivers. How? By offering outstanding benefits, extra safe, top-of-the line trucks, competitive pay and excellent owner operator packages. Jim Palmer Trucking gives drivers what they need on the road including the latest GPS and trucking technology.

Every Palmer Truck is held up to a rigorous preventative maintenance program, attending to the smallest details and thinking hard about the road ahead. Palmer is staffed with the best mechanics in the business. The Staff at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ has seen a lot of Jim Palmer Trucks and we all agree that every single one of them has stood out. Clean, all black reefers, with Palmer on the side and late model, pristine, black trucks. We can spot a Palmer Truck from miles away.

Experience the Palmer Difference

If you are a professional truck driver or Independent Contractor, you know that the trucking industry has become extremely competitive these days. There are numerous trucking companies for drivers to choose from, thus, making the right decision more difficult. Jim Palmer Trucking understands this. That is why we continue to improve and rise above other trucking companies in the industry.

Jim Palmer knows how to offer a working experience unlike any other trucking company out there. This is accomplished by focusing on the driver in a way that most trucking companies don't. Since 1964, we have sought out the best of the best. Our philosophy is, the more we can give back to the drivers, the happier, more productive and successful they will be. 18 Wheels of Justice always talks about pay and the importance of knowing the miles you will get before you start somewhere. High pay rate per mile is great in theory, until you start at a company and sit, sit and sit. This is not the case at Palmer; you get the miles, week in, week out. The operations at Palmer are designed with this in mind. No driver left behind at Palmer, you will get your miles.

We are fortunate enough to have Mr. Joe Kalafat with us today to discuss the opportunities available at this time honored organization...

Mr. Kalafat, Jim Palmer has been a fixture in our industry for over 40 plus years, and has one of the best reputations in the business with drivers. What do you attribute this success to?

I think we can attribute our success to two things: 1) We’ve always been a Drivers Company. That’s the way Jim started the company – with the drivers in mind. We really do care about the driver. He built a company around not just saying it, but actually being it. 2) By being a company that shippers count on. We excel at on-time service and it’s allowed us to compete with much larger carriers with very large shippers. But again #2 goes back to #1. We have such an excellent reputation with shippers because of # 1—we have excellent drivers. And we have excellent drivers because we’ve created a company devoted to the driver and getting the driver great pay and excellent miles!

If you don't mind me asking what is your background and how did you become the CEO of Jim Palmer?

I’ve worked for JPT for over 15 years now. Worked my way up from Dispatch and Fleet management, into customer service, booking freight, being a load planner and then into Executive Vice President and finally President & CEO.

In 10 words or less, what would you tell a driver who called you and wanted to come to work for Jim Palmer?

 It’s about Family & Teamwork and we care about you and your bottom line. It’s not ten words, but I’d have to say a whole heck of a lot more to any potential driver on why they should work for JPT—this place is an excellent place to call home and make a real living as a professional driver with a lot of people that care about you and want you to succeed.

In 10 words or less, what about an owner operator?

Same thing! I would say if you really take a business approach to our pay package offering and compare that to what’s out there—you can’t do any better than we offer. I really like talking with Owner Operators that know the business end of things—because I can talk math with them and it’s clear we have one of the best pay packages for O/O’s out there and again, we get those guys the miles. All in- and O/O isn’t going to find a better company that’s going to ensure high earnings and a great team to help him win that JPT!

18 Wheels of Justice would like to thank Mr. Kalafat for his participation. We enjoy meeting CEO’s with Mr. Kalafat’s experience; it makes a huge difference in a trucking operation when you have someone who truly knows the ropes.

