Considering a career with Indian River Transport (IRT) as a driver? It’s crucial to gather insights from those who’ve been on the road with them. This review dives into the firsthand experiences of a driver in their initial weeks at IRT, providing a balanced perspective on what you might encounter. While every experience is unique, understanding common themes in driver reviews can aid your decision-making process. This account highlights both the positives and negatives experienced early on, offering a glimpse into the realities of working for Indian River Transport.
Initial Positive Aspects of Indian River Transport
Despite some initial challenges, there are commendable aspects to working at Indian River Transport, as noted by the driver in their early experiences. One significant advantage is the truck speed. The trucks are reportedly set to go 70 mph, which is a definite plus for drivers looking to maximize their time on the road and potentially increase earnings based on mileage.
The Winter Haven terminal also stands out as a positive. It’s described as “huge” and not cramped, unlike some other company terminals. This spaciousness can contribute to a less stressful and more efficient work environment when drivers are at the terminal. Furthermore, the presence of a “nice drivers lounge” offers a comfortable space for休息 and interaction with fellow drivers, although the lack of showers is a noted drawback.
Maintenance at Indian River Transport receives positive feedback. The driver’s initial impression is that maintenance is “great,” suggesting that the company prioritizes keeping their trucks in good running condition. This is a critical factor for driver satisfaction and safety, as reliable equipment is essential for over-the-road trucking.
IRT also offers a degree of flexibility regarding bobtailing. Drivers are allowed to bobtail “pretty much whenever the trailer can be dropped securely,” such as at customer locations or terminals. This policy can be convenient for drivers, allowing for more personal flexibility and potentially saving time and fuel. Finally, the company is perceived as hands-off as long as drivers are performing their jobs adequately. The review mentions, “They don’t bug you at all if you’re doing your job,” which can be a desirable aspect for experienced drivers who prefer autonomy. There’s also no idle policy and no APUs in the trucks, which could be seen as both a pro and con depending on driver preferences and environmental considerations.
Initial Negative Aspects and Areas for Improvement at IRT
However, alongside these positives, the initial weeks also revealed significant areas where Indian River Transport seems to fall short, impacting driver experience. A recurring theme is disorganization. The company as a whole “seems very disorganized,” as highlighted by the driver’s experience of receiving multiple emails requesting application verification a week after starting. This lack of organization can lead to frustration and inefficiency for drivers.
Communication issues, particularly with dispatch, are a major concern. Getting ahold of dispatch is described as “near impossible, unless it’s after hours.” Truck messages reportedly go unreplied, creating obstacles for drivers needing support or information while on the road. This communication breakdown can lead to delays and added stress.
Payroll processes also appear inconvenient. Payroll is only accessible between 1300-1500 hours, and the pay deposit occurs after 1630. This timing is problematic, especially if pay discrepancies arise. Discovering a payroll error on a Friday afternoon means waiting until Monday during the limited payroll hours to resolve it, causing unnecessary delays and financial uncertainty.
Orientation is described as “minimal,” with a lack of specific training on tank operations and procedures for shippers and receivers. Given that IRT specializes in tank transport, this lack of specialized training is a significant oversight and potential safety concern. Furthermore, the practice of “always giving a specific pickup/delivery time when a lot of times it’s open” indicates a potential disconnect between dispatch and real-world operational flexibility, potentially adding unnecessary pressure on drivers.
Truck assignment and condition also raise concerns. The driver was given an older Prostar instead of a newer Pete, and while the truck was in “good running condition,” it had a significant odor issue, smelling strongly of urine, particularly in the air vents. While there’s a promise of a newer truck “very soon,” the initial experience with an unsanitary and older vehicle is negative.
Customer interactions present another challenge. Customers reportedly show “0 respect for IRT,” often making IRT drivers wait while loading/unloading others, even when the IRT driver was first or had an appointment. This lack of respect from customers reflects poorly on IRT’s reputation and can lead to wasted time and frustration for drivers. Adding to logistical issues, directions to customers have been “incorrect 3 out of 4 times,” necessitating extra verification and potentially causing delays and missed appointments.
Finally, the driver notes a lack of friendly and helpful customer service within IRT departments. Calling any department often results in being “treated as if you’re interrupting them and you’re a nuisance,” a stark contrast to the “family-like” and helpful treatment experienced at a previous company.
Update on Pay and Customer Service
An update from the driver reinforces concerns about pay and customer service. The inconvenient payroll hours and delayed deposit time are reiterated. Moreover, the consistently negative and unhelpful attitude encountered when contacting various departments within IRT further detracts from the overall driver experience. The comparison to a previous employer who treated drivers “like family” underscores the perceived lack of support and positive company culture at Indian River Transport.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Indian River Transport
This initial review of Indian River Transport reveals a mixed bag of experiences. While IRT offers positives such as competitive truck speeds, a large terminal, good maintenance, and operational autonomy, significant concerns exist regarding disorganization, communication, payroll inconvenience, inadequate training, truck condition issues, customer respect, and unhelpful internal customer service. For drivers considering Indian River Transport, it’s essential to weigh these pros and cons carefully against your own priorities and needs. Further research, including speaking with current and former IRT drivers, is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding before making a career decision.
