Navigating the world of trucking companies can be challenging, especially when you’re searching for a place that values its drivers and offers a positive work environment. Like many drivers, I’ve spent considerable time researching different companies, and K&B Transportation out of South Sioux City, NE, caught my attention. After reading various reviews online, particularly on platforms like ‘The Truckers Report’, I decided to share my own firsthand experience with K&B Transportation to provide a balanced and honest perspective for those considering joining their team.
It’s important to preface this by stating that I am in no way affiliated with K&B Transportation as a dispatcher, recruiter, or spokesperson. I am simply a driver who wants to offer genuine feedback based on my time with the company, hoping to assist others in making informed decisions about their careers. My aim is to deliver a 100% honest account of my experience.
My journey with K&B began in October 2013 after a period of thorough research. Initially, I was very satisfied with my employment until I decided to pursue becoming an Owner Operator in May 2014. However, the Owner Operator path didn’t prove successful for me, leading me to return to K&B Transportation in August of the following year. Since then, I have remained with K&B and have no plans to leave unless unforeseen circumstances arise. My loyalty stems from the numerous positive aspects of working for K&B, which I will detail below. In my opinion, K&B stands out as one of the better trucking companies in the industry due to a multitude of reasons:
What Makes K&B Transportation Stand Out? (Positive Aspects)
1. Guaranteed Pay and Mileage
One of the most significant advantages of working for K&B Transportation is their guarantee of 2500 miles or $1,250 per week, whichever is greater. This provides a stable income floor, offering peace of mind that is rare in the trucking industry. It’s crucial to note that this guarantee is conditional and can be affected by load refusals, late pickups or deliveries due to driver negligence, or taking home time. Personally, I have consistently met or exceeded this minimum guarantee, often surpassing the 2500-mile mark, demonstrating the realistic nature of this benefit.
2. New and Well-Maintained Equipment
K&B Transportation invests in its fleet, providing drivers with new trucks and well-maintained trailers. This commitment to modern equipment not only enhances the driving experience but also contributes to safety and reliability on the road. Having access to newer equipment minimizes downtime and ensures drivers can perform their jobs efficiently.
3. APUs, Refrigerators, CBs, and GPS in Every Truck
K&B goes above and beyond by equipping every truck with essential amenities that significantly improve driver comfort and convenience. The inclusion of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) helps manage climate control and reduce idling, while refrigerators allow drivers to store food and beverages, promoting healthier eating habits on the road. Pre-installed CB radios facilitate communication, and GPS on Qualcomm systems (provided for free) aids in navigation and dispatch communication. These provisions reflect K&B’s understanding of driver needs and commitment to making life on the road more comfortable.
4. Personalized Dispatch
At K&B, dispatchers strive to create a more personal interaction with drivers. Your day dispatcher knows you by name, not just your truck number. This personal touch can make a significant difference in how drivers feel valued and recognized within the company. It moves away from a purely transactional relationship and fosters a more respectful and human-centered approach to dispatch communication.
5. Amazing Home Time
Work-life balance is crucial for truck drivers, and K&B Transportation offers commendable home time. Their policy of providing one day off for every seven days on the road is quite generous compared to many OTR companies. This allows drivers to regularly return home, rest, and spend time with family, contributing to better overall well-being and job satisfaction.
6. Efficient Shop Services
Quick and efficient maintenance is vital to keep trucks running and drivers on schedule. K&B’s shop is known for its speed and efficiency, reportedly being faster than many others in the industry. This minimizes downtime for repairs and maintenance, getting drivers back on the road promptly and reducing potential income loss due to vehicle issues.
7. Free Truck Washes
Maintaining a clean truck is a matter of pride for many drivers and also contributes to a professional image. K&B offers a free truck wash every month at recognized truck wash locations, primarily Blue Beacon. This benefit helps drivers keep their rigs looking good without incurring personal expenses.
8. DOT Inspection Bonus
Safety and compliance are paramount in the trucking industry. K&B incentivizes safe driving by offering a $100 bonus for every clean DOT inspection, regardless of the inspection level. This not only rewards drivers for safe practices but also encourages adherence to regulations and promotes a culture of safety within the company.
9. PrePass and EZ-Pass
To streamline toll payments and weigh station processes, K&B equips every truck with PrePass and EZ-Pass. These systems save time and reduce stress by allowing for electronic toll collection and bypassing weigh stations when eligible. This efficiency is valuable for long-haul drivers and contributes to smoother, faster transit times.
10. Fly to Orientation and Quick Truck Assignment
Starting a new job can be logistically challenging, especially when it involves traveling to a new location for orientation. K&B simplifies this process by flying new drivers to orientation. Furthermore, they ensure minimal waiting time for truck assignment, with drivers typically getting their trucks after a short 2-day orientation. This rapid onboarding process gets drivers on the road and earning quickly.
11. Friendly Terminal and Open Door Policy
A positive and welcoming work environment is essential for job satisfaction. K&B promotes a friendly atmosphere at their terminal with an open-door policy. This suggests approachability and accessibility to management and a more relaxed and communicative workplace compared to more rigid corporate environments.
12. Safety and Longevity Bonuses
K&B recognizes and rewards drivers who maintain safe driving records and stay with the company long-term. They offer a $500 bonus every six months for drivers with zero accidents and no violations. This bonus structure encourages safe driving habits and loyalty to the company.
13. Sign-On Bonus
To attract new drivers, K&B offers a sign-on bonus of $900, paid out over the first two paychecks. This immediate financial incentive can be particularly appealing to drivers starting a new position and helps ease the transition into a new company.
Areas for Improvement at K&B Transportation (Negative Aspects)
While the positives of K&B Transportation are numerous, there are a couple of areas that previous and current drivers have noted as needing improvement:
1. Motel Quality During Orientation
One consistent point of criticism is the quality of the motel provided for drivers during orientation. While this is a temporary situation, the comfort and quality of accommodation can impact a driver’s initial impression and experience. However, this is acknowledged as a subjective issue, and K&B may be considering improvements in this area.
2. Night Dispatch Challenges
Night dispatch has been identified as an area needing attention. It’s a common challenge in the trucking industry, often due to understaffing during night hours. Drivers have reported that night dispatch service is not as satisfactory as day dispatch. Improving the professionalism and responsiveness of night dispatch to be on par with daytime service would enhance overall driver support and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Despite these two areas for potential improvement, my overall experience with K&B Transportation has been overwhelmingly positive. In my view, K&B stands out as one of the top OTR companies in the industry. I chose K&B over other options and remain confident in my decision. It’s important to take online reviews, especially negative ones, with a grain of salt, as they may not always represent the full picture. Focusing on the positives and trusting your instincts is crucial when choosing a trucking company. I hope this review provides helpful insights for drivers considering K&B Transportation. Drive safely!
