2020 The Year of the Truck Driver Raise – Weekly Truck Driver Salary Pay

In November 2020 Central Oregon Truck Company introduced the industry changing, Weekly Truck Driver Salary Pay.  The simplest and highest paying driver pay program in trucking.

COTC has been a leader in truck driver programs for years. The Weekly Truck Driver Salary Pay program is another example COTC leading in truck driver programs and doing what is right for drivers.  Across the trucking industry drivers have complained about low wages, sitting, surprise deductions, not being paid until paperwork is received by the office, the list goes on.

Not any more. Not at Central Oregon Truck Company. We have listened.

  • We pay on actual, dispatched miles driven in the work week. No need to delivery loads to get paid!
  • We pay when we haven’t received paperwork!
  • We pay you a weekly salary!

Our goal is to provide each and every COTC driver with the peace of mind of knowing exactly what they will make each week. Plus, providing each driver with a reliable net take home (after taxes) of $1,200 each week and a no fee per diem program.  We are a production oriented company that averages over 120,000 miles a year, up to 150,000 for a solo driver. We want COTC drivers to be the highest paid in the industry!

Rick Williams, the former Chief Executive Officer of Central Oregon Truck Company, is really excited about the new pay package.  A tremendous amount of thought and research went into this pay package.  It is the biggest driver pay change in the history of the company.  Mr. Williams described the plan as,

It is a significant pay increase that now absolutely puts us at top of the market. Not just in flatbed, but in all of the trucking industry.  The pay change includes Semi OTR and Regional, Quad PNW Regional, and creates a Team pay.  The goal was to simplify so that a driver would know exactly what his or her check is each week the minute the payroll cut-off hit. Now, all our drivers have to do is track their miles.

With the new pay package every COTC drivers received a significant raise in 2021.

COTC solo drivers will earn up to $2,260 gross with an minimum salary tier of $1460 a week while you’re out on the road.  Annually, the weekly pay equals a starting salary of $73,000 for a Solo Semi OTR or Regional truck driver to well over $113,000.

New to COTC is team pay.  Team drivers will earn $2,515 to $4,061 gross each week, for an annual salary between $125,750 to $203,050.

The new pay is only the beginning of what COTC provides for it’s driving team! Learn More about driver pay and benefits and about our partnership with Washington Federal for home loans.

 

To Our Valued Customers

To Our Valued Customers,

We certainly are in unprecedented times.  All businesses are scrambling to determine the best next steps forward and creating contingency plans, as the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.

All of us at Central Oregon Truck Co. Inc. appreciate all that you are doing to keep our drivers safe, healthy and productive during these difficult times.

 One of the most important tasks we need to execute, is our ability to communicate, well and in advance.  We have appreciated your communications and only felt it was reasonable to provide you with information regarding how we are doing and reacting.

While we certainly are not panicking here at Central Oregon Truck Co., we are actively monitoring the situation, creating new policies and developing contingencies.  Please find below the steps we have enacted in preparation for both the current situation and possible future scenarios.

  • We have increased communications with our internal staffing and driving teams regarding personal hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, and social distancing practices.
  • We have advised our teams to self-sanitize eating areas while on the road.
  • We have created a 1-800 hotline for any drivers to reach out for any needs or concerns.
  • We require all drivers to wash their hands prior to entering our facility.
  • Our facility here is being deeply sanitized on weekends
  • We continue to have our in house housecleaning staff clean and sanitize daily, with all door knobs and frequently used or touched surfaces every two hours.
  • Upon entry to the yard, our drivers are asked to exit the truck and wash immediately, as we have staff sanitize the door, steering wheel and gear shift surfaces.  (this increases the protection of our maintenance staff)
  • We have successfully tested our ability to work completely from home, even if during a lockdown.  Phones may be a little clunky but everything else works extremely well.  We are addressing our phone concerns and will have a resolution soon.
  • We have drafted a policy for driving team members to self-quarantine should the need arise
  • We have developed a draft policy regarding the recovery of truck or load from a sick or quarantined driving team member.
  • We have asked all employees to be aware of their personal health and if they feel sick stay home or notify us if on the road and avoid all contact with others. (Self-Screening Policy)

We feel our best line of defense is prevention, our policies are structured such to avoid infection.  Our desire to remain healthy and able to serve our customers, while keeping our staff safe and employed is our number one goal at the moment.

