Embarking on a new career path as a company driver can be exciting, especially when enticed by competitive pay. For drivers considering Tribe Transport Inc, the advertised 50 cents per mile might seem attractive, surpassing rates offered by many other companies. However, digging deeper into the actual experiences of drivers reveals a less appealing reality. This review delves into the firsthand account of a driver who spent three months with Tribe Transport, exposing the significant challenges and disappointments that potential employees should be aware of.
Orientation and the Truck Recovery System: A Red Flag
The initial stages of onboarding at Tribe Transport immediately raised concerns. Unlike standard orientation processes at other trucking companies where drivers are assigned vehicles, Tribe’s orientation involved an unusual task: truck recovery. Instructors informed new recruits that no trucks were readily available and that they would need to “recover” abandoned trucks to get started. This immediately sparked suspicion among the new drivers, suggesting a potential issue with driver retention and truck abandonment within the company. The sheer number of abandoned trucks hinted at deeper systemic problems at Tribe Transport.
Broken Equipment and Lack of Support
The driver’s personal experience began with being assigned a truck with a malfunctioning Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). While the company eventually addressed the issue, the repair process took four days, during which the driver received no breakdown pay – a stark contrast to other companies that typically offer around $100 per day in such situations. Furthermore, unlike other drivers at Tribe whose trucks were under repair, this particular driver was not provided with hotel accommodation, raising questions of potential discrimination. This lack of support during downtime highlights a significant drawback for drivers facing equipment issues at Tribe Transport.
Dispatch Catastrophe and Manager Incompetence
The dispatch system at Tribe Transport is described as “horrible,” with the driver manager being labeled the “worst” among seven trucking companies the driver has worked for. The issues are multifaceted and paint a picture of constant disorganization and poor planning. Load assignments are frequently given at the last minute, often while drivers are already en route to pick up a different load, creating a perpetual state of crisis. Moreover, drivers are often tasked with rescuing loads from other drivers who have run out of hours of service due to dispatcher mismanagement. Load planning further exacerbates the problem, with delivery and pickup locations strategically placed far apart to maximize driving hours and induce driver fatigue. This chaotic dispatch system, characterized by last-minute changes and poor planning, contributes significantly to a stressful and unsustainable work environment.
Anemic Paychecks and Low Mileage
Despite the attractive per-mile pay, drivers at Tribe Transport often find themselves struggling with low weekly mileage. The typical workload consists of four loads per week, accumulating to just over 2,000 miles, resulting in disappointingly low paychecks. This contrasts sharply with better companies where drivers receive pre-planned loads with well-spaced delivery and pickup times, allowing for adequate rest and significantly higher weekly mileage and earnings. The promise of high per-mile pay is effectively negated by the inefficient load planning and low mileage offered at Tribe Transport.
A Culture of Despair and High Turnover
The culmination of these issues – the abandoned trucks, broken equipment, poor dispatch, and low mileage – creates a deeply depressing work environment at Tribe Transport. The driver suggests that these factors contribute to a high driver turnover rate, further fueling the cycle of abandoned trucks. The review poignantly raises concerns about the impact on driver morale, suggesting that the stressful conditions may lead drivers to question their career choices and overall well-being. While the trucking industry as a whole faces driver shortages, the problems at Tribe Transport seem self-inflicted, stemming from internal mismanagement and a lack of driver support.
Tribe Transport: A Temporary Fix in Desperate Times?
In conclusion, while Tribe Transport may appear appealing on the surface due to its higher per-mile pay and seemingly decent trucks, the reality of working for the company is fraught with challenges. The review paints a picture of a company plagued by disorganization, poor dispatch, inadequate support, and ultimately, low earning potential due to limited mileage. Despite these significant shortcomings, the driver concedes that Tribe Transport might serve as a temporary option during emergencies, such as the Coronavirus pandemic, when immediate employment is crucial. However, for drivers seeking long-term stability, decent earnings, and a supportive work environment, Tribe Transport Inc Reviews suggest it may be wise to explore alternative opportunities.
