truck driver

billing specialist

forklift operator

diesel mechanic

freight handler

R+L Carriers

Before I dive into the negatives I would like to say that good people work here. No personal problems with anyone. Many professional issues though. In my two years and three winters here. It is always -15 degrees on the dock than what it is outside. For the sake of bonuses, which were the size of my weekly checks. We were forced without heat because a veteran turned it on for us when the temp wasnt below twenty degrees. Which the heat doesn't help at all to begin with. Favoritism one of the WORST issues. You're either in with the crowd or cast out at every level. You'll get the run-around about moving up only to find out you'll end up doing more and more work for the same pay. Myself being lucky to get along with those that are employed here. No overtime and how they get away with it isn't even morally right to the highest degree. If you're good at what you do, you're expected to make-up for those who refuse to pull their weight. Positions were even created to compensate for people who wouldn't. The OSHA violations are off of the chart, but, if you dont wear the easily scratched and poor quality glasses they provide it's the end of the world. You have to fight and claw just to use your personal and vacation days. An exact quote of what I was told was, "I need you to schedule your personal days!" The drivers come in EVERYDAY and furiously complain to their loaders about their freight after it being organized, fixed, and loaded perfectly for them in the below zero degree weather. Most of the time you have to re-do entire trailers because a driver did not want to drive with his hazmat in the nose of the trailer as an example. There were a couple of cases of property being stolen WITH MESSAGES AND PHYSICAL PROOF but because of WHO it was. It was disregarded as, "Dock talk." And he got employed elsewhere shortly after. Pride points are a joke, routing isn't worth the verbal abuse and the 13-15 hour days that are constant. Since I started there has been a 30% increase in freight which theres hardly ANY room to store freight that's going out and freight that isn't it. They refuse to spend any money that they can't put into their own pockets and it's sad because this could be an amazing company. But, greed and power have taken it over. Decent pay, ridiculously horrible hours, very clique like a high school, mangement only serves their better interest and not the interest of those who make them their stupid amounts of money, a lot of trash talking, two faced, not hard work, and quite corrupt.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Great management communication and appreciation for my work ethic. Good team work from co-workers and beautiful work environment.  

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
 My answer is based on working for the company and NOT  location property. The retention of dedicated employees. Being NO fault of the property management department. It appears from my personal conversations with possible applicants  and current employees that are moving  to other companies due to  major cut backs from full time to part time hours and cutting out their important  health benefits package including PTO, vacation and sick days earned. In addition to the pay rate that  hasn't kept up with the current high economy  to  match living exspeneses. It becomes stressful this time of year  knowing peak season is on top of us and we are working with a " skeleton" crew.  I am very greatfuly to work here and under my supervisors. They  are always available to address and concerns and they communicate their appreciation for jobs well done . They give credit where credit is due. I do get  stressed worrying if my position tittle will be the next position for cut backs. I , like most employees depend on full time hours WITH full benefits. I know if our property managers and supervisors were able to make executive decisions concerning the full benefits and full time hours they would happily install them. Thus, being able to hire and retain long term employees. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Terrific, the property is absolutely gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to go to work and  have the best Ocean views, breezes and happy guests? It's like working in "paradise! I am very blessed!

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Right now it's busy but, it does make the day go by quick and I stay in shape. I look at it as being paid to exercise. We are briefed at the start of every shift for priority duties for the day.  Communications are clear. As long as you are doing  what you were hired to do in a timely manner ( as expected from all employers ) Working at The Winds is a great place! There are times when we are not fully staffed we really have to hustle. Our supervisor(s) are aware  when this happens and and they do acknowledge us and understand when we are crunched for time. Their human too and they realize who is and who isn't pulling their "weight." They also know that we are human. Basically, if you do your work you will be appreciated.