Thank you all for your support, our goal here is to maintain operations as much as allowed and as much is available.  Let’s keep the economy moving, do our part through focused, common sense decisions, and know that we cannot except financial ruin during this crisis for our employees and there families if at all avoidable.

One final item to keep in mind.  Our drivers are out on the road, they do not have a home to hole up in, while we understand the temptation to close to all outsiders out, please just ask that they follow your local protocols and to not deny them the use of basic human needs.  This includes the use of a restroom and a place to wash up.

Thank you,

Rick Williams

CEO

Central Oregon Truck Co. Inc.

To Our Valued Vendor Partners

To Our Valued Vendor Partners,

We certainly are in unprecedented times.  All businesses are scrambling to determine the next best steps forward and creating contingency plans, as the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.

All of us at Central Oregon Truck Company, Inc. appreciate all that you are doing to keep our drivers safe, healthy and productive during these difficult times.

One of the most important tasks we need to execute, is our ability to communicate, well and in advance.  We have appreciated your communications and only felt it was reasonable to provide you with information regarding how we are doing and reacting.

While we certainly are not panicking here at Central Oregon Truck Company, Inc., we are actively monitoring the situation, creating new policies and developing contingencies.  Please find below, the steps we have enacted in preparation for both the current situation and possible future scenarios.

  • We have increased communications with our internal staffing and driving teams regarding personal hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, and social distancing practices.
  • We have advised our teams to self-sanitize eating areas while on the road.
  • We have created a 1-800 hotline for any driver to reach out for any needs or concerns they may have.
  • We require all drivers to wash their hands prior to entering our facility.
  • We continue to have our in house housecleaning staff clean and sanitize daily, with all door knobs and frequently used or touched surfaces being done every two hours.
  • Our facility here is being deeply sanitized on weekends
  • Upon entry to the yard, our drivers are asked to exit the truck and wash their hands immediately, as we have staff sanitize the truck door, steering wheel and gear shift surfaces (this increases the protection of our maintenance staff).
  • We have successfully tested our ability to work completely from home, even if during a lockdown.  Phones may be a little clunky, but everything else works extremely well.  We are addressing our phone concerns and will have a resolution soon.
  • We have developed a policy for driving team members to self-quarantine, should the need arise.
  • We have developed a policy regarding the recovery of truck or load from a sick or quarantined driving team member.
  • We have asked all employees to be aware of their personal health and if they feel, to sick stay home or notify us if on the road and avoid all contact with others. (Self-Screening Policy)

We feel our best line of defense is prevention and our policies are structured as such to avoid infection.  Our desire to remain healthy and able to serve our customers, while keeping our staff safe and employed, is our number one goal at the moment.

Thank you all for your support, our goal here is to maintain operations as much as allowed and as much is available.  Let’s keep the economy moving by doing our part through focused, common sense decisions and know that we cannot accept financial ruin during this crisis for our employees and their families, if at all avoidable.

One final item to keep in mind.  Our drivers are out on the road; they do not have a home to hole up in.  While we understand the temptation to close all outsiders out, please just ask that they follow your local protocols and not deny them the use of basic human needs.  This includes the use of a restroom and a place to wash up.

Thank you,

Rick Williams

CEO

Central Oregon Truck Company, Inc.

Winners Announced for 2019 TCA Fleet Safety Awards

Winners Announced for 2019 TCA Fleet Safety Awards

Eighteen Companies with Outstanding Safety Records Now Eligible for Two Grand Prizes

Alexandria, Virginia:

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has recognized 18 companies as division winners in its 44th Annual Fleet Safety Awards competition. Sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, the awards identify trucking companies who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to safety. The top three winning companies in each of six mileage-based divisions had the lowest accident frequency ratios per million miles, annually.

“For yet another year, TCA is honored to present the Fleet Safety Awards to our members who continually prioritize safety in their operations,” said TCA President John Lyboldt. “These awards showcase the best of our industry and set these carriers apart as truly maintaining the gold standard when it comes to protecting their drivers, their loads, their equipment, and the greater motoring public.”

The 18 division winners are now invited to compete for one of two grand prizes – one for carriers with a total annual mileage less than 25 million miles, and the other for carriers with mileage greater than 25 million miles. Grand prize winners will be announced at TCA’s 2020 Annual Convention, March 1-3 at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, FL. All winners will also receive recognition at TCA’s 2020 Safety & Security Division Meeting, June 7-9 in Louisville, KY.