We invite you to... Experience the Palmer Difference

Click on any of the Palmer logos or call 800-682-8605

www.18WheelsofJustice.com



Drivers - Part II. How to Narrow your Job Search

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Welcome back and thank you for joining us for "Part II - How to Narrow Your Job Search".  It can be a very daunting task, with all the options available.  So many ad's, a thousand job search website's, everyone promising everything to everybody.  I think an important thing to remember as a driver is that our industry is just silly.  Yes, silly.  It is so segmented and there truly aren't any major players in the truckload market.  I remember reading a few years ago that if you combined the top ten truckload carriers in this great nation of ours, they hauled less than 10% of the total truckload market.  When business picks up, your local trucking company will go down to the truck dealer and buy 10 more trucks.  When he has drivers for all of his trucks, he feels he must be doing something right and buys another 10 trucks.  When the bank stops by and visits him and gives him the green light for more trucks, he buys him.  God bless the optimism of the trucking company owner!  My point is that all of the turnover and all the driving positions available doesn't make this a bad industry to work in, in fact its the best industry in the country to work in.  The capacity and availability of driving positions reflects the segmented state of trucking, lots of moving parts for a lot of different reasons.  Back to business.  I hope you have read Part I, if not please do so now and join me back here. 

7.  How did you hear about this trucking company?  This is important.  The amount of advertising a company has does not necessarily mean that they have issues finding drivers.  There are a number of reasons a company advertises for drivers.(see above)  You may have seen their trucks close by home, saw an ad the internet, etc.  What about the ad appealed to you?  Was it any different than the others?
Sometimes you just have to pick one, sort of like duck hunting.  Write down 5 things that appeal to you about a company you want to work for.  New Tractor? Home time? Newer Trailers? Miles? Regions they run? Pay? The Dispatcher - does he have any authority on the amount of miles you get and when you need to be home? Fuel network? Company's reputation? Maint.? and so on. 

Join us later this week for the rest of this article and more!  Please check out our 18 Wheels of Justice LinkedIn group for Drivers and Owner Operators.  If you're not on LinkedIn, please join, it is a valuable resource for Drivers and Operators.  As always, thank you for reading...

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Driver's Top Ten - How to Narrow Down Your Job Search

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Top Ten List – The Search for a Driving Job - How to Narrow Job Search to 5 carriers


Here at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ, we have discussed how to decide from your list of 5 carriers you have selected, but how do you pick 5 carriers?

Drivers and owner operators are inundated with options for employment opportunities these days. Look on any driver or operator recruiting website, how a does someone decide on which company to call. Everyone seems to offer the same things, home time, respect, sign on bonus, new equipment etc. How did you get the real facts about the company?

We are going to show you what we feel is the best way to go about your search. This can feel like a huge task and can get overwhelming quickly. We like to break it down and do it in a simple 10 Step approach.

10. Word on the Street - talk to other drivers and operators. – This is a good way to start. Drivers and owner operators who speak well about their company is a tried and true way to find out the real story. I’m more cautious about suggesting this approach these days because most companies offer a referral bonus. I think the reality is that most drivers won’t push the company they work at if they don’t really believe it is a good place to work, referral bonus or not. There are always exceptions, but people aren’t that hard to read. If he or she seems like an honest and decent person, chances are they will tell you the truth. Be sure to ask them these questions: 

-Why they chose the company they are with.
-What were three of the deciding factors in their decision to work there?
-Home time, pay, the size of the company, equipment, reputation.
-Was it what the recruiter told them about the company?
-Did the recruiters’ promises hold true?
-Take notes! It easy to get the companies mixed up when you are making your decision later.
-Did talking to this guy make you want to call the company right away or were there things he said that made you hesitate?

9. Physical appearance of Equipment – As long as you’re talking to him, walk with him out to his truck.
 -Is it clean?
 -Well maintained? Tires tell a good story about a company.
 -Was is a matched set? New tires or recaps? Plenty of tread? You can draw your own conclusions.

Trailers tell a better story about a company. Some drivers are more concerned with their tractor than other drivers, but trailers in a drop and hook operation reflect the company better... 
-Is it clean? Is it beat up? How old is it? What about the tires? Again, draw your own conclusions…

8. Attitude and Appearance of the Driver – This says a lot about the company and type of driver that works there. I’m not suggesting judging other people, everybody is different. Generally speaking, a happy driver takes better care of himself and has a good attitude about things. Would you be happy to work with this driver and does he take pride in what he does and where he works?

We will post parts 7 through 4 of our countdown on Monday and the final 3 on Wednesday – Stay tuned!