R&L is a family-owned LTL Carrier and Logistics company. What started as 1 terminal in 1965 is now 120+ in 46 states, and has the growing pains to prove it. 
   The drivers are treated the best of any employees, but dock and lower level clerical/office staff are usually treated as expendable. Most upper level management have been with the company for several decades with no formal training in their positions. There is a definite culture of favoritism, with the “in” crowd getting several chances, but the “out” crowd being ingnored or dismissed. 
   The equipment is either outdated or poorly maintained, or sometimes both. Several computer programs are still running on DOS and the overall software package is poorly integrated, with parts of the programming not talking to each other causing the same information to need to be entered multiple times. The e-log system is homegrown, clunky and not intuitive to use. The truck and trailer fleet had not been updated in several years. The update to the fleet is in progress, but new trucks can’t be delivered as quickly as old units fall out of service, causing several equipment shortages. There is no formal training for the mechanics to repair the modern, high tech, computerized emissions engines and automated transmissions, resulting in long delays to get trucks repaired and back in service. 
   New driver training is marginal, with a one-size-fits-all approach. Training seems to be in place to satisfy company and/or FMCSA and DOT mandates, not necessarily to ensure a new employee’s success. If that happens, it’s probably an unplanned byproduct and not intended or repeatable. 
   Freight damage is entirely too high, with much being the result of intentional mishandling or lack of proper cargo securement. The processes are in place, but only followed intermittently. When push comes to shove, “get the freight out” is the over-arching priority, however it needs to happen. 
   Several years ago, this was one of the preeminent companies to work for, with a hard fought and well deserved reputation. For the last decade, they’ve been coasting on this “reputation”, while letting service and quality go by the wayside. It’s going to take a serious upper level shakeup to right the ship and recover and rebuild that reputation. Overall, it’s not the worst place in the world to work, but there are better options, especially for someone with drive and determination to succeed.

Before you apply to RL just know you are just another driver number to Corporate HQ / Terminal Management/Dispatch. RL can care less about freight damages and driver safety. On P/D, you will be sent out in a 48-53 foot trailer to residential neighborhoods to make deliveries with low overhead wires and be asked why you are taking so long at a delivery while you’re working hard to safely navigate treacherous tight roads, you’ll be treated rudely by dispatchers. if at a stop more than 15mins or more. Mind you these dispatchers have never driven a tractor trailer in their lives. Their will be no space to park to deliver at these customers in these cases with a tractor trailer. Corporate denied me health insurance after I called and left numerous messages almost weekly after my 60 day probation period and after 6 months of employment.  I pleaded with them due to the Global pandemic and  while working 12 hours a day and was given no PPE till about 2 months into the Covid 19 pandemic. (luckily I ordered my own) Corporate and terminals don’t care about good drivers safety who really run their company.  My group who got hired on with me also were denied health insurance with no answers during the Covid 19 pandemic after 6 months of employment and nobody got back to them as well. TM will send emails out to HR and nobody will answer you or show accountability.
Dispatchers will not show you respect if you take a bathroom break or lunch break. Dispatch will throw you in any route any area at any town and expect you to deliver with any type of trailer and 8-12 stops and make 6-7 pick ups daily without a lunch break, dispatch will harass you, track your every move even if you complete your work everyday and on time they will harass and try to intimidate you to not take a 5 min bathroom break. If you consider yourself a good driver with plenty of experience stay away RL doesn’t appreciate hard work and integrity. RL will change your start time from 9am to 12noon without explanation after 6 months in because nobody at RL cares about your home life or family time. All they care about is you  delivering their damaged freight off their docks. You will have to buy a pallet jack in order to start on P/D as well. After you completed your route daily you’ll be sent out to do a trailer swap at 6:30 pm while everyone else goes home at 5 pm and  you will get home at 8pm or later Daily.

I just started a few months ago. This is my first time doing working for a LTL company.  The job is very fast paced and fun. Seems to be alot of unity between the drivers. The drivers here are the friendliest group of drivers that I've ever worked with. Everyone speaks to you with the upmost respect!! The management seems to be on their A game and is always willing to lend a helping hand. The dock workers are very helpful and friendly as well.

Also, walking in the door.... day 1.... you're at top pay. All of the drivers get paid on the same scale. The older guys get dedicated areas/routes while the newer guys like me have to float around each and everyday. 

The equipment is very good. Most of the trucks are Peterbilt and everything is Automatic. The equipment at my terminal is inspected by our mechanics everyday. Yep.... the mechanics are awesome too!!

Now to the cons....