Division IV Winner

2nd Place

Central Oregon Truck Company

Redmond, OR

New Kenworth W990 Features Special Design for 54th Annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour

New Kenworth W990 Features Special Design for 54th Annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour

Central Oregon Truck Company To Carry “The People’s Tree” To Community Celebrations en route to Washington, D.C.

KIRKLAND, Wash., October 29, 2018 – A new Kenworth W990 will transport the 54th U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Nov. 2 tree-cutting in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest to more than 25 community celebrations en route to the tree-lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C., in early December.

Kenworth W990 and U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour

To commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, the Kenworth W990 and the special Tree will follow a reverse path of the trail during the more than 3,000-mile journey. This year’s tour theme is “Find Your Trail” and marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act.

The Kenworth W990, equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper, offers an eye-catching graphics design with a brightly lit and colorfully adorned Christmas Tree next to the U.S. Capitol below the words “From the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps.” The W990 also includes the logo of Redmond, Oregon-based Central Oregon Truck Company, which is the official hauler of this year’s tree. The company was named the “2018 Best Fleet to Drive For” in the small carrier category by the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge.

Central Oregon Truck Company was selected due to its excellent reputation in Oregon’s trucking industry, according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, a non-profit organization that assists the U.S. Forest Service in coordinating the annual tour.

“It is an honor to be chosen to deliver the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree and represent the state of Oregon. We look forward to a memorable trip as we share the Tree with America during the journey to Washington D.C.,” said Rick Williams, CEO of Central Oregon Truck Company. Both Williams, a former flatbed driver; and business partner Phil Taylor, who serves as vice president of maintenance; will drive the W990 as a part of an overall team effort with other driving team members from the company. The flatbed carrier transports freight across the 48 continental states and Canada. The company’s Kenworth trucks are purchased from Papé Kenworth, which is a major sponsor of this year’s tour.

“For the fifth consecutive year, a Kenworth truck will deliver ‘The People’s Tree’. The annual lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is an important American tradition. We’re especially excited that the new Kenworth W990 will transport the Tree. The W990 features the PACCAR Powertrain and will provide a very comfortable work environment for this year’s tour drivers,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.

The W990 has the PACCAR Powertrain with the PACCAR’s MX-13 engine rated at 455-hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque, 12-speed automated transmission, and 40K tandem rear axle. The truck is also specified with the Limited Edition interior, premium GT703 seats and audio system, Kenworth Nav+HD, predictive cruise control, 1800W inverter, 180-degree swivel passenger seat, and Kenworth TruckTech+® remote diagnostics.

For more information, including a complete tour schedule, visit the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website (www.capitolchristmastree.com).

Kenworth is The Driver’s Truck™. See what drivers are saying at www.kenworth.com/drivers.

Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth’s Internet home page is at www.kenworth.com. Kenworth is a PACCAR company.

Hauling the Capitol Christmas Tree from the Oregon Trail to the Capitol Steps

In Early November 2018 we will kick-off the 3,000 mile journey of ‘The People’s Tree’ from Sweet Home, Oregon to the West Lawn of the Capital Building in Washington, D.C., with a public tree lighting ceremony in Early December.  Brigette Harrington, a fourth grader at Jackson Elementary School in Hillsboro, Oregon, will be flying to Washington, D.C., to join the U.S. Speaker of the House in lighting the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree during the official ceremony. 

“It is an honor to be selected to carry the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree and to represent the great state of Oregon during the tree’s journey to Washington, D.C.,” said Rick Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Central Oregon Truck Company. “Hauling this precious cargo and the joy it brings to Americans across the country will certainly be one of the most memorable loads of my lifetime.”

Central Oregon Truck will hook up to the 80 foot trailer designed for the once-a-year journey of the Capitol Christmas Tree with a beautiful, custom-wrapped Kenworth W990. The wrap is designed by Kenworth. The wrap design is unique each year and incorporates themes of the trucking company, the state, and the Christmas tree.  The Kenworth design team sets a high-bar with the tractor wraps as seen on past year designs.

