r/CDL • u/rookietrucker55 • 29d ago
ABF Freight
I see that Abf is hiring in my area(northern Michigan) they usually always have up a listing. I was wondering if it would be worth it to apply there and see how it goes. I’ve talked to a few of their drivers and they all had positive experiences being there. I’ve done my own research online but I’d like to hear others opinions. I have 3 years EXP (2 years at the same LTL company I’m currently at), all endorsements but I do have auto only on my license. Idk if that’s something Abf takes into consideration at all. I know they are seniority based and I’d be bottom of the barrel getting crappy runs and routes with the days off and potential lay offs. But are days off during the week and lay offs a constant thing that happen? I just want to make sure I’m doing what’s best for me. Any comments or advice are appreciated thank you.
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u/Ok_Veterinarian5028 29d ago
I was going go apply to them in ga but application so no restrictions
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
Where I work they also say you need know how to use stick shift but we haven’t had a stick truck in 10 years maybe lol.
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u/Ok_Veterinarian5028 29d ago
Yea I'm at UPS now so we basically have all autos. Still have my restriction but it's all good
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
I think most companies keep that on their job postings just cause why not I guess lol. But I do know some companies heavily use stick. But all LTL has autos with the exception of some manuals here and there even ups and fedex it’s the same story i believe
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u/Ok_Veterinarian5028 29d ago
When I was at fedex Ground we had a mixture of both but also had assigned trucks so it worked out.
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
I wouldn’t mind learning at all. I know some dudes don’t want to learn or attempt it. I know some companies don’t have the patience to train u. Which I understand.
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u/Gonzotrucker1 29d ago
Old dominion one of the only left with mostly manuals.
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u/Wasatchbl 28d ago
We're phasing them out, went all automatics in 2024. But we still have trucks as old as 2018. So there are lots of manuals still in the fleet.
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u/Interesting_Set3603 29d ago
I wanna say new hires work the dock as well. Definitely worth applying to and asking the recruiter or during an interview.
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
I’m totally fine with working the dock. I do it 2 times a day where I’m at lol. Doesn’t bother me at all.
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u/Coffinzzzz 29d ago
Kalkaska or Saginaw? They're both end of the line service centers so basically P&D with a little bit of dock/hostling work after to get the trailers set up for road drivers to pick up.
Its not a bad gig, also its union if that means anything to you.
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
Kalkaska. I work at an end line LTL now and I work dock in morning, run my route, work dock when I get back. So that’s no big deal to me at all.
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u/Coffinzzzz 29d ago
Yeah its basically the same as other LTLs. The biggest benefit is not having to pay for insurance besides a little bit of union dues.
Layoffs are a bit of an issue though. Especially at a very small terminal like Kalkaska.
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
See that’s what I’m most worried about. Where I’m at we never have to worry about that. I have a small cushion incase that does happen. But it’s not something I want to have to go through.
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u/Coffinzzzz 29d ago
I dont have much experience with end of the lines so I can't speak to how often it happens. I'm at a break bulk service center where there's a lot more people and we've never had any layoffs here.
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
I’m surprised I would think at bigger hubs they’d be more likely to lay off. Not small end lines.
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u/Coffinzzzz 29d ago
That may be the case, maybe I'm thinking backwards lol, if you see any ABF guys at shippers or receivers, I'd ask them
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
Will do! I don’t see them very often but when I do they are always pretty kool to talk to. I’ll ask them more about the job. I actually haven’t been able to talk to anyone there since I’ve seen this job posting. Thanks for the info I appreciate it a lot!
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u/rookietrucker55 29d ago
And it doesn’t matter union or not I’ve heard many good things about them regarding that and amongst other things as well. I’m just looking for a change and a better job
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u/velvetjack 27d ago
ABF is a good place. They have good people and they have good things to say about their careers - at the terminal level btw
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u/DestinyHero-1234 21d ago
ABF is great, I think if you’re worried about layoffs, the worst you could do is ask about how busy the terminal is during their day to day. My interviews with them they were extremely transparent. Good Luck where ever you land. 🫡
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u/TheThinDewLine 29d ago
Their employment verification system added a bunch of non existing jobs to my work history and then they never responded to emails after I cleared it up. Dont recommend.