Any SuperValu drivers out there? (Hopkins, MN/Fargo, ND)

I just delivered to the Hopkins dc. I don't drive for them so can only comment on the equipment I saw. All day cabs. At least that's all I saw. Older model Volvo s and macks. Trailers were pretty beat up.

 

I work for Supervalu in New Stanton, PA and I can give you some information on how our barn operates. We run a 350 mile radius (roughly) of our facility and we do have some overnight bids (6 out of 67, to be exact). The equipment is older (I drive an 06 Mack Vision with 800,000 miles on it ) but well maintained. I drive the same tractor every day and anything I write up is taken care of, no questions asked. Almost all of our trucks are governed at 62 mph. I work a 4 day bid and run an average of 500 miles a day. Most trailers have 1-2 stops, but occasionally you'll see a 4 stopper. Extra work is availableand it's all no touch freight (technically driver assist, but I usually just walk with the store folks while they use a power jack). Money is excellent (easy 80k per year with one extra day per week, top guys are well.over 90) and the health insurance is free. We are Teamsters (so is Minnesota, not sure about North Dakota). Minnesota is the mother ship and I'd assume they're also well compensated. Hope this helped you, every facility will be somewhat different but I'd assume there would be at least some similarities.

 

I should add that if I only run my bid I'll work 45-48 hours a week, but I'm greedy and always take and extra day at time and a half. New Stanton runs only 48 and 53 footers, no doubles.

 

I'm positive that some of the yards out west run doubles (Montana and Washington for sure), but I'm not sure about Minnesota. Take a look in their yard to see if any pups are hanging around, if you get the chance.

Everything is done on a seniority basis at our barn. EVERYTHING. That's a good thing if you're at the top, maybe not so good if you're at the bottom. I believe Hopkins is local #120, stop by the union hall and educate yourself a little on some of their practices. Information is always a good thing, I personally wouldn't work in the grocery side of this business without representation. But to each his own.

A good majority of our work is overnight - my bid start times (I choose my schedule and corresponding runs by seniority ) are midnight and 1:00am. We also have a lot of runs at 15:00-18:00 start times, we're basically a 24/7 operation (nothing really goes out Saturday afternoon, however). Some guys will take 2 trailers a night, out-back, out-back. Once you gain seniority you have more options available as far as runs go.

I'm not gonna lie to you, it's rough for a new guy starting out. I'm going to assume Hopkins would start you out in an on call basis, but I really don't know. It's my understanding that they just picked up 18 new stores (formerly Rainbow or something?), that's a big hunk of business. Could be a good time to get in there? Not sure. Supervalu as a whole has suffered in recent years because of questionable business decisions and competition. I personally believe we are on the upswing, but only time will tell.

Let me know if I can answer anything else for ya, hope I helped at least a little.

 

Around minneapolis all I see are macks and older trucks and they drive slow on the highway. Not sure on pay though. Dayton freight does seem much better though.

 

All I see are 48fts around minneapolis

 

It's my understanding that they're pretty picky. They will fine tooth your work history and driving record - I think they'll go back 10 years.