Thank you for reading and be sure to check out our driver and owner operator page at 18Wheelsofjustice.com. We research carriers and present what they offer every week, to help you gain insight on what companies are offering and how they stack up. We do the research for you, you decide.


What about a career change?  Have you thought about switching to pulling a reefer, van, flatbed, or tanker?  How about a being a car hauler or driving for an Oil Field Services company?  You ask, we deliver.  18 Wheels of Justice investigates and compares apples to apples and breaks it all down for you... Debuts next week!  "Drivers: Choices within your Career - The Inside Scoop"...

Next week will be the long awaited debut of “Ask 18 Wheels of Justice” on our website. We provide opinion, answers and solutions to all things trucking.  If we don't know it, we find the answer! A sincere thank you to all of you who submitted questions, please keep them coming.

© 2012 Michael H. Komadina

18 Wheels of Justice™

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18 Wheels of Justice Presents... Super Service, LLC

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18 Wheels of Justice Proudly Presents...
Super Service, LLC.

TA Truckstop - Foristell, MO.  11:49AM 10.22.2012

The TA in Foristell is about 50 miles west of St. Louis.  It's the first real truckstop you come across as you’re making your way westbound on I-70.  It is a grimy, dirty sort of misconfigured building, which has been there for ages.  There are remnants of a Taco Bell and KFC "in house" franchise, which never seemed to do very well with drivers passing through or with locals, for that matter. 

It smells like old tacos, used fried chicken grease and GOOP (I hope you know GOOP and its unique smell).  Honestly, I’m not sure if the Taco Bell and KFC are still operating, I never walk around that side of the building.  The best I can recall, I've never seen anyone over there.  I prefer the "real" food inside and most of all I enjoy talking to Marge.  Marge is the hostess, dishwasher and waitress extraordinaire for the TA in Foristell.  Marge is as sweet as can be, and more importantly, she knows a lot about trucking. 

Marge started at the TA in 1972 and never looked back.  Marge has seen and heard it all and is an excellent source of information and gossip from all around the country on everything trucking.  And Marge, she likes to talk about trucking...

I like to visit with Marge once a week when I stop by for lunch.  Marge had been telling me about the drivers she had been meeting from Super Service that had been stopping by the TA the last few months.  She asked if we could do some research on them so she would know what to tell other drivers who asked about Super Service. The 18 Wheels of Justice Staff of course is always happy to oblige. Between Marge’s interest and the large amount of drivers and owner operators also asking us here at the 18 Wheels of Justice office, we decided it was time to get to the bottom of things.  



We are proud to present our research on Super Service, LLC

       
                                     Call today - 888-883-6853

      Check out Super Service on Facebook 

Super Service Claim to Fame -

Keep Moving with Super Service: More miles, More Pay, More Opportunity.
Super Service keeps drivers and operators moving with consistent and timely dispatch. Because our drivers & operators make us a leading trucking company in the region, and we offer them best package in the industry.

This is just what we like to hear at 18 Wheels of Justice.

18 Wheels of Justice contacted Super Service HQ in Grand Rapids, MI. and we sat down for a spell with Mr. Jim True, Director of Recruiting.  We asked some of our typical hard hitting questions to get to the bottom of this cat-like curiosity around the office surrounding them.

Super Service is led by two honorable and well qualified individuals.  Mr. Dan Strong is CEO and Mr. Roger Waddle is the Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Jim True, Director of Recruiting and Retention, was kind enough to spend some time on the phone with us on Friday afternoon.   

Excerpts from interview with Jim True – Super Service

Super Service is a large, financially secure trucking company with over 1100 power units.  What are some of the advantages of working for a carrier like Super Service?

Jim- “Our Company is big enough to have good business and have the ability to hire good people in operations, but we have the attitude and flexibility of a small company.  We know and respect our drivers and we stand by them, period.

We have terminals w/ WIFI, shops and showers across the country. Dispatch stays focused on assigning loads and keeping are drivers rolling, no waiting around for loads.”

  

Does Super Service accept drivers from driving schools who have a CDL? 

