The Great Sign on Bonus Hoax

The Great Sign On Bonus Hoax

One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, 4...  Don't wait, just step right up to the golden door!

The good old sign on bonus...  A re-engineering, re-invention, a re-wording of the classic bait and switch, ye ole switcheroo,  applied to recruiting drivers. For Shame! 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Here ye go, just sign right here and go with the flow...We have a $4000 sign on bonus, Bubba's Trucking next door will only give you Three, that's right, uh huh, you're at the right place... Join our company, we'll give you a bonus over the next 6 months, a year, you'll earn less while you work here, but don't worry 'bout that, you got a bonus! Just step on up and through the golden door.

It's nothing new.  When did this madness start in our industry?  In the early 1990's, I'm not sure by whom or what company, but that's when it became prevalent. And now, everybody has to do it. 

Nearly every trucking company in the country offers a sign on bonus.  Why? Because they have to. How much weight should you give it in your decision process?  Very little. Don't fall for the hype.

The drivers and operators who watch what companies offer and do their research know this and

drivers and operators who have fallen for it once, know even better.  

The lure of easy money, the temptation of a fast buck loses its appeal with the reality of: "Now, I have to actually work here?" and "My paychecks sure seem small".

How many carriers have clauses that will deduct the bonus you were paid if you don't stay the required minimum of 6 months? Or a year?  I believe you would be surprised at some of these contracts, or maybe not.  

Why do we have turnover?  Is it the drivers fault?  The company's fault?  A case of not seeing the forest for the trees?  If you want turnover, this is a great way to increase it. 

I personally admire companies and people who try new and creative approaches to solve problems. Applying traditional product selling ideas to recruiting drivers.  It was innovative and effective at grabbing attention and drivers when it first appeared years ago, but now it's just fun with numbers.

A $5000 bonus paid over a year is nothing compared with 500 less miles run every week on average.  The miles you will get is always the mystery of starting any driving position.

 

Ask the trucking company about average miles per week!  Read the fine print and do your homework and the math.  Get your wife, husband, father, mother whomever to go over the details.  A second opinion from someone who cares about you and your well-being has never hurt anyone.        

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



Carrier Decision - Auto Carriers - Drivers & Operators

18 Wheels of Justice Home
Career Decision

18 Wheels of Justice Investigates

Auto Carriers

 For

Drivers and Owner Operators

November 2, 2012 - 13:57

Welcome to a new multiple part series called “Career Decision”

18 Wheels of Justice investigates all the rumors we have heard for years about the money to be made in other specialized trucking segments of our industry.  We look into all areas of trucking.

We wanted to get the real story on car hauling, not the typical “spiel” from a large car hauler.  The staff at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ was lucky enough to stumble upon a long standing, small carrier in Florida.   Auto Carrier Express, based in Jacksonville, has been very successful and profitable hauling cars for the last 15 years, and more importantly the owner operators and drivers have done just as well.

They have several customer relationships with prestigious customers as Southeast Toyota, American Honda, Hyundai and Kia to name just a few.  First, let’s get some background on Auto Carrier Express (ACE)  

ACE offers auto transport services primarily in the Southeastern United States, from Florida to Maryland and as far West as Alabama on a routine basis.

The primary benefit of this operation is its “1^st come-1^st serve” approach to the dispatching system. There are no A,B,C rated drivers at ACE. There are no “forced dispatches” or “hot loads”. You have the flexibility to run any direction you wish based on the available loads.

Auto Carrier Express is dedicated to the man behind the wheel. This proves evident in the payscale, the benefits and all of the in-house perks that go along with wearing the ACE uniform.  ACE even keeps the freezer stocked with quick and easy meals for the drivers to satisfy that hunger pang when you’re in a pinch for time.

As an ACE driver, you can expect to see your annual pay to be an average of 30% higher than that of a van or flatbed driver.  Some of the other unique salary benefits are listed below…   

  Company Drivers

• Dollar for Dollar 401k Match up to 4% of pay
• Short Term Disability Paid
• Health & Dental Paid 66%
• Quarterly Fuel (MPG) Bonuses
• Monthly & Annual Quality Bonuses

  Owner Operators 

77.5% of Revenue for Op’s – That’s 77.5% of Car Hauler $$

ACE pays 100% Liability and Cargo Insurance + ½ of Plate

Fuel Surcharges on ALL accounts

18 Wheels of Justice – Quick Stats – Who’s in Charge?

In 1997, Gilbert and Vicki Hanks started ACE with just one truck. Today, the company boasts a 60 – vehicle fleet, a team of 70 employees and a stellar safety record — achievements that are the result of building strong relationships with customers and investing in quality people, equipment and technology. 

 

Gilbert Hanks - CEO

The driving force behind Auto Carrier Express is Gilbert Hanks, co-founder and chief executive officer. In 1997, at the request of Southeast Toyota, who wanted to partner with a dependable vehicle transportation company, Gilbert established ACE. To meet the challenge, Gilbert created a strong platform of technology and high-quality assets. Naturally, this attracted some of the best people in the trucking industry, and the rest is history.  

William Mauldin – Vice President

William’s responsibilities include strategy, branding, strengthening current relationships, providing technical and financial management expertise, and identifying and acquiring new business for the expanding fleet.  William has filled several operational and relationship management roles, serving the auto transport market from the ground up.

In short, ACE has the people, equipment and technology to deliver on its promises. The combined experience of its drivers is well above the industry average. ACE utilizes handpicked company drivers and owner operators who have a keen understanding of what sets transportation companies apart: exceptional service and customer satisfaction.  ACE focuses on recruiting and retaining high-quality individuals who measure up to stringent standards – Good People Skills, Positive Attitude, Effective Problem Solvers, Pride in their Work, Self Motivated – Perhaps the most important thing ACE does is to enfranchise its employees, which allows drivers to directly benefit from going over and above for customers. In addition, ACE has developed a comprehensive Driver Development Program that invests time and energy into training promising individuals to become certified car haulers. 

Want a 30% pay raise? Want Home time? Ready to move up?

Drivers and Operators

Call Chris Hanks today 800-809-1491

We would like to thank Mr. Mauldin for his time.  Auto Carrier Express would be a great place to start exploring a new "Career Decision"...

Copyright 2012 18 Wheels of Justice

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

Click here to visit Super Service website
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...

BOOK & CD Package

Book & CD Package $49.00 USD

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



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