Keen Transport Offers Heavy haul Training To CDL Holders
CARLISLE, PA… Many drivers like the challenge of oversize and heavy haul loads. Each load is unique, and the pay is higher than usual. The problem has traditionally been that most heavy haul companies require previous heavy haul experience, which is why Keen Transport of Carlisle, Pennsylvania is now hiring good, conscientious drivers with 2 years of CDL experience and will train them to do heavy haul work. It is 5 days of intense, thorough, fast-paced training at Keen’s Carlisle, Pennsylvania headquarters. The training centers around loading and unloading heavy equipment, as well as securing it. Keen will pay you $1,000 for the 5-day orientation, in addition to room and board. After orientation you will run short loads with other Keen drivers that will help you get accustomed to the actual job. Not only will you be earning top industry wages, you will also receive a $3,000 signing bonus and be eligible for the company’s industry-leading health care on the first of the month following 30 days of employment that includes full medical, dental, vision, and long and short-term disability and life insurance.
Keen Transport was founded in 1968 by Harold Keen and sold by the Keen family in 2012. Harold Keen established a unique business model for the company. Keen serves heavy equipment dealers and manufacturers across the USA. They haul heavy equipment direct from manufacturers to dealers, customers, shipping ports, and sometimes to Keen’s yard for storage and delivery. Some pieces must be partially disassembled for hauling and then reassembled upon delivery.
In 2017 Keen was purchased by Norwegian shipping lines Wallenius Wilhelmsen, which allowed Keen to offers customers seamless delivery worldwide. Keen delivers equipment to ports for loading onto Wallenius Wilhemsen ships for destinations worldwide. The primary operational area is I-35 from Minnesota to Texas and East. There are local, regional, and long haul loads available. Keen is hiring company drivers and leasing Independent Contractors throughout their operational area.
Keen has several new initiatives for 2022 that include 30-day vestment in the company’s medical plan and the arrival of 23 new model year 2023 Kenworth T880 tractors. Late model Peterbilts make up the rest of the fleet. The 367 models are 3 axle and the 389s are 4 axles. There is a new passenger and pet program in effect, as well as a 401K with 6% company match.
Maintenance Director Jeremy Wilson stated, “Our trucks are equipped with 565 hp and 605 hp Cummins engines, 18-speed Eaton transmissions, and the 4-axle trucks have 2-speed rear ends to provide our drivers with the power they need to pull heavy loads. Our maintenance and repair services are also available to all Keen independent contractors.”
Drivers who come to Keen find a home. A large group of the company’s drivers have been with Keen for 15 to 20 years or more. Warren Russell, Manager of Driver Recruitment has 20 years’ experience behind the wheel himself, 5 of which were driving for Keen Transport. Warren also has experience in dispatch and operations, giving him great perspective to help new drivers assimilate into the Keen system. Warren said, “ Heavy haul and O.D. work is interesting and challenging. Our drivers are invested in each load, which is unique. We operate step decks and detachables up to 13- axles. Most of the time our drivers actually drive the heavy equipment onto and off of the trailers themselves. It is something new every day at Keen. We are looking to hire and lease additional drivers to serve our expanding book of business and if you don’t have heavy haul experience, we will train you.”
If you would like to talk to Warren (one driver to another) about a career in heavy haul at Keen Transport, give him a call at 888-872-5336.