Posts Tagged ‘trucking companies’

Driver Spotlight: Jerry Arthur

Posted by deckerAdmin

Inside the Triangle, A Decker Truck Line Podcast episode 16

https://anchor.fm/deckertruckline

Our latest episode of Inside the Triangle is out now! Professional Driver Jerry Arthur joins host Darin Ladlie to chat about what it was like in 2006 when Jerry first started at Decker compared to now! Jerry and Darin also talk about transitioning to a Lease Purchase Driver and how to overcome any obstacles that may come your way.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have topic suggestions or questions you want answered on the podcast, you can email them to podcast@deckermail.com. Or you can create a voice memo on your smartphone and email it to podcast@deckermail.com

Decker Podcast

Posted by deckerAdmin

We are excited to announce that our new Decker Podcast “Inside the Triangle” is here!  Click HERE to listen.

What is a podcast?  Simply put, a podcast is an audio program, just like Talk Radio, but you subscribe to it on your smartphone, iPod, computer, etc. and can listen to it whenever you would like.  Podcasts are often distributed in “episodes” meaning new episodes are typically made available on a regular basis.  So, please join us each week as our host, Darin Ladlie and special guests, will discuss and explore everything from trucking industry news and DTL updates, to more personal Professional Driver and employee interviews.

HOW TO LISTEN:  Search for “Inside the Triangle” on your favorite podcast smart phone app or on your computer’s web browser.   Once you find it, don’t forget to subscribe so you always know when we release new episodes!  You can also go to our Decker Truck Line website (www.deckertruckline.com) and click on Podcast in the menu bar at the top of the page and you will be able to choose the episode that you would like to listen to from there. 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!  If you have questions or topics you want answered or discussed on the podcast, the best way to submit them is to create a voice memo on your smart phone!  E-mail your message to:  podcast@deckermail.com

October 2018 Drivers of the Month

Posted by deckerAdmin

Over n’ Out Scavenger Hunt

Posted by deckerAdmin

Driver Shortage Struggles Across Transportation Industry Affecting Everyone

Posted by deckerAdmin

Written by Jesse Butler, Driver Recruiter at Decker Truck Line

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a tractor trailer truck driver was $42,480 in 2017. The demand for drivers does not seem to be going away. In fact, according to BLS, the expected need for tractor trailer truck drivers is increasing at an average of 6%. However, the average age of a T/T truck driver is 55 years old and the number of NEW drivers is slow to make up the difference between those retiring and the increased shipping demands.

Like many hard working, hands on occupations, OTR tractor trailer truck drivers must be at the top of their game all the time. They MUST be alert, aware of their surroundings and not just in control of their own skills, but also cautious of other drivers on the road. They have to play defense  100% of the time. Watching out for pedestrians not paying attention because they are watching someone else or playing on their phone. Watching for animals (deer, dogs, elk etc) running out onto the road, not knowing it could mean their demise. Aware of motorcyclists, 4 wheeled vehicles, other T/T and commercial vehicles using the same roadway but not necessarily following the same driving standards.

OTR T/T truck drivers are expected to do a lot. But yet, in today’s world, some think they can be replaced by robotics. We will see.

For now, we rely HEAVILY (pun intended) on our tractor trailer truck drivers. EVERYTHING you purchase, at one point in its life has been on the back of a T/T. Whether it’s food, clothing, vehicles, computers or that precious phone you are holding in your hand. A truck driver hauled it.

Missoula, Montana Terminal

Do you remember when you were younger, when someone talked about a truck driver, you immediately thought of this unsung hero who would help you change a tire if you were stranded, would give you a lift if your vehicle broke down and you had 10, 15, 50 miles to the next town? Do you remember getting all excited when you saw a T/T coming down the road so you could pump your arm in hopes they would see your ridiculous request to hear them blast their horn and say “hello”?  I remember that! I remember thinking, truck drivers are hard working, happy people.

I can’t say I sing the same tune now. Not because I don’t think they are still hard working guys willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it, like Decker Truck Line’s Bill Nettle who saved a little piglet from an ugly fate along Hwy 20 or Decker’s Michael Massey who helped Marshalltown tornado victims pick themselves and their belongings back up while waiting for his weather related delayed appointment. No, that’s not why I don’t look at truck drivers the same way.

It’s the frustrated and discouraged look I see on their faces instead of the happy carefree demeanor.

After spending over 12 years as a driver recruiting, I’ve seen several changes to the HOS restrictions, medical requirements and other safety regulations (not to say they weren’t needed)…. But very little change in driver pay. These same drivers, power through and continue to do what is asked, required, needed of them to do, but for years, there had not been a significant change in pay throughout the industry. Experienced drivers are being forced out, unable to continue to do the job they did so well for so long. It’s time for them to retire. Those new to the industry have big hopes of making a good living out on the road. They are giving up time with their family, evenings and weekends off…for what? For a grumpy DM? Angry shippers or less motivated receivers? No, they are making sacrifices because they KNOW the world needs them…and they love driving truck. Still, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t make a good living at what they love to do.

Trucking companies are realizing that and many have increased wages significantly. Some, like Decker Truck Line, have increased the BASE pay over 23% and implemented additional bonus programs and incentives to the drivers hoping to illustrate their appreciation for all the hard work and sacrifices they do for each and every one of us. This brings up the average median pay to above $65,000 for Decker drivers, plus numerous DTL drivers making significantly more than the median wage AND, because it’s not ALL about the amount of money you bring home, it’s also about quality of life and respect you receive, Decker has been able to provide better home time opportunities and driver friendly policy changes to their hard working team.

Now, allow me to pump my arm and hope for a trucker “heck ya”.

 

Jesse Butler is a driver recruiter for Decker Truck Line. She has worked within the trucking industry for over a decade. You can contact her at 406.203.4413. 

Apply directly to Decker Truck Line at www.DriveDecker.com

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