From This Family's View, Nobody Beats Shaffer
It's one thing when a buddy recommends a trucking company to drive for, but when it's a family member - you know it's a choice you can trust. Bill and Cathy Abbot, an owner-operator team since 1986, joined Shaffer Trucking four years ago and have two sons driving for the company also.
“In the beginning we chose Shaffer because they are a big company with a small company's heart,” said Bill Abbott. “They treat us so much like family and are very ‘down home.' I have never had a problem that they haven't fixed. Their attitude towards drivers is great.”
Little did they know, when they chose to drive for Shaffer the experience would be such a perfect fit that the entire family would soon end up there.
When Nick Watson, son of Bill and Cathy, decided he was going to start truck driving, his decision on who to drive for was easy. “My parents were at Shaffer, and I saw how they were treated over the years and the money they made,” said Watson. “The pay is unbeatable – that's the big reason for me.”
Following in his brother's footsteps, the Abbott's younger son, Michael Abbott, knew exactly where he was going to fulfill his childhood dream upon becoming eligible for hire. “Since I was 13, I said I wanted to drive a truck. To me it's more than a career, it's a lifestyle and Shaffer is a great company to share my career dreams with,” he said.
The entire family is happy with the decision they made and they say everybody at the company treats drivers with a high level of respect. Michael Abbott credits the company's staff for making such a difference for drivers. “Everyone I talk to is so friendly and honest. When I got recruited, they didn't just tell me what I wanted to hear – they were honest with me from the start.”
As for Bill and Cathy Abbott, they're favorite thing about driving for Shaffer is the money, the miles, and the flexibility. The company's supportive and dedicated staff does what it takes to keep company drivers and owner-operators happy.
“When you're delivering a load you feel like you're benefiting the company and not just yourself…it's a teamwork atmosphere,” said Nick Watson. “You don't fight the company for miles or anything like that.”
Shaffer is proud to have this family of owner-operators and company drivers working for them and even more proud that Bill and Cathy advised their sons to join. “There is no greater compliment to Shaffer than a family referencing their dependents to the company,” said Matt Stoll, President Shaffer Trucking. “This story is confirmation that we are supporting our goal of putting drivers first.”
When not on the road, this trucking family enjoys remodeling the house, sports, crafts, and naturally, hanging out together. As for what the future holds, brothers Michael and Nick will eventually team and the entire family plans on staying at Shaffer for a very long time.
