Is McLane a Good Company to Drive For? The Ultimate Guide

With over 90 years of supply chain expertise, McLane Company has established itself as a premier distributor of food, beverage, and consumer products across the United States. But should truck drivers consider McLane for their career?

In this detailed guide, I‘ll provide expert insights to help you determine if McLane is the right fit for you and your driving future. Drawing upon industry research, driver testimonials, and McLane‘s own data, I‘ll explore everything from pay and benefits to training, safety, work/life balance and more.

Whether you‘re just starting out or a seasoned pro, let‘s look at why McLane stands out as an employer for drivers.

A Closer Look at McLane as a Company

Before deciding whether to drive for a company, it‘s smart to understand their business. So what exactly does McLane do?

Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Temple, Texas, McLane employs over 25,000 people nationwide. They provide grocery and foodservice supply chain services to thousands of convenience stores, big box retailers, drug stores, military locations and restaurant chains throughout the United States.

With 80 distribution centers and one of America‘s largest private fleets, McLane has an extensive transportation and logistics operation:

• 7,000+ Professional drivers deliver McLane‘s products over 250 million miles annually.

• They own 11,000 tractors and 22,000 trailers – one of the largest private fleets in the US.

• 20,000+ Customers rely on McLane for fast, accurate deliveries.

This massive supply chain network allows McLane to deliver a wide range of products wherever customers need them. Their drivers handle everything from food and household items to cleaning supplies, beverages, tobacco and more.

McLane invests heavily in logistics technology and data analytics to optimize delivery routes and inventory. This benefits drivers by maximizing efficiency and minimizing unpaid miles.

Driver Pay and Benefits – How McLane Compares

Money and benefits are likely a top priority, so how does McLane‘s compensation stack up?

Pay

Multiple sources confirm McLane offers excellent pay for their drivers:

• New drivers can expect to earn $0.50 per mile. McLane‘s pay scale goes up to $0.60 per mile for experienced drivers.

• Glassdoor shows average earnings of $85,000/year, with top earners making over $100k.

• According to the Truckload Authority, McLane drivers saw average earnings of $71,947 in 2020.

In addition to mileage pay, McLane provides opportunities to earn more through bonuses and supplemental pay:

• $3000 Sign-On Bonus – for team drivers with Hazmat certification

• Annual Bonuses – up to $5000 for safe driving and service

• Extra pay – for special loads, layovers, and additional stops.

Based on driver-reported wages, McLane‘s compensation is consistently higher than many competitors.

Benefits

McLane offers a complete benefits package including:

• Health Insurance – Choice of medical, dental, vision

• 401(k) – Company match up to 6% of contributions

• Stock Purchase Plan – Buy McLane stock at a 15% discount

• Paid Leave – Paid vacation, holidays, sick time

• Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $5000 annually

Very few trucking companies provide the 401(k) matching, discounted stock purchase options and tuition reimbursement that McLane offers. This gives their benefits package a definite advantage over competitors.

Safety Starts Here – McLane‘s Strong Safety Culture

Safety is essential for success in the trucking industry. McLane makes it a top priority through rigorous training and a culture of safety:

• New drivers get 160+ hours of training on McLane safety protocols.

• Ongoing evaluations ensure drivers follow McLane‘s high safety standards.

• All tractors are equipped with the latest safety tech – collision avoidance, lane departure warning, roll stability control.

• McLane spends over $24 million annually on safety initiatives and training.

Proof this works? McLane trucks drove 65.7 million miles per preventable accident in 2021 – 31% better than the industry average.

Plus, McLane‘s accident frequency has outperformed industry benchmarks each of the last 3 years.

Many drivers say McLane‘s investment in safety training and technology gives them confidence and peace of mind while on the road. That‘s crucial for driver satisfaction and retention.

McLane Driver Experience and Requirements

McLane doesn‘t expect applicants to be fully trained experts, but they do have some minimum requirements:

• Valid Class A CDL

-Tractor trailer driving experience

• Clean driving record

• Ability to pass DOT physical

• High school diploma or GED

While not required, Hazmat certification is preferred by McLane recruiters.

New drivers get plenty of training, but McLane prefers candidates have at least one year of verifiable tractor trailer experience. Those with proven safe driving records tend to succeed with McLane.

Applicants should also be comfortable working long hours with overnight driving and meeting tight delivery windows. McLane‘s high service levels mean flexibility and commitment are must-haves.

McLane‘s Training Sets Drivers Up for Success

Once hired, new McLane drivers go through a seven day orientation to learn processes, safety protocols and get road training.

Topics covered include:

• McLane safety policies
• Hazmat handling
• Cargo securement
• Loading/unloading procedures
• DOT regulations
• Tractor operation
• Hours of service

Drivers get classroom instruction combined with hands-on driving practice. They work closely with veteran driver-trainers to get comfortable operating McLane tractors and navigating routes.

This intensive training ensures new drivers understand McLane‘s procedures and high safety standards prior to solo driving. It‘s an investment that pays dividends in driver safety and retention.

Choose Your Route for Work/Life Balance

One advantage McLane offers is options to build a schedule that suits your preferences:

Route Selection

Drivers can select from:

• Long-haul routes – 4-6 weeks out, 1 week home

• Regional routes – Home more often

• Team driving – Take turns driving with a partner

• Local routes – Home every night

This variety lets drivers find what fits their lifestyle best. Want to earn more and rack up miles? Go long-haul. If you prefer being home daily, choose a local route. The ability to change routes also allows drivers flexibility as family or personal situations evolve.

