Truck Driving Jobs

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

I know I can get 'em at a truck stop, but I have no intention of going anywhere near one during my hometime:)

I tried using some Pilot points last week, but they make you wait until you have 500 before you can redeem any, the bastards. I think I had 400 and something at the time.

How does the point spending work exactly?

headborg · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 1194

gmh wrote: I know I can get 'em at a truck stop, but I have no intention of going anywhere near one during my hometime:)

I tried using some Pilot points last week, but they make you wait until you have 500 before you can redeem any, the bastards. I think I had 400 and something at the time.

How does the point spending work exactly?

oh, i didn't realize you were home...yeah, wal-mart-- or if you're mechanically inclined-- you could switch your driver side over to the passenger( needed more urgently- on that side)

now you got to figure out which Crete Shop you want to "run" by 2 to get that repaired-- taking into account YOUR DOWNTIME-- and knowing you'll be shut down "red flagged' at which ever one you report into---with it.
Need to pick one that will get you in and out quick-- not send you to a motel and make you wait 3 days until they get to you-
but by now, you've probably made a list of things wrong with that truck that need TLC attention. Crete/Shaffer had me "finishing off" 2 high mileage trucks before my 1 year anniversary-- I won't drive junk- and both of them- after only a week- I had found a full page of complaints.

Indy seems real good/fast about getting to you.
Columbus-- well- at least they work on weekends
Lincoln- does a hell of a job all the way around
Knoxville- seems ok/ fast
Wilmer- can't pour whiz out of a boot-with instructions on the heal
NK- well, if you can get in....
___________________________________
but after all the experiences you had with your trainer-- you've probably already drawn your own conclusions yourself-

don't forget to give the shop your accident claim #- that safety gave you when you made the report....

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

So here I sit, waiting for a load. I think I put in my home call about two weeks ago. I've been at home since Thursday. I'd think there would be a load. At the very least, can you tell me there's nothing so I can sleep in a real bed for another night?

The upside is that I got home for the first time in almost two months. I got one MUCH needed thing done. I got a few lesser things done. Enough to go on the road for another month or two. I got to see my kid for the first time in four months (damned ex-wife, damned training) and we got the truck pretty well outfitted. He picked out sheets for his bunk (Wall-E, a new Pixar movie) and I got Speed Racer for mine to go with the Speed Racer bobblehead. Kinda funny considering I don't think I've broken the speed limit more than once or twice in the past six years (seriously).

Damned leak got my logbook wet. I hope it'll dry out (yes, I have a spare. Maybe even two spares. Important to have extras of all your paperwork).

My eye and Rx cards arrived, but not my health insurance. Darn.

I hope dispatch looked at the Qualcomm I sent them with my cell number. As lousy as waiting for freight is, it would be even worse waiting in the truck.

Ooh, nasty thunderstorm. Hope the place I left the trailer is okay (I put it on 2x4's to spread out the weight, and it looked okay a couple of hours ago when I drove by.)

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

So hometime was okay. Had to extend it a few hours to get some things done, but I was still ready to roll 12 hours sooner than my original request stated. And of course, no freight available. I wasn't wholly surprised, given where I live, but they did have quite some time to arrange it. I told dispatch that I'd happily sit home another day. They unfortunately managed to find a load. I should have turned it down.

First problem is that the customer directions included a toll road, yet none was on my route. Qualcomm messages met with dispatch idiocy. The message clearly explained the situation and asked for either better directions or to allow the toll. I got neither. Fortunately, I was able to find the shipper. Unfortunately, it took me a bit of time.

Got up this AM and found a bored inspector at the weigh station in Deleware who decided I needed a level one. They found a missing clevis pin on a slack adjuster. The delay for the stop screwed up this ultra-tight load, so I figured I'd bug someone about getting it fixed, even though it meant a stop at New Kingston. Getting this through dispatch's head took an unneeded hour (okay, breakdown was involved also). So I rolled in, hoping to get the following fixed: driver side fender mirror folds back in wind, passenger side mirror from the love tap last week in the truck stop, my air bags don't seem to rise quite high enough, missing mudflap, dented bumper (from previous driver. Deemed before to be relatively minor and not to be worried about for now) the slack adjuster, and probably one or two things that are on my list that I don't have in front of me.

Walked up to the counter and the foreman had to finish up some petty water cooler talk with one of the mechanics. I'm actually okay with that if it weren't that the first words out of his mouth were 'only DOT repairs'. Well, $&!+, excuse me for needing some work done. So I only listed the mirror and the slack adjuster. "Go park over there" with a general wave. So I park, get my laptop, and head into the lounge.

I realize I left my cell in the truck and go to retrieve it about 15 mins. later. Someone in a yard mule is honking like hell. Seems I parked in the wrong 'over there'. Sorry, there's no freaking sign. I move the truck.

Seven hours later, the mechanic (on the next shift) asks 'What's wrong with the brakes?' Turns out I was supposed to give them the DOT report. Umm... How should I know? I mentioned the circumstances to the foreman from the day shift, and he never mentioned that he needed this paperwork. Nor was anything remotely like this covered in orientation (three wasted days it seems, more and more). So I get him the paper.

Hour later, mechanic comes back. 'Have you reported this bumper?' I try to explain that someone from SLC is taking care of it and has the information. He lets me know that he's just trying to keep me from being charged. Mechanic actually seems okay. Dayshift and the foreman...

Now remember that this bumper issue has twice been glossed over. Earlier, I was told "only DOT repairs". Now someone has seen fit to override those earlier statements.

Seriously, drivers get all kinds of talks and memos and messages about 'communications' and 'utilization of time', yet nobody else in the company seems to get these things.

