Ask Maryland flatbed driver Ricky Ray why he’s satisfied in his driving career and he’s quick with the answer: “A predictable lifestyle,” he says. “I work as a dedicated local driver out of Hagerstown, Maryland and I think I have such a better lifestyle than if I were driving OTR. I leave early in the morning on weekdays and know I’ll be back home to my family around noon—every single day. Then I’m home all weekend, every weekend too!”
Ray credits McElroy Truck Lines for adding quality of life to the good paycheck he’s able to bring home. “I want the same thing that everyone wants: to be able to support my family,” says Ray, a father of five and grandfather of two, who has driven his entire 13-year career at McElroy. “Here, I’m able to make a good income and still not miss out on the important things back home.”
Ray is assigned to a dedicated route serving the Lowe’s Distribution Center in Hagerstown and operates a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia. He came to McElroy after working 22 years in the garment industry. When his plant closed to move out of the country, he decided to pursue a career in driving. He already held a CDL-B from an earlier part-time stint driving school buses and church buses, so he went back to school to get his CDL-A. Then chose McElroy to work with and he’s been there ever since. That was in 2005. Today, Ray also serves as a trainer for new drivers and says it’s a role he loves. “I feel like I’m doing something significant and making a difference in people’s lives,” said Ray. “It’s a challenge to me. It’s rewarding when I see my former trainees on the road and they say to me, ‘I’m so glad you came to talk to me about joining McElroy. I love this!’ That’s very fulfilling.”
“I’ve had offers to go to other companies, but I stay here because they really care about their drivers. If you have a problem they’re very cooperative and very helpful. They say, ‘I’ll check on that and see what I can do’ and I like that,” said Ray. “You’re not alone. If you need help, there’s a whole list of phone numbers of people who are willing to help you. It’s a great company to work for!”
To find out more about the home-daily local flatbed jobs available now in the Hagerstown, Maryland region (50-mile radius) call 800-992-7863 ext 126 or visit DriveMTL.com. Ask about the $4,000 sign-on bonus for experienced drivers.