Cheeseman Transportation is a well-known name in the trucking industry, particularly in the regions they serve. As a former driver for Cheeseman LLC out of Fort Recovery, OH, I want to offer a balanced perspective on what it’s like to work for this company. This review is based on my personal experiences and aims to provide potential drivers with an insider’s look at Cheeseman Transportation.
The Positives: A Driver-Centric Company at its Core
One of the most significant positives about Cheeseman Transportation is its leadership. The company is run by Ed Zumstein, a man who, unlike many owners of large transportation companies, has genuine experience as a truck driver himself. This background deeply influences his approach to running Cheeseman. Mr. Zumstein is approachable and down-to-earth, embodying the stories you sometimes hear about company owners who remain connected to the daily realities of drivers and employees. At Cheeseman, this isn’t just a story; it’s reality. This driver-centric approach creates a unique atmosphere within the company, particularly at the Fort Recovery, OH, and East Windsor, CT terminals.
Location Matters: Terminal Experience Variations
However, the experience of working for Cheeseman Transportation can vary significantly depending on your terminal location. While Fort Recovery and East Windsor are often cited as ideal locations, my experience operating out of the Greer, SC (GSP) terminal presented a different set of challenges.
Initially, under the management of Anthony, the Greer terminal was a respectable place to work. There was a sense of mutual respect, and drivers felt they could approach management with concerns. However, the atmosphere shifted with the arrival of a new terminal manager, Eric V. In my experience and observation, Eric V.’s approach seemed to foster a negative environment for drivers. Conversations often revolved around driver dismissals or arranging bus tickets home for drivers, creating a palpable sense of disrespect towards the driving staff. This created a stark contrast to the positive, driver-focused ethos generally associated with Cheeseman Transportation.
Similarly, the Duncan terminal, while previously known for its own operational style, also appeared to develop similar issues. Instances of perceived favoritism in route assignments became apparent. For example, a less experienced driver was consistently assigned desirable Florida routes, traditionally handled by senior drivers. This, coupled with the return of drivers who seemed to receive preferential treatment, contributed to a sense of inequity among some drivers at the Duncan terminal.
Route Assignments and Transparency Concerns
My personal experience included a period of consistent Northeast route assignments, which I had initially requested. However, even with an explicit opt-out for New York City routes, I was assigned a delivery in Queens, NY. While I ultimately accepted the load and even became open to NYC routes due to the better pay and perceived company need, it highlighted a point of friction with dispatch. Furthermore, requests for route variations, such as runs to Florida, were often met with denials, despite evidence suggesting otherwise through accessible trip paperwork in the office. This lack of transparency and occasional dishonesty from dispatch created frustration and a sense of being undervalued.
Despite efforts to be a reliable and adaptable driver – consistently accepting loads and avoiding complaints – I experienced what felt like a deliberate assignment to a New Orleans route after being told I would be routed back towards the terminal. This change, communicated late and resulting in an extended out-of-region assignment, felt like a breach of the promised weekly home time. This incident, in particular, contributed to a feeling of being treated as a “second-class employee” when operating out of the Duncan terminal.
Conclusion: Consider Your Terminal Location
In conclusion, Cheeseman Transportation, at its core, possesses many qualities of a great company, particularly due to its driver-oriented leadership and roots. However, potential drivers should be aware that the terminal experience can significantly impact job satisfaction. While the Fort Recovery and East Windsor terminals may reflect the positive aspects of Cheeseman, experiences at the Duncan and Greer, SC terminals, at least during my tenure, suggest potential challenges related to management style, route assignment transparency, and perceived favoritism. For drivers considering Cheeseman Transportation, it is crucial to factor in the terminal location and understand that experiences can vary.