Jim – “Yes, we do.  We have one of the best training programs in the business.  We welcome qualified drivers’ right out of driving school with a CDL.  Call us while you are still in school so we can have you ready to go and answer any questions you have.  Start your career off right!  Call us at 888-883-6853.”

Does Super Service run any teams?

Jim – “As a matter of fact we have just expanded our dedicated team operation in San Antonio, TX.  Runs are dedicated and go to CA, AL and MI.  The money is really good and it’s dedicated.  This is an excellent opportunity for husband/wife teams, anyone who has ever thought of teaming up with another driver, and of course, existing teams.   Call us – 888-883-6853”

85% drop and hook means time spent earning and driving and not waiting to load & unload.  50% of Super Service trucks are 12 months are newer means no CVSA issues or downtime for maintenance problems.     What about home time and out of state drivers?

Jim - We have a very good flexible home time approach with our drivers.  As I said before, we stand behind our drivers; they are part of our family.  We know the importance of family and being home when you need to be, and we respect our families.

We welcome out of state drivers.  We have 3 major service centers and several dedicated operational facilities east of the Mississippi.

 

                                           Call today - 888-883-6853

          Check out Super Service on Facebook 

18 Wheels of Justice Quick Stats -Company Drivers-

• 500 new trucks recently added to our fleet
• Now offering a $2,500 sign on bonus, for a limited time! Ask your recruiter for details
• 50% of the fleet less than twelve months old
• Flexible home time policy
• Over 90% of freight is no-touch and 85% is drop-and-hook
• Dedicated opportunities in specific areas.
• Technology to ease route planning and reduce fuel costs
• EZ PASS & Qualcomm
• BCBS Health Insurance/MetLife Dental/VSP Vision
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance - $10,000 at no cost to you!
• Voluntary Allstate Benefits (similar to AFLAC)
• Flex Spending Account (Health Care and Reimbursement and Dependent Care Reimbursement)
• 401k Plan – Employees can contribute 1-75% of their weekly income to their 401k
• Paid Vacation

Plenty of perks at Super Service (click on logo to learn more and visit their website)

18 Wheels of Justice – Quick Stats

Fleet Owners & Owner Operators:

Super Service is also on the lookout for the best owner-operators and fleet owners to join our successful team. We are looking for long-term partners as we grow our business, together with you.

• Competitive Pay Mileage Based or Percentage
• Fuel Surcharge will be paid 100% (based on amount billed to customer)
• No forced dispatch
• Orientation in Somerset, KY, Atlanta, GA, and Grand Rapids, MI
• Mileage to orientation compensated on first settlement
• No Additional Charges for base plates, permits, or TripPak
• No charge for Filing Fuel Tax (if you use the Super Service fuel card)
• Lease on today and earn a $2,500 sign on bonus! Ask your recruiter for details
• Deep Fuel Discounts plus Intelligent fuel routing system – Save Big on Fuel
• EZ Pass

Please call our Owner Operator Recruiting Specialist at 800-669-8567!

We would like to thank Mr. True and Super Service for taking the time to share this valuable information with us today. 

Drivers!

Owner Operator & Driver Retention and Recruiting.  It's the 8th Wonder of the World.  Where did they all go?  What happened to them?  I just talked to him yesterday... I thought he liked it here...   

It's like Mark Twain said about the weather, "Everybody likes to complain about it, but nobody does anything about it."

Believe it or not, there are a lot of trucking companies who excel at recruiting and retention. Who? Why? How? I'm glad you asked, please join me on a journey that will take us through some basics of successful recruiting and retention.

Let's begin with some careful self-examination.  Honesty is key here, know yourself and your organization.

Do you really want to solve this issue?  Or do you want to throw more and more money at broad advertising and hire more recruiters and hope it works out?  (That Beck song "I'm a Loser, Baby" comes to mind, "Things are gonna change, I can feel it...")

You didn't get to where you are today by hoping things work out. 

You are a Person of Action, a Leader, a Mover and Shaker, a Winner.  I'm serious...(How do I know? You are taking time out of your hectic day to read this, to learn how to improve your company.)

