Dot Transportation Inc., a subsidiary of Dot Foods, will open the Sikeston market to driver recruitment by opening a satellite location on Harlene Drive. The company plans to hire up to 20 drivers to staff the fifth satellite in the Dot system, combating the growing, nationwide shortage of truck drivers.
A rapidly growing trucking industry combined with a large group of retiring Baby Boomer drivers has The American Transportation Association anticipating a shortfall of 111,000 drivers by 2014.
This Dot satellite location will allow Sikeston area drivers to work for Dot for the first time. Drivers from the nearest distribution center drop off shipments at the satellite location, and local drivers pick them up and deliver them to customers.
According to Salary.com, experienced truck drivers in Sikeston today make an average of $42,000 per year. Experienced Dot drivers make an average of $65,000 annually - so for Sikeston drivers, a job driving for Dot could potentially mean a $23,000 yearly increase in average pay plus more home time, as Dot drivers average two days per week at home.
Dot Transportation drivers also earn excellent benefits such as health, dental, vision, and 401k with match.
"Dot Foods is growing steadily, despite the recession, so expanding the geographic areas we can hire from is a principal strategy to support continued expansion, said Paul Mugerditchian, President of Dot Transportation. "Missouri does not provide county-by-county numbers, but anecdotally we know there are many drivers living in and working out of the Sikeston area, as well as farmers holding CDL licenses. We can offer these drivers an increase in pay, great benefits, plus more home time - a win for everyone."
On the flip side, Dot's Mt. Sterling drivers can deliver goods to a Sikeston satellite and make it back home to their families in one day. Sikeston is also perfectly located with easy access to I-55 heading north or south and I-57 heading east and west.