Cover Story

Dave Flemming - West Side Transport, Inc.

Dave Fleming is happy to be a professional truck driver. He loves the freedom of the open road, he is glad to be away from the confines of a typical nine-to-five job and he appreciates the fair treatment he receives from Cedar Rapids, IA-based West Side Transport, Inc.

Dave first got behind the wheel of a big rig back in 1980 when working for a drainage tile company. He delivered tile to farmers for a while, then took a few odd jobs before returning again to the trucking life.

The young man drove a variety of freight for several years, and then settled down to raise a family. “I worked a factory job for five years, and it allowed me to spend quality time with my children,” says Dave. Eventually he grew tired of working in one place day after day and began shopping around for the right carrier to restart his trucking career.

“A friend of mine drove for West Side, and he told me they were a family-owned company that knew each driver by name,” he explains. “That sounded good to me, so I got on the phone with a recruiter. Within 10 minutes they had me scheduled for orientation!”

A few weeks later, Dave had completed his orientation process and was back doing the job he loved best. Even better, the folks at West Side backed up the promises they had made.

“West Side has treated me fairly, and they shoot straight,” says Dave. “If I ever have a problem, they will help me work things out. I’ve seen firsthand how the president of the company will personally get involved to help the drivers, and that means a lot.”

Dave runs dry van loads throughout the 48 contiguous states, and he chooses to stay out one-to-two months at a time. System drivers can get home every 10-to-14 days, if desired, and West Side offers a variety of regional routes that can get drivers home on weekends. The company works hard to meet the individual needs of those who get the job done for them each day.

Mileage pay at West Side is among the best in the industry, with the top tier reaching 46¢ per mile. Comprehensive health insurance, a generous 401k plan and an aggressive incentive program round out the competitive driver package.

Dave is proud of his 2005 Freightliner Columbia, and he appreciates the top maintenance team at West Side. “Our equipment is never more than one or two years old,” he says with pride. “In fact, we’re getting in more new equipment right now.”

As for advice to those considering a career in the trucking industry, Dave suggests that they think long and hard about the time spent away from home. “So many people get lonely after a few months and call it quits,” he explains. “This is a great job, but you have to be mentally prepared for it.”

Dave is the proud parent of two children. His daughter Courtney has two children and a third on the way. His son Jarred has just completed basic training in the National Guard.

The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Dave continued success with West Side Transport, Inc. For more information on company driver opportunities available at West Side, see their ad on page 31 of this issue.