Turnover at the majority of trucking companies is sadly well over 100%, at some it reaches alarming heights of 200%-400%.  Don't get energized in the problem!  Let's focus on fixing the issue.  The hardest part of any job is getting started.

Think of your procedure when a new driver or operator joins your trucking company, I'll bet this sounds familiar...

The recruiter or safety department initiates the process.  Why it always seems to fall on safety is beyond me. I think everybody thinks they have nothing to do until an accident happens or auditor shows up.  I assure you this is not the case, especially in this current regulation environment.  Anyway, they go to great length and expense to advertise, spend hours on phone, email applications, run MVR's, meeting with potential drivers and operators, and finally one out of the five, perhaps one out of ten, they have been talking to shows up for orientation.

It is a moment of great triumph!  Everybody is happy, he gets introduced to his new dispatcher, perhaps an operations manager,  if he is lucky the owner comes out of his office to say hello and welcome him.  The owner operator or driver feels good about his decision to sign on with your company and everybody is smiling and shaking hands...

Then what happens?  Join me back here on Friday and we will explore how everything goes south, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly... 

Please try this exercise before Friday, call each your dispatchers into your office and ask him to name from memory each of his drivers and owner ops, and keep track of how many they can name(15 out 25 etc.). 

Don't forget to sign up for email subscription so you don't miss it, it's free...

Tomorrow on the Bleater.  Conversations with Marge (TA Waitress extraordinaire, Driver and Owner Operator Ambassador) continues with a driver's personal story of struggle and triumph...

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Towne Air Freight - Unique Opportunity for Operators

18 Wheels of Justice Proudly Presents...

Apply Now Online!      Waiting List for Future Openings     Call 866-234-7464

Amber Egierski, a Towne Air Freight Recruiter, was kind enough to discuss the unique business opportunities available at the company for Independent Contractor Owner Operators.

Who is Towne Air Freight and what do they do?

Eugene Towne founded Towne Air Freight in South Bend, Indiana in 1963 with one employee and one van. Gary "Duke" Downey then purchased the company in August 1982. At that time South Bend was the only location with 18 employees, two tractors, and nine straight trucks. Towne has since grown into a national full-service trucking provider for the air cargo industry with a truly national linehaul network.

Serving 68 markets coast to coast, Towne Air Freight has doubled in size over the past five years with operations from Boston to San Diego and Seattle to Miami.

That’s impressive growth. What you offer is very unique because it is line haul, terminal to terminal and drop and hook. This an ideal situation for an owner operator to spend his time on the road strictly making money and not losing time with deliveries, waiting for loads, etc.
I know it is difficult for operators to find a position like this, “Are there certain areas you need Owner Op’s in particular? What kind of miles can they expect?"

Currently we are seeking Owner Operator Teams mainly in the Los Angeles, CA & San Francisco, CA areas. As long as you live within a 150 mile radius of either location you would qualify!

To take a look at the many driving positions available across the country and to be notified about future opportunities if we aren’t hiring in your area today, click below! Don’t miss out!

We have a guaranteed mile program and minimum revenue policy that by the very nature of our operations cooperates to create consistency but also allows flexibility.

Solo Operators can expect an average of 2,500 miles per week or a minimum revenue guarantee of $2,580. (Practical Miles)

Team Operators can expect an average of 5,500 miles per week or a minimum revenue guarantee of $6,750. (Practical Miles)

Call The National Recruiting Line for more information! 866-234-7464

You can also visit the Towne Air Freight Mobile Page by Texting the word “DRIVER” to 59495

Visit Towne Air Freight on Facebook

Towne Air Freight Quick Stats

- Teams - Excellent Program Including Great Pay and Incentive Package

- Solo Operators – Yes!

- Class A CDL with HAZMAT, One Year OTR Exp. Required

- Average Load 30,000 LBS

- Plate Program

- No Forced Dispatch

- Terminal to Terminal

- 100% Drop and Hook for solo and team line haul driving positions

- Real Fuel Surcharge paid to Contractors

- Excellent Fuel Discounts – $.30 cpg

- Fuel Card, EZ Pass, 100% Paid Tolls, Direct Deposit, Nationwide Maintenance & Tire discount program.