The Tree and It’s Journey

For the first time ever, the 80-foot tall Capitol Christmas Tree is a noble fir.  The Capitol Christmas Tree last came from Oregon in 2002.  Each tree is evaluated for a variety of desired characteristics, including being 65 to 85 feet tall, having a straight stem, uniform branching, a perfectly conical shape, natural density and rich green color. The tree candidates included both Douglas and Noble firs, the two most iconic conifer species in both the Willamette and Oregon. Other factors included the tree’s accessibility by crane and semi-truck when it’s cut.  Upwards of 70 smaller companion trees will also be sent from the Willamette for government buildings and public spaces in Washington, D.C. Oregonians have already created nearly 2,000 large, weatherproof handmade ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree and 10,000 smaller handmade ornaments for the companion trees.

A modern-day wagon train carrying the Christmas tree and ornaments will begin its eastward journey from Sweet Home, following the path of the Oregon Trail in reverse. The wagon train will make stops in a variety of communities across Oregon and the country before arriving in Washington, D.C. The travel route, schedule and special events are posted on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Facebook page.  Additional tour information is available at www.capitolchristmastree.com.

We would love to see your pictures of 2018 Central Oregon Truck Company Capital Christmas Tree Tractor as you join us for the journey.  Be sure to tag #drivecotc and #centraloregontruck.

Kenworth and Papé Kenworth Create a Christmas Miracle

Kenworth Truck Company is a fifth-year sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially-decaled Kenworth truck will transport the 54th U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.

“Kenworth is proud to once again play a part of delivering the ‘People’s Tree’ to our nation’s Capitol,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “The cross-country tour offers the opportunity for people to see this national symbol of celebration, and a Kenworth is the right truck for this important job.”

Eugene-based Papé Kenworth is the presenting sponsor of the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. Founded in 1938, Papé is a fourth-generation, family-owned business with more than 90 locations and 2,700 team members. Papé serves the capital equipment needs of the trucking, construction, forestry, agriculture, warehousing, and material handling industries throughout the West.

“We are thrilled to help bring the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program to life,” said Susie Papé, Board Chair of The Papé Group Inc. Dave Laird, President of Papé Kenworth added, “We look forward to being a part of this annual year-long celebration and sharing a piece of Oregon heritage with the nation.”

Read more about the Capitol Christmas Tree.

 

Oregon flatbed carrier to haul Capitol Christmas tree

Central Oregon Truck Company, 2018 Best Fleets to Drive For Small Carrier category winner, will deliver the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree this year.

On Friday, Nov. 2, the tree will be cut and prepared for the more than 3,000-mile journey that commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail — by following a reverse path of the trail. The tour will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act.

Semi-Truck Hauling Christmas Tree

2017 Capitol Christmas Tree unload in Washington, D.C.

The Willamette National Forest, in partnership with Choose Outdoors and Travel Oregon, will bring the tree to more than 25 communities this holiday season.

For the sixth year, the Truckload Carriers Association will be playing a key role in the delivery of the tree.

A series of festive events will be hosted by local communities at museums, main streets, city halls, state capitols, markets, retailers, high schools, and even a parade.

In November, TCA member companies Meritor, Inc. and MHC Kenworth, as well as Doran Logistics Services, will be hosting a whistlestop Nov. 20 and 23 in their respective cities. Attendees of these events will have the opportunity to sign the trailer banner, learn about the Willamette National Forest and Oregon, and purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise.

Stops on the tour include:

