MORE "BUCK 4 THE BANG"

Mile Marker #8

It just so happens, that the highest paid driving jobs are within the Union companies. Some people have different opinions or political views about the Union, but the pro's over power the con's. Personally, I don't care to hear other people's input on this subject, I am just giving helpful information for drivers that choose this direction. We are all truck drivers trying to make a living, but the Union provides "Rights" for the driver, along with the Teamster backing. Those "Rights" are not available anywhere else. Truck drivers work hard, and in return, deserve to be treated fairly.

Many truck drivers are not attracted to these Union jobs because of the added danger of pulling doubles or triples (combination of two/three trailers plus a dolly/s). Truth of the matter is, they are dangerous, but the driver is compensated well to pull them and given adequate time to do so in a safe manner. Also, those days of hauling ass are not an option. These company's rigs are now governed to go approximately 60-65 mph. If you are lucky, you might get one that goes a little faster. The checks that you will be cashing will outweigh how fast you are allowed to go. You will get used to 60 mph real quick! I'd pull their freight with a horse drawn buggy for that kind of money. Sometimes you will feel like you are going that slow, but just keep looking straight ahead while being passed, and keep smiling all the way to the bank.

Changing trucks each trip are common practices among Union carriers. This is also known as "slip seating". Most drivers have their own personal media boxes (CB,stereo,etc.) that are easily ready for a quick hook-up. The majority of the trucks will be day cabs (no sleepers), unless you are a team driver. I know you are wondering, "where am I going to sleep?" All of the driving will be mostly terminal to terminal. You are not required to do any loading or unloading, dropping or hooking trailers, or fueling for that matter. Those jobs are done by the terminal personnel. All of the pick-ups and deliveries of freight are done by that terminal's city drivers. You may have to drop and hook at an unmanned terminal. Otherwise, park your truck in line, go inside and punch the clock, and you will be getting paid while you are waiting to depart. If that is your destination terminal after your 14 hours of on-duty time, you are required to take a 10 hour break. If this is the case, simply park your truck, gather your belongings, punch the clock while you are doing paperwork, and wait for the cab to take you to the hotel. That is where you will be sleeping, in a hotel. No more "I'm #73 on the shower list at the truck stop". That was a bad memory that came to mind from back-in-the-day in New Jersey. When the terminal calls you after your ten hours for a start time, take the cab back to the terminal. You will be getting paid from the start time they give you. Example: If your start time is 10:00 PM and they do not have you hooked and ready to go until 12:00 PM, you will get paid two hours on the clock for your time spent waiting. Once the truck is rolling, you will be paid on a mileage basis.

That is the basic procedure for a Union line-haul/road driver. Seniority prevails for bid routes including the benefits of being home with more consistency. Team driving (sleeper trucks) is pretty much the same set-up, but the truck is always moving. When one is sleeping, the other one is driving. Team driving is the most lucrative avenue in this system. Team driving is not for everyone, but it could be a great option for someone that pairs up with the right team member.

This all seems "to good to be true" in the world of truck driving, but the times have changed and these opportunities are out there. The possibilities are obviously greater in the bigger cities. Relocating might be in your future to achieve the highest potential wages in this industry.