I am an off the street hire and I will say I feel privileged and honored to wear my browns. It may not be as special as it used to be as we can not get pters to step up to the plate to drive at the moment. We have exhausted our ratio and have to start pulling from the outside. I think 2 of our last 5 have been off the street hires as we do not have the people to go driving. Honestly it is mind boggling to me that out of several hundred employees we can not find anyone qualified and or interested in working hard to make 80k a year.
In my center I do not get disrespected nor do I treat anyone with disrespect. We are all in this together. I even quit saying no to quality loads a few months ago as I do not see it the preloads fault for the hand they are dealt. Although I have not done any of their jobs I do not think there is such a thing as an easy job at this company. Everyone works hard and gives it their all.
For what its worth I find that the people brought up in the system are more likely to gripe, complain, and cause trouble. Although this mold doesn't fit across the board I think that those hired from the outside, especially recently, recognize that the pay and benefits this job provides are second to none. I do not regret or feel unthankful for the opportunity provided to me and my family.
My only gripe would be starting out at 17.25 is a hard living. 35 dollars is a bit overpaid in my opinion, but 17.25 is a kick in the nuts so to speak. I'm happy I am in the 3 year progression and my new driver brothers and sisters will be making a whole 1.50 more an hour or 3600 dollars a year more than me starting out.
Don't hate the off the street hires if they are working as hard as those who came up in the system. We bleed brown also, and appreciate the opportunity given to us.
Cheers!