Happy Birthday Canada!
(Belated)
Mail Bag
From: RM
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 11:00 AM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Happy Birthday USA!
How about happy birthday Canada?
Editor : Our most sincere apologies…see our opening above...better later than never, right? The truth is we did celebrate Canada Day in much the same fashion as Stephen Colbert. Thanks for the heads up!
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From: DT
Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 2:05 PM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: criminal records
I just finished reading your article about criminals. I have a crime that is 17 years old and I still pay for this every time I put in an app. Face the facts, no one wants any kind of criminal working for them. I have heard all kinds of no - from insurance won’t let us hire you to hang ups when talking to human resources. If you could print a list of companies that hire ex-cons that would help a lot, and I mean a lot.
I have been to college and am sure all the people who judge us have something in their closets they don’t want out. With 467k jobs lost we all need to work and should have what the military has - don’t ask, don’t tell.
Thanks for your ear maybe some one will call me now.
Thanks,
A trucker that made a mistake.
Editor: Thanks for writing. We’re pretty sure that approaching criminal convictions with the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ philosophy is not a viable solution in the trucking industry. And, as we stated in our original response, most carriers have guidelines in place based on whether or not they require their drivers to deliver in Canada, and even then the age and nature of the conviction still come into consideration. A list of carriers is a good idea, but it would be difficult to compile as most of those hiring decisions are made on a case by case basis. Again, the best advice we can give is to check with the carrier.
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From: Mr. M
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 7:33 AM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: Re: Happy Birthday USA!
Thanks for the information and that was wrong for the truck driving school to not even try and help in getting their previous student job listings for him. Especially since they told him he would be able to get a job.
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From: BR
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:24 AM
To: jobs@truckdriver.com
Subject: TruckDriver.com Contact Us: Feedback/Question
Hello TruckDriver.com,
I really like that there is a web site like TruckDriver.com dedicated in helping new drivers seek employment. One main thing which is beyond TruckDriver.com's capability is that most trucking companies that I have approached in my area of residence require experience.
I find this has a lot to do with the insurance rates the truck driving industry is charged, and that the business is unable to supply training. With my experience from a training school point of view, this should have given me some advantage, but that is not the case. I have approached Challenger and Schneider, two of the most recognized trucking companies today, about applying and they are not even running their training programs at this time. I'm sure that there are others out there in the same situation.
I feel that the trucking industry really needs to stand together and go up against these insurance companies and their over rated insurance costs to make it fair to all new and seasoned drivers. The cost of going to a certified Truck Training School is not cheap and the experience we gain should show the trucking companies that we are as good as the drivers they have on the road today and maybe even better.
I'm sure there are other issues which prevent us as new drivers in obtaining employment with trucking companies such as the inability to move due to family and financial constraints. I am in that position. At this time I will have to look for work in another field due to family and financial responsibilities.
Sincerely,
BR
Editor: Thanks for writing. Unfortunately, insurance isn’t the only reason carriers discontinue driver training programs. As you pointed out, the cost of training is expensive. The high turnover rate among entry-level drivers along with the downturn in the economy has made it difficult for many carriers to justify the expense. There are still companies that offer training programs, see our Carrier of the Month below.
The TruckDriver.com
Carrier of the Month
Willis Shaw Express, Inc.
In 1938, Willis D. Shaw entered the trucking industry as an individual hauler. During the following years, Mr. Shaw pioneered the transportation of live poultry out of the northwest Arkansas production area into the markets of Illinois, Georgia, Texas and California.
Between the years of 1939 and 1948, the corporation was known as Willis Shaw Produce. During this decade, the company hauled an estimated 37 million chickens to market. With the introduction of the new field of frozen food transportation in 1948, the firm truly began to recognize its potential. Initially, frozen poultry formed the basis for all its operation.
By 1954, with the acquisition of new authority and operating rights, fresh and frozen commodities were being transported in mixed shipments to and from every state in the nation. Interstate authority from the ICC was granted to Willis Shaw to operate as a contract carrier for frozen foods in 1957. The following year the permit was changed to a common carrier certificate.
This authority held by the company was transferred to Willis Shaw Frozen Express, Inc. when the company incorporated on May 27, 1958. The same year, the National Transportation Act brought the transportation of frozen fruits, berries, and vegetables under economic regulation. In response, the company applied for grandfather authority and, after going to the U.S. Supreme Court, eventually won authority to transport these commodities between points in 35 states.
To provide quality customer service, a division office was soon opened in Boise, ID. Additionally, operating rights have been acquired through purchases of portions of the operating rights of Refrigerated Transport in 1962, Pelham Transportation Co, in 1963, Idaho Trucking Company in 1965, Monsen Trucking Company in 1967, H.R. Cook Truck Lines in 1967, and Bonney Motor Lines in 1970.
In 1968 negotiations began between the Willis Shaw Frozen Express and Del Monte Corp. Subsequently, WSE was acquired by Del Monte in late 1970, becoming part of Distribution Systems, Inc. Later, however, Del Monte Corp. was acquired by R.J. Reynolds, Inc. Distribution Systems was disbanded and Willis Shaw Frozen Express was reacquired by its management team on October 1, 1983.
In June 1987, Willis Shaw Frozen Express, Inc. was acquired by Comcar Industries of Auburndale, Florida. In 1993, Willis Shaw Frozen Express and Comcar Industries’ other refrigerated hauler, Clay Hyder Trucking Lines, Inc. were merged to form Willis Shaw Express, Inc.
Today, Willis Shaw Express, Inc. stands as a financially sound irregular route motor common and contract carrier with revenues in excess of $100 million; dedicated to safety on America’s highways and meeting the needs of the shipping public.
Tuition-Free Training Program! You can learn how to drive a truck at WSE.
Experienced Drivers Looking for a New Company. WSE offers stability in earnings, and opportunity both for company drivers and for owner operators.
Become an Owner Operator with Willis Shaw Express.
Accredited Driver Training Programs. WSE welcomes graduates from accredited programs.
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We haven’t seen any numbers, but based on the results of the TruckDriver.com Up in Smoke Survey, we can only guess that 2009 wasn’t exactly a bang up year for the fireworks industry.
Here’s what you said:
How much will you spend on fireworks for the 4 th of July?
$0 – Not buying fireworks this 4 th – 70%
$1 to $25----------8%
$26 to $50---------6%
$51 to $75---------3%
$76 to $100--------6%
More than $100---7%
Anyway, we hope you had a safe and fun holiday!
Now, back to driver training, take the TruckDriver.com Rookie Survey and let us know how you got started in trucking.
Until next time, keep on truckin' and please drive safely.
Your Comments Are Always Welcome
We do like to hear from you and invite you to let us know how we can improve the e-Report. Please send your ideas and suggestions to: jobs@truckdriver.com