  • Friday, Nov. 9: Sweet Home High School, 1641 Long St., Sweet Home, Oregon 97386 (noon street fair, 6 p.m. parade and 7:30 p.m. program)
  • Saturday, Nov. 10: Linn County Circuit Court, 300 SW Fourth Ave., Albany, Oregon 97321 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
  • Saturday, Nov. 10: Cabela’s, 2800 Gateway St., Springfield, Oregon 97477 (4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
  • Sunday, Nov. 11: McKenzie River Ranger Station, 57600 McKenzie Highway 126, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon 97413 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
  • Sunday, Nov. 11: 48257 E. 1st, Oakridge, Oregon 97463 (2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
  • Monday, Nov. 12: 450 SW Powerhouse Drive, Ste 422, Bend, Oregon 97702 (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
  • Monday, Nov. 12: 160 Detroit Ave., Detroit, Oregon 97342 (5 p.m.– 7 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 13: Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 (10 a.m.–noon)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 13: Oregon City, Oregon
  • Wednesday, Nov. 14: The Dalles City Hall, 313 Court St., The Dalles, Oregon 97058 (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 14: Baker City, Oregon
  • Friday, Nov. 16: City Hall, 911 North 7th Ave., Pocatello, Idaho 83201 (9 a.m. — 10 a.m.)
  • Saturday, Nov. 17: Ft. Bridger State Historic Site, 37001 Isthmus Loop I-80 Fort Bridger, Wyoming 82933 (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: 975 Snowy Range Rd., Laramie, Wyoming 82070 (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Scottsbluff, Nebraska including parade route from 23rd St. to 17th Street on Broadway and ceremony on the 1700 block of Broadway (6 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
  • Monday, Nov. 19: Otoe County Courthouse, 110 South 11th, Nebraska City, Nebraska 68410 (6:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, November 20: Perry High School, 404 Lecompton Rd., Perry, Kansas 66073 (12:00 – 1:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, November 20: MHC Kenworth, 1524 N. Corrington, Kansas City, Missouri 64120 (4 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 21: Independence Uptown Market, 201 W. Truman Rd., Independence, Missouri 64050 (9 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: 2018 Thanksgiving Day Parade, 7th Street and Market Street, St. Louis (8 a.m. – noon)
  • Friday, Nov. 23: The Harrison Pavilion, 101 Harrison Ave., Harrison, Ohio 45030 (2 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
  • Sunday, Nov. 25: Andrews Air Force Base, 1500 Perimeter Rd. Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

The times and locations of stops are subject to change.

The official tree lighting will occur in early December.

In addition to Central Oregon Truck Company, Doran Logistics Services, Meritor, Inc., and Kenworth Truck Company, numerous TCA member companies are part of the tree’s delivery. They include Eaton Corporation, Great West Casualty Company, Pilot Flying J, and SkyBitz.

Other sponsors and volunteers include Papé, KGW8, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Hale Trailer, VanDoIt, Alaska Airlines, Husqvarna, Willamette Valley Visitors Association, Axis Crane, the National Forest Foundation, and the City of Sweet Home.

For tour information, event details, news, and updates, and to track the tree cross-country, visit or search the hashtag #CapitolChristmasTree on social media networks.

Super Truckers Need Not Apply – The COTC Orientation Experience

I have seen your trucks, they are always clean and professional.  Chatted with your drivers on the road. They seem happy.  Said positive things about the Company, but I still wasn’t sure.

We hear this all of the time!  So we thought lets chat with Central Oregon Truck’s orientation class this week about the COTC culture, policies, and experience so far.

We understand the industry is filled with empty promises. Recruiters telling you what you want to hear, then you arrive for orientation and it is nothing like you were told.  The trucking industry ‘Gotcha!’ A tale as old as time.

Central Oregon Truck sounded too good to be true.  I decided to come based on talking with Jerry (current COTC driver) but you are not getting something for nothing.  If the money is there why not put in the effort?  I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop.  So far it hasn’t, said Dylan.

At Central Oregon Truck we do our best to be transparent. To not fall into the status quo of industry treatment of drivers.   At the end of the day, it is still trucking. It comes with traffic, long waits to load and unload, excessive regulation, a lack of access to on-the-road amenities — this entire article could be this list.  We can’t change that.  What we can change, is the conversation and the execution.

I have seen COTC trucks on the road all of the time and decided to apply.  I haven’t driven a 10 speed in two years but Dave (a driver coach and former COTC driver that teaches orientation) was incredibly patient with me during the test drive.  He told me to take my time and not to be nervous.  Dave really helped me out, said Michael.

We provide routing and fuel solutions, have in-ward and out-ward facing cameras, have all Kenworth trucks, utilize the newest safety technology available, working towards a fleet with APUs in all of the trucks and don’t want drivers running between midnight and 5 am.  Regardless of what you read on the internet, we do this for two very simple reasons: (1) safety and (2) production.  You may not agree with how we manage drivers and run the trucks.  We are okay with that.  There is no shortage of other trucking companies for you.