1) Dispatch will treat you like s*** until you put your foot down. And even then...... they will occasionally try you. I have never worked for a company that allowed their Dispatch to belittle drivers the way R+L does. I'm not sure if it's a terminal thing or it's company wide culture. All I know is that I've been ready to quit multiple times in my short time here because of the lack of respect. Drivers tried to warn me on my first day and I ended up learning the hard way.

2) Extreme Micromanagement!!!! You are always being watched and questioned about why you were at a destination for a certain period of time. If you have to stop and use the rest room or want to grab a bite to eat real quick..... you better be ready to explain exactly why you stopped. It's almost like Dispatch forgets that drivers are human too!! They really make you feel like you're always walking on thin ice. Like no matter how fast you run..... it's never fast enough. 

If they would fix these 2 major aspects..... this job would be nearly perfect!

All in all, the company seems to be good. Is it perfect? Not by a long shot. Could it be worse? Absolutely!!!

Would I apply if I knew what I know now? You bet.

Good luck and God Bless!!



This was a good paying job for part time. I left there getting paid $18.68 after 2 years. Terminal manager is horrible with zero respect towards employees. He would be-little people while talking to them and pretty much blamed his employees when trailers came in looking like trash from other terminals. I promise you, HE is the main reason why most people quit this place. There are about 12 or so dock workers and I became 4th in line of seniority by the time I quit. While working there, I've seen over 20 new faces come and go. That shows you how toxic the management was. There is lazy workers though, but unfortunately you'll have that anyone you go. Being one of the better workers stinks too because you get to clean up all of the mess ups and pick up the slack while the lazy workers continue being lazy. 

You'll never reach your 30 hours a week either. By the time I left, I was usually doing 24-27 hours a week. As someone stated before, the morning shift isn't 5am-10am m-f. Beginning of the week starts at 10-midnight on Sundays and that will be the only day you get your 6 hours really, sometimes you can do 8 if its really backed up but I think they were trying to do away with pushing part timers past 6 hours. Holiday pay is only 4 hours worth of pay. You don't get holiday until 60 days of employment. You get your week vacation after completing your first year there and I believe you get a combination of 3 sick/call off days before you start getting written up.

This place doesn't really care if there's a bad snow storm either, so don't count your blessings on getting a phone call to not show up. I'm sure I can write a novel on this place, but I'll end it on a good note.

The few good things of this place was every Friday they brought in donuts, weekly paychecks, got a Christmas check, and the camaraderie between a few co-workers. I was glad to get a much better job overall and finally say goodbye to this place. I always said, "everybody wants to quit, they just haven't found a better job yet!" I hope this LONG review helps and every bit of it is 100% true, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

For future sales reps:
-your sales goals are always moving.  If you bring on big customers, your goals will change the next quarter to account for a big customer bump
-LTL commission is is mystery.  2 years into the "new" structure and it still isn't on paper for sales reps.  It is based on growth over goal, but like above your goals will change if you have a good year and that will minimize compensation the following quarter
-goals are quarterly and they are determined 3 weeks into the quarter
-R&L has a lucrative brokerage division, but payouts are dependent on hitting your moving LTL numbers, and 20% growth goal.  The truckload brokerage division is serviceable and the global division is a circus.     
-Management is very operations heavy.  They love growth, but it better not increase miles per stop or cause any inconvenience, and they are slow to adjust to operational increase.  Growth needs to be profitable but..
-their OR is mid 70's if you factor in real estate is paid for and the company pays rent to a holding company.  Freight has to be premium and you'll struggle to compete with lower end carriers on pricing or the higher end carriers if they have operational shortfalls.
-support staff is generally underpaid so get used to customer complaints about customer service.   The long term employees are generally upset with the downslide of culture and are there because they haven't found anything better.  
-The busy season.. very understaffed.  It is definitely a "do more with less" approach.   Expect angry dock workers, drivers and operations.  Damage was a big issue in 2017 as volume peaked but support staff remained unchanged
-Micromanagement!   Lots of it it.  They expect 30-35 calls a week, know where you are at any time of the day and expect you to document everything.  There is a hard push to sell their logistics service which is an uphill sell.  It is is 60 hour a week job if you are to do everything they expect and do it thoroughly

