Red Classic

Ok I am considering a new job. Nothing is official but I pulled into a truck stop a saw 4 red classic trucks 3 of them were Mack anthems! I already got told that I won't get my anthem back at UPS my new truck the Freightliner is a permanent truck. And I honestly prefer my anthem. Even when I was driving the anthem with UPS I never seen anyone else driving a anthem for UPS. UPS doesn't have a lot of anthems and I really want back into a anthem. So my question is do you guys/gals think it would be worth switching jobs over a truck? I honestly loves Mack so much that I really am considering it. Do anyone know anything about red classic?

Ok I am considering a new job. Nothing is official but I pulled into a truck stop a saw 4 red classic trucks 3 of them were Mack anthems! I already got told that I won't get my anthem back at UPS my new truck the Freightliner is a permanent truck. And I honestly prefer my anthem. Even when I was driving the anthem with UPS I never seen anyone else driving a anthem for UPS. UPS doesn't have a lot of anthems and I really want back into a anthem. So my question is do you guys/gals think it would be worth switching jobs over a truck? I honestly loves Mack so much that I really am considering it. Do anyone know anything about red classic?

If you are changing jobs to keep a MACK ... instead of a solid company & income.... you might want to rethink things!

~ Anne ~

I would ask why you are so partial to the anthem?

If I was put into any of the other trucks in our fleet besides a Kenworth I would probably quit, but it's for a very good reason. I have back issues from previous accidents. I've found that the three other makes we have, as equipped, are just simply too painful and dehabilitating for me to drive. Of them, the volvos and internationals have seats that just kill my back to the point of not being able to walk after driving them. The freightliners are ok seat wise, but cause me great pain in the way the suspension handles large bumps.

I say might quit, because if assigned a volvo or freightliner, I may just choose to pay the money for a custom seat to be installed. I flat out won't drive our internationals long term due to a myriad of issues including their steering mannerisms, I say that after driving brand new ones as well as older ones.

I guess what I'm getting at, is the reasons behind my choices aren't superficial or frivolous. But I also produce well enough that it's highly unlikely my TM won't secure me another KW when the time comes.

This has to be one of the “truest”statements ever made on Trucking Truth.

If you are changing jobs to keep a MACK ... instead of a solid company & income.... you might want to rethink things!

~ Anne ~

the Mack was probably the only reason I stayed with UPS. UPS doesn't treat there drivers as people. You could be tired and it be like 1 am and they say to drive for another 2hrs and you can be done for the night. UPS is a mega carrier and just like the stereotype they don't treat you like a human. I enjoy the anthem and love a lot about it. Now I got a truck that I don't love like the anthem and got the normal mega carrier experience. The money is the only reason to consider staying to be honest but I still don't think it's worth it. UPS isn't awful it's just a normal mega carrier and I don't think I could enjoy driving for UPS without my anthem back.

Ok I am considering a new job. Nothing is official but I pulled into a truck stop a saw 4 red classic trucks 3 of them were Mack anthems! I already got told that I won't get my anthem back at UPS my new truck the Freightliner is a permanent truck. And I honestly prefer my anthem. Even when I was driving the anthem with UPS I never seen anyone else driving a anthem for UPS. UPS doesn't have a lot of anthems and I really want back into a anthem. So my question is do you guys/gals think it would be worth switching jobs over a truck? I honestly loves Mack so much that I really am considering it. Do anyone know anything about red classic?

If you are changing jobs to keep a MACK ... instead of a solid company & income.... you might want to rethink things!

~ Anne ~

Chris, it seems you are thinking of making a major decision based on emotion and not rationality. You are still mourning the loss of your Anthem. The conventional wisdom is not to make a major decision until a year has passed since a major loss. Write down what Anne said on your forehead so you are reminded of the sensible viewpoint every time you look in the mirror. (Remember to write it backwards so it’s readable in the mirror).

Red Classic is owned by the Coke-Cola Consolidated. They are headquartered in Charlotte NC. Red Classic is one of the largest beverage haulers in the U.S. In addition to beverages, they haul food goods, paper and packaging, auto parts, building materials, pet food, home goods, and more. And they operate over 600 trucks and 2500 trailers. They run Mack, Freight-liner, Peter-built, Volvo..

I’m really enjoying the Anthem I’m driving now. So much so that I’m planning on spending a whole weekend off the clock to polish it up like a new penny. But, I’m with the others on this one. I know what those guys are making and how much time and work they put in at UPS. I’d stick with them for the money alone. I know they have changed their facial hair policy but what has kept me away from them is my beard 😂 I’ve spent way to much time and effort to shave it off for a stupid job. My driving instructor way back when I was in school always told us that a truck is a truck is a truck. They all drive and make money, they just look a little different.

Our company has a few empty Anthem daycabs right now and we’re in need of drivers. They’re 2019 models with less than 100k miles on them too. Gotta saddle up at a suicide jockey though 😂

I think it's ridiculous to change companies because of the truck you're assigned. As Dan pointed out they run others in addition to Mack. Who's to say you'd get a mack?

Then you turn to trashing UPS over them changing your truck. Not a good look man. It makes you look like an entitled child throwing a tantrum cuz they didn't get their way. I don't care what someone says when I tell them I'm shutting down. I'm the captain of my ship and if they don't like it tough luck. If I'm telling you I'm too tired, sick, or the weather is too bad I'm shutting down regardless and I have no problem talking to management or safety if someone is trying to push me beyond my limits that I clearly express.

I have my truck preference (volvo) as well but I'm not going to base my employment off it. My company has run mainly Volvo for a long time. The past couple years they experimented with Kenworth, Freightliner and International. For the next several years we will only be getting Internationals which I dislike. Just my opinion but there's far more important things to worry about when it comes to your company choice, unless it's something like Davy described with his back.

Best of luck Chris.

Ok thanks for input. I am going to wait a year and then decide.

Rob T: I agree thinking about this being ridiculous is fair. I don't mean to trash UPS because there's nothing wrong with them other than being a mega carrier. I thought I could go to classic red and tell them I have a preference since they are partnered with Mack.

BK: thanks for the advice I am going to change all my alarm titles to a reminder to think about what Anne said.

Anne: thanks for your advice I really appreciate it!!!