Our goal is for each driver to go home to their family with great paycheck in their pocket

No more sleeping for the first two days of home time because you have been running all hours. No more guessing at the amount on your paycheck each week or not getting paid because the office didn’t receive your POD.  No more sitting for days waiting for your next load, or even worse sitting then your dispatcher calls and says, ‘eh just head home I don’t have a load for you.’  What!? In the best freight market in 20+ years you are still sitting or being sent home because dispatch can’t find you a load!  Enough is enough.  Raise the bar and expect more from your company!

I filled out one of those online apps and received thousands of phone calls and emails.  COTC stood out to me.  So I called them back.  I had not flown since 2008, so getting on a plane was stressful, but much better than a bus from Ohio.  Everyone is a straight shooter and I like that.  Central Oregon is more open than other companies.  The people here, they act like they have known you forever.  It feels like you never really left home.  They explained the why behind the rules and policies. Used real life stuff as examples of why COTC does what it does.  I am looking forward to the home time.  Not being run ragged, only to get home with a body completely exhausted.  Nothing to change about the orientation experience, said Delmar.

Central Oregon Truck offers a Weekly Truck Driver Salary of $1,250 to $2,000 per week with a minimum of $.50 cpm per mile and annual loyalty pay of $.01 to $.03 cpm on every mile dispatched for solo OTR or regional flatbed.  We pay $1,250 for the Monday – Monday payroll period that includes orientation, paid out $250 advance with $1,000 gross on the paycheck.  COTC pays $100 if you wait longer than an hour for your next load, but don’t get too excited, because once you deliver your Peoplenet will ding with your next offer.  It is the COTC promise of a well paid, full-time job!

My son just started here and recommended I join.  I don’t have flatbed experience.  The training I have received this week has been encouraging me to use my skills and helpful when I need extra practice.  The coaches have all been drivers and that really helps.  They do want pictures in the first 30 days of each load to help with your job. It’s better to take a picture then go out with a trainer.  The test drive takes you through a lot of obstacles, tight turns, and winding country roads. It is a thorough test of your driving skills. COTC is not just gonna put you behind the wheel, said David.

There are no bars on COTC windows. Drivers have key cards to the office during office hours just like everyone else. COTC has four driver advisory boards that drive change into driver programs. Driver coaches were successful OTR flatbed drivers.  We don’t have hidden fees and charges. We don’t charge for a shower, access to WIFI, or use of the driver house when you reset at the yard, per diem, and other basic equipment you need to your job.

From the Moment You Arrive for Orientation You Will Experience the Culture that Makes Central Oregon Truck Company the 2018 Best Fleets to Drive For Overall Small Carrier

Drivers attending orientation are not isolated from the rest of the company.  Recruits experience the same access to all COTC facilities as current employees, eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in the deli with the tenured drivers and office staff.  Thursday morning the COTC management team joins the orientation class for coffee and breakfast and an open Q&A on the company.

It’s Not All Rainbows and Unicorn Farts

During the chat with this weeks orientation class they were pressed about what they didn’t like because no company is perfect and Central Oregon Truck is no exception.  Okay, we will admit, their experience was not even four days, but we all know you can tell a lot about a trucking company in less than that!

Delmar asked, “why the driver lounge does not stay open 24 hours.”  He said, “drivers come in late sometimes and need to get out of the truck for a shower and bathroom.”  Just like Mom always said, nothing good happens between midnight and 5 am! Which is when the lounge is closed.  Following COTC policy we want, and hope, the driving team is sleeping each night.  We do offer a shower and restroom outside at the concierge building for exactly the reason Delmar stated, however laundry will have to wait until morning.

Michael asked, “can you add a mini fridge to guestrooms.”  We hear this request from time-to-time.  There are no mini fridges in the guestrooms because we don’t want too much eating and drinking in the rooms we have a deli and driver lounge for that.  We want the rooms to stay clean and nice for the next occupant.

So there you have it!  We hope you enjoyed this article on the Central Oregon Truck orientation experience and a big thank you to Delmar, David, Michael, and Dylan for their feedback and honesty.  We hope each of you have found a long-term home with us! Please remember to call-in anytime you need us.  Communication and HOS management is key to succeeding with the relentless freight of COTC.

Leavitt’s Freight Service Merges with Central Oregon Truck Company

Leavitt’s Freight Service, a specialty carrier of utility poles and engineered wood products, has merged with Daseke-affiliated Central Oregon Truck Company. Leavitt’s current management team will remain intact under the merger and it will retain its existing name. The carrier operates a fleet of more than 120 trucks.