R+L is a decent place to work apart from them being one only companies I heard that doesn’t give overtime time and half for 40+ hours. So if you work over 40 hours you get payed same hourly. Your first day consist everyone mean mugging you and treating you like trash it’s how I got treated when I first joined. You come in get a fork and work. A lot people slack but second you do it they yell at you. Most People been here for a min and don’t look when they backing out trucks or trailers. You will like job if you mind your business and do what your told. Management good, supervisors treat the workers been there long time better then new ones they treat new ones like we’re slow. Some supervisors are always in someone nose tell you do one thing when your already doing something else it gets annoying and hectic. People that work here aka employees can be picky (LOADERS) on where we dock there freight. Expect it to be hectic if your loading cause some people like to screw everything ip and make the person supposed to load fix it by taking everything out the truck and reordering pallets which can be irritating especially if you have to do that more then once a day which is what typically happens. Everyone so serious and no one takes a joke. There’s a lot of employees that drop a pallet and leave it in trailer for someone else to fix which happens a lot. Sometimes have to carry from 10 pounds to 50+ and that’s a must. A lot people will think this job fun at first until you have to deal with what all I  said on here. So if you can handle all this I said you will like it here. Time goes by quickly if your working and not talking. Lunch only 30 min 

Lacking in communication, planning and training at all levels. Terminal and regional management can be untrustworthy, disrespectful and incompetent at times. Inconsistent application of rules and policies. Equipment always out of service. Both over-staffed and short-staffed at different times. Technology is 10 years behind. Pay is decent enough but PTO and benefits are not great. Supervisors are underpaid relative to actual hours worked. Dirty, unkempt offices.

Good for entry level drivers. Straight time pay, no overtime. Wouldn't stay long term unless you get your own run or otherwise consistent work by the one year mark, have a good supervisor, or live close. Do not do linehaul to start out unless there are regular extra runs or its set up as a hub or relay terminal. Or you will be stuck as an extra board driver with not enough work and you better hope they need help on the dock or in the yard.

Good place for the most part for both entry level and experienced dockworkers, especially for part-timers, who get a lot of PTO relative to full-timers. Pay is good, but again, no overtime. As a supervisor I was never forced to send people home early if there wasn't enough work. Never had to discipline people based on production or numbers. You will get your hours, busy months make up for the slow months. If you can work on a team, deal with the weather, and work safely at a fast pace - you're good. Everything else highly depends on your supervisor, management, staffing levels, and freight volume. 

All in all, not the worst LTL Carrier to work for and  a lot of this is unfortunately par for the course for the industry. But I wouldn't recommend staying long term unless you can't find anything better.

Trucking is hard work, especially in the Less-than-Truckload (LTL) environment.  There is pressure to keep moving and on schedule for drivers yet quite often dock seems to be leisurely taking their time to get a trailer loaded.  I have learned to do my job including safety checks whether I'm late or not.  Equipment at my terminal is mostly ok.  I get the feeling at times shop does not want to work on my tractor because I turn it in so often.  But that is my job too.  

Hardest part - working nights. As I get older, I do not have the desire to work nightshift and on a variable shift.  Being on the "extra" board means I can start anywhere from 21:30 to 02:00 the next morning.  I just don't know.  

Easiest parts - going from terminal to terminal or slip point to slip point.  This makes getting around easy, especially with a set of pups that can't be backed up.

Best part - coworkers who make my night go easier  When I need help with a trailer door, a safety stand or hooking up, I always get assistance and fairly fast.  I like my fellow workers.  On the flip side, my life is quite often "snoop-dogged," meaning nothing is private if it's shared. Sometimes that feels like high school grapevine all over again.

Overall, I love the driving, the differing routes while on extra board and my coworkers at my home and visiting terminals.  I dont like the night shifts especially since it varies so much from night-to-night.  Pay is amazing though!  No other LTL company pays as well with guaranteed weekends and major holidays off.  I can easily make 6 figure income with 48 hours off if I wanted to take a team driving gig.  And R+L takes care of all truck expenses (I'm an employee not a 1099 lease driver)!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Truck driver 2 salaries reported	$31.78 per hour
Billing specialist 6 salaries reported	$60,000 per year
Forklift operator 3 salaries reported	$24.64 per hour
Diesel mechanic 1 salary reported	$26.99 per hour
Freight handler 2 salaries reported	$22.11 per hour

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