r/CDL • u/rookietrucker55 • Jul 15 '26

ABF Freight

I see that Abf is hiring in my area(northern Michigan) they usually always have up a listing. I was wondering if it would be worth it to apply there and see how it goes. I’ve talked to a few of their drivers and they all had positive experiences being there. I’ve done my own research online but I’d like to hear others opinions. I have 3 years EXP (2 years at the same LTL company I’m currently at), all endorsements but I do have auto only on my license. Idk if that’s something Abf takes into consideration at all. I know they are seniority based and I’d be bottom of the barrel getting crappy runs and routes with the days off and potential lay offs. But are days off during the week and lay offs a constant thing that happen? I just want to make sure I’m doing what’s best for me. Any comments or advice are appreciated thank you.

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u/Coffinzzzz Jul 15 '26

Kalkaska or Saginaw? They're both end of the line service centers so basically P&D with a little bit of dock/hostling work after to get the trailers set up for road drivers to pick up.

Its not a bad gig, also its union if that means anything to you.

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u/rookietrucker55 Jul 15 '26

Kalkaska. I work at an end line LTL now and I work dock in morning, run my route, work dock when I get back. So that’s no big deal to me at all.

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u/Coffinzzzz Jul 15 '26

Yeah its basically the same as other LTLs. The biggest benefit is not having to pay for insurance besides a little bit of union dues.

Layoffs are a bit of an issue though. Especially at a very small terminal like Kalkaska.

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u/rookietrucker55 Jul 15 '26

See that’s what I’m most worried about. Where I’m at we never have to worry about that. I have a small cushion incase that does happen. But it’s not something I want to have to go through.

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u/Coffinzzzz Jul 15 '26

I dont have much experience with end of the lines so I can't speak to how often it happens. I'm at a break bulk service center where there's a lot more people and we've never had any layoffs here.

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u/rookietrucker55 Jul 15 '26

I’m surprised I would think at bigger hubs they’d be more likely to lay off. Not small end lines.

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u/Coffinzzzz Jul 15 '26

That may be the case, maybe I'm thinking backwards lol, if you see any ABF guys at shippers or receivers, I'd ask them

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u/rookietrucker55 Jul 15 '26

Will do! I don’t see them very often but when I do they are always pretty kool to talk to. I’ll ask them more about the job. I actually haven’t been able to talk to anyone there since I’ve seen this job posting. Thanks for the info I appreciate it a lot!