Leavitt’s Freight Service transports long loads such as utility poles on the company’s fleet of 45- to 48-foot trailers. Loads can range from 25 to 140 feet in length, which the company handles using floating trailers, some of which are outfitted with a steerable trailer. The company also hauls more conventional loads such as trusses, wood products for construction, and steel decking.

Both Central Oregon and Leavitt’s operate in the Northwest along the I-5 corridor, which will allow the two companies to cut costs by sharing each other’s facilities for service, maintenance, and fuel.

“We’re now an even stronger force in our region as we can grow together,” said Rick Williams, CEO of COTC. “We serve customers in 48 states and Canada with a fleet of more than 350 trucks, while Leavitt’s is a dominant niche carrier on the West Coast. We will add to each other’s portfolio, while sharing resources.”

Leavitt’s Freight merges with Daseke’s Oregon flatbed company

Leavitt’s Freight, which operates a fleet of more than 120 trucks, will continue to operate under its existing name and with its current management team, as part of Central Oregon Truck Company.

Fleet Owner Staff | Aug 14, 2018

Leavitt’s Freight Service, a specialty carrier of utility poles and engineered wood products, has merged with Central Oregon Truck Company (COTC), a member of the Daseke family of flatbed and specialized carriers.

Leavitt’s Freight, which operates a fleet of more than 120 trucks, will continue to operate under its existing name and with its current management team, as part of COTC.

“I’ve always admired what the Leavitt family has put together,” said Rick Williams, CEO of Redmond-based COTC. “We’re now an even stronger force in our region as we can grow together. We serve customers in 48 states and Canada with a fleet of more than 350 trucks, while Leavitt’s is a dominant niche carrier on the West Coast. We will add to each other’s portfolio, while sharing resources. We have our operations in Central Oregon, while Leavitt’s is on the I-5 corridor, including areas of Washington, Oregon and California. But we both run these lanes. Now, we can utilize each other’s facilities for service, maintenance and fuel, which will help us cut costs.”

Daseke recently announced it had acquired Memphis-based metal hauler Builders Transportation Co.

“We’re excited to be joining COTC and the Daseke organization,” added Terry Leavitt, co-owner, retired president and son of one of the founders. “We’ve never been for sale, but we’ve had a lot of phone calls from equity companies. There was never any interest on our end – we had a legacy and a name we hold with pride. But, the business model of COTC and Daseke caught our attention and we were open to listen. And we’re glad we did. They won’t change us; they will only make us better.”

For extremely long loads Leavitt’s uses ‘floating’ trailers, some outfitted with a steerable trailer.

Williams cited one other important bond between the two companies – both have been operated by managers who have themselves been drivers. “Drivers are the core of any trucking operation, and with leadership at Leavitt’s and at COTC having that experience, it differentiates us from others,” he said.

Ron Riddle, CEO of Leavitt’s Freight Service, said joining forces with COTC will allow it to tap the expertise of its new partner. “I’ve considered what Rick and his team have built to be world class,” said Riddle. “They were named the overall Best Fleet to Drive For throughout North America (small carrier category), and that speaks volumes. If there was a university to learn trucking, COTC would be the teacher. They know how to grow a trucking company and do it right and ethically.”

Leavitt’s Freight Service was founded in 1958 by brothers Doug, Dean and Dewey Leavitt. The company’s fleet of 45-to-48-foot trailers is equipped to handle long loads such as utility poles, which can range from 25- to 140-feet in length. For extremely long loads Leavitt’s uses ‘floating’ trailers, some outfitted with a steerable trailer.

More conventional loads include trusses and engineered wood products for construction projects, plus steel decking. The company moved much of the steel decking for the Amazon buildings in the Seattle area.

Both COTC and Leavitt’s Freight Service have been nationally and locally honored for excellence. In 2018 Central Oregon Truck Co. was not only named one of the Best Fleets to Drive For, for the fifth consecutive year, it also won Best Overall in the small carrier category. Leavitt’s was named the Oregon Trucking Association’s Fleet Safety Grand Champion in 2016, while Gene Hullette, who serves as safety manager at Leavitt’s, was named the Safety Professional of the Year.  This year, the company captured first place in the OTA’s Fleet Safety Awards — large fleet category.