- No Age Restriction on Tractor – Trucks 2008 & Newer additional $.03 per mile

- Fleet Friendly – Have two, three or more trucks? Dreams of adding a 2nd truck? Towne Air is where you want to be.

- Towne Air Freight pay falls into the top tier of our industry plus they offer a $2,000.00 Sign On Bonus for Teams. $1000.00 in two weeks from your first dispatch, $1000 at 90 Days, no stipulations!

Towne Air Freight is a hidden treasure ladies and gentlemen; these types of positions never stay open for long!

This is your chance! Join the Towne Air Freight team and become a successful business owner today!

Apply Now Online!        Waiting List for Future Openings    Call 866-234-7464



Trucking Legends - Transport America

18 Wheels of Justice Presents - Trucking Legends

Transport America - Website 

1984 - Eagan, MN. Born amid the turmoil and confusion of new trucking legislation implementing the deregulation of truckload carriers, James Aronson started a new company, a rising star, which emerged to fill a desperate need in the trucking industry for service, technology, and unparalleled customer service.

Throughout the last 27 plus years, Transport America (TA) has emerged a clear leader in our industry. The company went public in 1994 and did a couple acquisitions in the late 90s. Unfortunately Mr. Aronson passed away in 1999, but his vision and dedication to driver’s and operators continues to live on today at Transport America. This dedication to his drivers shows in the opportunities and programs available to every driver at TA.

The leadership team has the influence and ability to operate a world class organization and Scott Arves is the CEO to lead this organization into the future. Transport America became a bright light in the otherwise ordinary field of medium and large trucking companies. A mid-sized carrier with old-world values and commitment applied to their drivers and owner operators in our modern world.

The latest technology combined with a streamlined, efficient operations department that creates the agility to make decisions and changes as needed to meet the commitments made to their drivers and owner operators. Transport America is one of the largest carriers in America for a reason, they deliver. They topped the Transport Topics list at #1 in Revenue Growth for 2012, yes, number one. Transport America delivers to its drivers through great processes, excellent leadership, and state of the art technology. This makes them more agile and personable than even the smallest carrier, but with unrivaled options for drivers and financial muscle behind them.
Transport America's customers consist of a list of corporate America's finest citizens. Customers rely on Transport America's reputation for safety and service. A well maintained fleet and rigorous safety department makes sure that your CSA scores are never at risk. The choices available at Transport America make it a one stop shop for any driver. They offer 6 different divisions offering driver opportunities for everyone, along with unique home time plans. It's your career and your life, and Transport America makes it your call.
Transport America operates in 48 states and Canada with a focus on building freight density in key lanes. With a strong freight balance, Transport America is better able to serve customers and provide more home time options for our drivers.


OTR Solo (Company and O/O) - Haul freight across all points in network and home every 10-14 days.
OTR Teams - Recognizing that teams need to keep moving to maximize driver and company income, Fleet leaders at Transport America plan and dispatch teams to maximize productivity.

Dedicated Routes - Drivers in our dedicated fleets may operate from a single customer location or cover multiple locations in a geographic area. Transport America Dedicated drivers have more predictable home time and work schedules, familiarity with delivery and pick-up locations and consistent travel routes.

Dedicated Team Routes - Fleet Leaders plan and dispatch dedicated routes to maximize team income.

Regional Operations in Midwest and Southeast - Stay in the driver friendly Midwest and southeast with excellent customer mix and great home time.

Intermodal O/O Opportunities - Call for more information


Giving drivers a choice is the key at Transport America, come for a job, stay for a career. We know many things happen over the lifetime of an over the road driver. Marriage, Kids, the need to be home more often to take care of elderly parents, and so on... As your lifestyle changes, there is always opportunity within the six divisions at Transport America. We know changing jobs and moving to a new company is a difficult choice, there are many questions that can't be answered until after you are weeks, sometimes months, into a new company. And too often, when you realize it was a bad choice, there is a lot of time and money lost switching jobs. With all of these different driving opportunities, join hundreds of others who have found a true home and career at Transport America.

