Monday, July 20, 2015

This little piggy went to Market

Once I graduated from Trucking school, there were only a handful of companies that would offer me a job; they were what are called “starter” companies. 

A starter company’s business model is to hire trucking school grads at extremely low wages and then work them silly until either they quit or run away sobbing. Indeed, most quit within the first six months. My former employer, May Trucking has a turnover rate of 115% (sic).

Despite their shortcomings, they gave me a chance, taught me a lot of skills, instilled some good safety habits and allowed me to get the on-the-job experience that I needed.

But enough is enough.

Most Drivers at May leave within the first six months, few ever even make it to one year. I stayed for a full two years (I am a really slow learner). I started at May Trucking on April 26, 2013 and unloaded my gear from the truck on April 27th, 2015.

I spent a couple of months goofing off after that, but eventually I had to find a new job; one that would meet my needs in regards to pay and hometime.

Hometime is the most important to me; I want to be home at least once a week.
I applied to several companies, but only one could meet my requirements: Market Transport out of Portland. Their turnover rate is only 33%.

I am now a “line driver” out of Portland. I now solely go up and down I-5. “Dry” loads only, no more “Reefer” loads. 

If you need me, I’ll be on CB channel #17. 

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great to see you back!

Anonymous said...

Excellent! Especially glad to hear only dry loads, those reefer loads are stressful to be sure! If you ever have a layover in Seattle, walk on the Vashon ferry and come visit us! Anonymous Mimi.

Susan said...

Yay! Joe's back

stonepitts said...

Look me up if you're ever stopping over in Yreka. Also, say hi to scale whale Jeff Bell if he weighs you in Dunsmuir.