Home Time

Most McLane drivers praise the amount of home time they receive. Regional drivers average 4 days off per month, while long-haul drivers get 1 full week off for every 4-6 weeks out.

Flexible Scheduling

Dispatchers work with drivers to build delivery schedules that maximize efficiency while accommodating drivers‘ off-hour needs when possible. Things like medical appointments, family events and other personal obligations.

This flexibility and options for home time are key benefits making McLane an appealing choice for drivers.

You‘ll Know the Standards – McLane Drug Testing Protocol

Like all DOT-regulated fleets, McLane requires drug testing to comply with federal mandates. All drivers and driver applicants must pass:

• 10-panel pre-employment drug screen

• DOT alcohol screening

The drug tests check for use of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP and other illegal substances.

Once hired, drivers are subject to additional random drug tests and post-accident testing as mandated by the FMCSA.

While some applicants dislike the tests, McLane makes their standards clear upfront. Drivers who steer clear of substance use understand the reasoning behind the drug screening.

For safety-conscious drivers, McLane‘s diligent testing program provides reassurance that all drivers on the road will be fully sober and alert.

McLane Pay Schedule and First Week of Pay

McLane runs payroll on a weekly schedule. Here‘s how driver compensation is structured:

Warehouse Drivers

• Paid every Friday

• Direct deposit available

OTR Drivers

• Paid biweekly on Fridays

• Direct deposit required

Pay is calculated per mile, plus additional pay for layovers, extra stops and other variable compensation.

One downside: McLane does not pay new drivers for their first week of orientation training. Paychecks start getting issued once drivers begin regular delivery routes. For those counting on a steady biweekly paycheck, it‘s something to plan for.

Who Actually Owns McLane Company?

McLane supplies Walmart locations across the country, but it is not owned by Walmart. Here‘s the ownership timeline:

• Founded in 1894 as a wholesale grocer

• Acquired by Walmart in 1990

• Sold to Berkshire Hathaway in 2003 for $1.45 billion

Warren Buffet‘s Berkshire Hathaway has owned McLane for nearly 20 years now. They operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, but enjoy access to Berkshire‘s vast financial resources and outstanding business reputation.

The Berkshire Hathaway ownership provides stability and strength that translates into growth opportunities for both the company and its employees. While no longer tied to Walmart, McLane maintains a strong relationship supplying Walmart stores and Sam‘s Clubs nationwide.

McLane Remains Non-Union

McLane operates as a non-union employer. The majority of McLane drivers, warehouse workers and other staff are non-union.

While they support workers‘ right to organize under the National Labor Relations Act, there are currently no collective bargaining agreements between unions and McLane corporate.

Some drivers see value in being unionized, citing the representation and negotiated contracts unions can provide. However, remaining non-union gives McLane flexibility in areas like pay rates and benefits offerings.

Most McLane drivers feel they receive fair treatment and compensation without union representation. But the door remains open should workers decide to pursue organization.

Who Does McLane Compete Against?

In the foodservice distribution industry, McLane‘s primary competitors include:

Competitor	Annual Revenue	Key Facts
Sysco	$51 billion	Largest broadline foodservice distributor globally
US Foods	$29 billion	Second largest broadline foodservice provider
Performance Food Group	$18 billion	Major national foodservice distributor

Like McLane, these distributors operate vast supply chain networks with significant transportation operations. They compete for many of the same customers and drivers nationwide.

While its competitors are multi-billion dollar companies, McLane holds its own with its distribution footprint, private fleet scale, and reputation for service. McLane‘s focus solely on convenience retail and foodservice (versus Sysco/US Foods‘ restaurant focus) is also a competitive differentiator.

Typical McLane Driver Work Schedules

Driver schedules vary based on route type:

Regional Drivers

• 5 days out, 2 days off
• Home every night
• Maximum 11 hours driving per day

OTR Drivers

• 4-6 weeks out, 1 week home

• Team driving or solo

• Up to 11 hours driving daily

Warehouse Drivers

• Monday to Friday
• Daytime hours
• Home daily

No matter the role, drivers need flexibility – McLane customers count on expedited service which may require adjustment of schedules. Regional/OTR drivers in particular should expect irregular hours and on-call periods while out on deliveries. Availability and willingness to work evenings/weekends is crucial.

Do McLane Employees Work Holidays?

McLane runs 365 days a year, so yes – some drivers and warehouse associates end up working holidays to meet customer needs. However, McLane provides monetary compensation for giving up this time.

For hourly warehouse workers, McLane pays an extra $15 per hour premium for holiday hours. Drivers required to work holidays receive extra pay that equates to ~$150 per day.

OTR drivers are less likely to land home on a major holiday, but those that work receive overtime rates plus the generous holiday pay premiums.

While not ideal to be away from family on holidays, McLane makes it worth drivers‘ while through the additional compensation provided.

The Verdict: Is McLane a Worthwhile Company to Drive For?

After reviewing the facts, McLane stands out as an excellent company for drivers seeking:

• Top-tier pay and benefits – McLane‘s compensation package outshines many competitors. Significant earning potential.

• A strong culture of safety – Extensive training and the latest safety technology provide confidence and reassurance on the road.

• Opportunities for professional growth – McLane promotes from within and supports drivers pursuing additional training and education.

• Schedule flexibility – Drivers appreciate the range of route options and home time available.

For drivers able to meet McLane‘s high service standards, they provide the foundation for a lucrative, rewarding and lifelong driving career. Based on McLane‘s stellar industry reputation, they should be high on any driver‘s list of preferred national carriers to work for.