Transport America has it all - Lifestyle Fleets - (Available in several divisions). Recognizing that driver home time needs differ, Transport America developed the 7/7 and 14/7 fleets to provide drivers with extended home time options, along with a guaranteed TAH program.
• Under the 7/7 program, drivers are out for 7 days and then home for 7 days.
• Under the 14/7 program, drivers are out for 14 days and then home for 7 days.
As part of these programs, drivers share a tractor with one or two other drivers, meaning more home time for you and a more efficient use of equipment for the company, but the additional home time is well worth it.
 Transport America Website

Transport America Truth

As all drivers know, the biggest question mark when starting at a new company is the number of miles. Pay per mile doesn't pay the bills when you sit. It is miserable when you're away from home and not making money, unfortunately everybody has been there. TA focuses on miles, between their customer base and a company- wide desire to keep you rolling, this helps generate both more pay for you and more income for the company, so you are always making money. It's just common sense and Transport America delivers, day in, day out. Transport America understands this and it resonates loudly throughout the company.
• Pay: Transport America's pay is in the upper 5 percent of the truckload industry both from a per mile and W2 perspective. Transport America offers the fastest raises in the industry for solo and team OTR drivers. Students can reach top pay in as little as 5 years. Miles: Our people get miles. Pay is nothing without miles behind it. In a time when most carriers are down, Transport America is up over last year from both a total mileage and miles per driver standpoint. Freight, freight, freight, you want miles, TA works hard to get it for you.

• Open doors: Transport America Operations prefers face-to-face interaction. There are no barriers for drivers to speak to their Fleet Leader through. The Leadership Team and the CEO himself, answers the phone and enjoys talking with our people.

• Safety: Transport America values safety. The individuals who drive have been empowered to have the final say in whether or not it’s safe to drive. Transport America has one of the top CSA scores in the industry. As a CSA Safe Carrier you can feel secure knowing the they have safe equipment and understand the measurements and rules to help keep you in good standing with CSA. In some cases TA can help improve your score

• Technology: We invest heavily in technology. Voice mail for all drivers, new MCP200 Qualcomm that has navigation, internet, e-mail, in cab scanning, e-logging and text to speech, are all currently being installed on our equipment. Even Driver scorecards with accurate driver performance data is available. Knowing your driver score can give you peace of mind that you are on the right track and if not, allows you to make changes accordingly The company is also using On Guard and Roll Stability technology to ensure safe operations.

Come home to Transport America...Susan is available to answer any questions and assist you on the road to success and stability at Transport America.

Call Susan at 1-877-276-4083, she is available from 8Am-5PM CST. If it’s after hours, feel free to leave a message for her and she will get back with you ASAP. Visit Transport America's Website

 Owner Operators -

Transport America brings it home for you.

Maintenance Credit line for Owner Operators, Sure Pay Program (Verify pay amount upon completion of load) no settlement guessing nor settlement day surprises at Transport America. This is the way things should be done, period.

Loading/Unloading PayLayover/Detention PayFuel and Road TaxOnline Access to Your Business
Check your weekly settlements online.
Insurance Options
NTU (Bobtail)
Physical Damage
Occupational Accident

Owner-Operator Services
   -Tire and parts discount
   - Repair service at 5 full service terminals

Owner-Operator CO-OP
   -Maintenance credit line, health, dental, life insurance, retirement plan and more
Working as business partners Transport America provides you the freedom to balance your workload and home time. Offering many different options for you to choose from whether it be becoming a part of the Owner Operator Co-Op or taking advantage of tire and maintenance discounts. Transport America makes sure as business partners you have the tools necessary to be successful.

Transport America's success happens for a reason. The culture at headquarters is very different from what you’ve ever experienced. From driver visits, where drivers are encourage to come and learn the life cycle of a load and give us feedback on how to improve, to our driver council meeting where we listen to drivers and their concerns to our pen door policy we value a driver friendly atmosphere. — Our open doors mean access to all levels of management. You’re never a number here, our senior leadership team and CEO are always available, meaning that our drivers are welcome anywhere, anytime. You’ll never be faced with locked doors or have to talk through a glass window to speak to anyone. Our commitment to the people who drive for us starts with the accessibility of our leaders.

