Ecklund Logistics, Neenah, WI

Back story on me, got my CDL at 18 and worked the dock at a local LTL outfit then started driving for them when I turned 21. Drove for a few years and needed a change so I became a paramedic and spent the last 5 years doing that. I'm ready to get back on the road and going OTR this time. I went on Monday to fill out an application, spoke to the hiring manager while I was there and was offered a job starting at .39/mile. Trucks are a mix of Freightliners, peterbilts and a few volvos 05 or newer so not the newest fleet but pretty well maintained. It's a smaller operation about 50 trucks I would guess.

Anyway went in today for my road test which was about 5 miles on country roads, after 5 years without driving it's a bit tricky getting used to it again but it went fine overall, just a few ground gears. Then went and did a drug screen. I start my orientation tomorrow watching the videos and learning about the company etc. I'm the only one coming on right now so she thinks orientation will go pretty quick maybe just one day but probably 2 days. After that I'll figure out where to and when but hopefully leaving Monday morning after one last weekend home with the fiance. They have different programs as far as number of days out then number of days off but I will be roughly on a 5 day out 48 hour off schedule.

I will try to keep this updated throughout orientation and as I start driving to see how it compares to others. So far I'm pretty happy with the pay they're offering and the miles they have available. The process has been quick and smooth so far, here's to hoping it keeps going that way.

 

Sitting here in orientation right now. Apparently I did well enough on my road test that I wonr need to do any refresher training. Their general requirement is 2 years otr experience in the last 3 years. I guess I'm lucky sneaking by that one. Got assigned a truck and met the dispatchers this morning. I will be leaving Sunday evening with my first load. They're going to get me the load info tomorrow afternoon. I will give a better update tonight. Time for a brush up on csa 2010

 

The rest of the day was pretty boring. Just watched a bunch of videos and filled out paperwork, pretty much the same as any other job. Got updated on CSA 2010 which is new since I left driving and the new hours of service regulations which really aren't all that different that I can see other than the 30 minute required break. Tomorrow is more paperwork and going through my truck doing the initial checkout so I don't get dinged for any damage when I turn it back in. Don't know much about model numbers or anything but it's a big black Volvo with a 10 speed. It's a bit older, it's got over 800,000 on the clock but it's the one I did my road test in yesterday and it is in really nice shape overall. The ride is nice but kind of weird coming from short wheel base day cab macks at my last driving job. I'll get a picture of the truck up on Sunday when I'm loaded up and heading out. Got free lunch today from a good bar/restaurant down the road today. Got issued my comdata card which I can use for cash advances or truck expenses, you have the option of having your check direct deposited on the card but I'm using my regular bank for that. They do have a forced per diem. Any other questions otherwise I'll update again tomorrow then let you know what my load is and where I'm headed Sunday.

I hope to keep this updated with my daily and or weekly adventures so new drivers can get an idea of what to expect and anyone looking at Ecklund can get a feel for my process. I've heard now from multiple drivers, dispatch and the mechanic that they have tons of miles. Management expects you to run at least 2500/week on average which is a nice change from some companies you read about where you have to fight to get 2500.

 

Small world Lana was the one I met with while there filling out my application and she's been doing all the orientation so far. I went to paramedic class with a guy who worked for Noltes, I don't know if you knew him Steve G. Living in this part of the world there are certainly plenty of trucking companies to choose from, just have to pick one that works for you and stick with it. I wanted to drive for Jim Piontek out of Green Bay just because of their trucks but I don't want to haul a reefer.

 

They moved right along with me. Asked if I could leave this afternoon with a load going to okc. I couldn't go yet still have to grocery shop and pack. Second day was decent got everything finished up and learned how the people net works.
Got my first load assignment picking up in lomira about 40 miles south of here headed to Princeton, mn not real thrilled as its about a 350 mile run with 22 hours from pickup to delivery but hoping I can unload early and put a few more miles on for a full day.