Come home to Transport America...

Susan is available to answer any questions and assist you on the road to success and stability at Transport America.
Call Susan at 1-877-276-4083, she is available from 8Am-5PM CST. If it’s after hours, feel free to leave a message for her and she will get back with you ASAP.
 Visit Transport America's Website & App Page

Drivers - Private Fleet Pay

Private Fleet Pride – Rineco Transportation


There aren’t a lot of opportunities for drivers to go to work for a private fleet. It’s truly different than your standard over the road driving job.

There are benefits to being a part of a bigger picture and the company team. It takes a driver who likes regular routes and being home consistently every week. One who enjoys being welcome and getting to know the people everywhere you go, because you are loading at the same places every week. No schedule issues or uncertainty that comes with the standard OTR driving job, you get to do what you enjoy doing most, driving. You truly become part of the family.

Rineco Transportation is just that, a private carrier that picks up their customers products and brings them back to their plant in Benton, AR. It doesn’t get much better than Rineco. I spoke with the General Manager, Sharon Lee and she described Rineco’s approach to their drivers as part of the family. Drivers are paid a salary (yes, a salary, you will never have to worry about a small paycheck), and it is a substantial salary, plus health and dental insurance. This company is a rare find and just outside of Little Rock, AR. Sharon’s operation needs drivers with hazmat endorsement and tanker experience along with a TWIC card, which the company will pay for if you don’t have it already.

Life at Rineco Transportation revolves around picking up customer’s products within 750 miles of Benton, AR and bringing them back to the plant. There are 30 company owned tractors, 33 dry vans and 17 tankers. Don’t have tanker endorsement or experience? No problem, Rineco will train you as part of your job and you’ll another notch on your CDL.

Sharon has been involved in transportation for 35 years and understands the importance of drivers in the daily operation. Most of the drivers with Rineco have been there for a long time and they are looking for additional drivers due to the fact that Rineco’s business is growing. This is a private fleet opportunity for drivers that won’t be available long.

You know you’ve found a home when there are no fancy links or websites to visit just call and ask for Sharon at 501-860-2705 or email sharon.lee@rineco.com

Private Fleet Pride - Rineco Transportation

Private Fleet Pride – Rineco Transportation

There aren’t a lot of opportunities for drivers to go to work for a private fleet. It’s truly different than your standard over the road driving job.

There are benefits to being a part of a bigger picture and the company team. It takes a driver who likes regular routes and being home consistently every week. One who enjoys being welcome and getting to know the people everywhere you go, because you are loading at the same places every week. No schedule issues or uncertainty that comes with the standard OTR driving job, you get to do what you enjoy doing most, driving. You truly become part of the family.

Rineco Transportation is just that, a private carrier that picks up their customers products and brings them back to their plant in Benton, AR. It doesn’t get much better than Rineco. I spoke with the General Manager, Sharon Lee and she described Rineco’s approach to their drivers as part of the family. Drivers are paid a salary (yes, a salary, you will never have to worry about a small paycheck), and it is a substantial salary, plus health and dental insurance. This company is a rare find and just outside of Little Rock, AR. Sharon’s operation needs drivers with hazmat endorsement and tanker experience along with a TWIC card, which the company will pay for if you don’t have it already.

Life at Rineco Transportation revolves around picking up customer’s products within 750 miles of Benton, AR and bringing them back to the plant. There are 30 company owned tractors, 33 dry vans and 17 tankers. Don’t have tanker endorsement or experience? No problem, Rineco will train you as part of your job and you’ll another notch on your CDL.

Sharon has been involved in transportation for 35 years and understands the importance of drivers in the daily operation. Most of the drivers with Rineco have been there for a long time and they are looking for additional drivers due to the fact that Rineco’s business is growing. This is a private fleet opportunity for drivers that won’t be available long.

You know you’ve found a home when there are no fancy links or websites to visit just call and ask for Sharon at 501-860-2705 or email sharon.lee@rineco.com