Obviously, the load is going to be late. Not my fault. I 99% guarantee no breakdown pay. I knew I should have turned down this load (not an option. I'm not versed enough in the system to know how to turn down a load without getting negative marks).

Meanwhile, I've been up for a helluva long time. Dispatch will likely look at my little holiday in NK as a 10 hour break, and wonder why I'm not driving to try to get the load in on time. Sorry, but sitting on a sofa with random naps is not a break.

Note to Acklie Systems Drivers: avoid NK at all costs. Shop personnel are jerks (I've seen it more than once, FWIW) the lounge is a little small, and Verizon barely gets a connection here.

headborg · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 1194

I think if had been me-- I'd been sending q-comm messages & hourly phone calls to dispatch-- keeping them informed with a annoying negative play by play-- frequently puctuated with the written notice that You can't deliver on-time, truck is out-of-service, can we T-call here? But the result would probably just been a re-schedule pushed TOO FAR out-- thus-- reducing your productivity even more. Best thing to do is just wait for them to get your truck out of the shop and give them a good ETA to Consignee to work with.

See, this is proof-- if the on time schedule was that critical-- they'd let you drop it there-- and find someone else to cover it-- but 80% of the time Dispatch/operations simply pull those appointment times out of their REARS.

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

There were several Crete (and a few Shaffer) drivers sitting around waiting for loads, so it's not as if there weren't power units available.

I would have sent Q-comm messages, but truck was in shop, and those guys can be... difficult if you head towards your truck while it sits in the shop gathering dust. And phone? Gimme a break. Easy as pie to 'forget' about a phone call that wasn't logged.

I got a message again last night asking why load hadn't delivered. I had to stop myself twice from getting snarky about the situation. I finally gave them an ETA and we got the delivery rescheduled. Problem is, I left myself zero slack time in it, and I'll be bumping against the 14 if they don't unload the truck soon. Fortunately I saw a truck stop that's in the same zip code. You can do the math from there ;)

Whammo · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 140

gmh wrote: There were several Crete (and a few Shaffer) drivers sitting around waiting for loads, so it's not as if there weren't power units available.

I would have sent Q-comm messages, but truck was in shop, and those guys can be... difficult if you head towards your truck while it sits in the shop gathering dust. And phone? Gimme a break. Easy as pie to 'forget' about a phone call that wasn't logged.

I got a message again last night asking why load hadn't delivered. I had to stop myself twice from getting snarky about the situation. I finally gave them an ETA and we got the delivery rescheduled. Problem is, I left myself zero slack time in it, and I'll be bumping against the 14 if they don't unload the truck soon. Fortunately I saw a truck stop that's in the same zip code. You can do the math from there ;)

Forgive me for the newbie question, but can't you log time when you are being unloaded as off duty?

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

Whammo wrote: Forgive me for the newbie question, but can't you log time when you are being unloaded as off duty?

You sure can, and I do. The problem wasn't my 11 hour clock, but rather the 14 hour clock. Of course, there are split sleeper things, but since safety here doesn't understand them, I don't bother to keep it in my mind how to use them. I'm sure it would have worked in this situation.

Regardless, I now have time to get more than a 10 hr break before hustling for another 1.5 days.

Down side: I forgot to notice that this was a multi-stop load. Upside: Missouri cigarette prices.

Whammo · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 140

gmh wrote: Whammo wrote: Forgive me for the newbie question, but can't you log time when you are being unloaded as off duty?

You sure can, and I do. The problem wasn't my 11 hour clock, but rather the 14 hour clock. Of course, there are split sleeper things, but since safety here doesn't understand them, I don't bother to keep it in my mind how to use them. I'm sure it would have worked in this situation.

Regardless, I now have time to get more than a 10 hr break before hustling for another 1.5 days.

Down side: I forgot to notice that this was a multi-stop load. Upside: Missouri cigarette prices.

Yes, the split bunk time thing. But are you able to fall asleep at odd hours? Are you the napping type? I am, and I think that will help me in trucking.

Thanks for the reply. :)

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

I can nap, but it's merely a stopgap measure for me. Sometimes I drop right off. Other times, all I can do is toss and turn. When I do have a choice of loads, I try to factor in my sleep/breaks. Not because I'm some sissy who can't "tough it out", but because I'm just not as safe if I'm off my schedule.

BigWheels · Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 567 Location: Milwaukee, WI

headborg wrote: ....See, this is proof-- if the on time schedule was that critical-- they'd let you drop it there-- and find someone else to cover it-- but 80% of the time Dispatch/operations simply pull those appointment times out of their REARS.

But at least they smile (over the phone) when they tell you your appointment time! :? :x :twisted:

ohio joe · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 54 Location: ohio

Crete trucks AUTOMATIC OR STICK Mr. gmh!!!! ????? :shock: :lol: :) :twisted:

gmh · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 391 Location: Southern Maryland

Stick shift. If there's an option on the Freightliners, we don't have 'em. Roll up windows and manual mirrors on the driver's side among other cost cutting moves.

headborg · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 1194

gmh wrote: Stick shift. If there's an option on the Freightliners, we don't have 'em. Roll up windows and manual mirrors on the driver's side among other cost cutting moves.

now George, there are a very few options provided-- engine brake, trailer brake, tilt/tele steering, arm rests, air ride Jump seat, and an extra top bunk

oh and a FAN! ( 70's retro era ) at least they provided an electric passenger window

golfhobo · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 10:37 am Post subject:

All I can say is.... WOW!! I thought Crete was one of the good guys! This is really depressing! I can only imagine the chit MOST newbies go through with the likes of Swift, Werner, etc! :roll:

MORE reasons why EVERY new driver should sign on with a TEAM outfit for at least the first 6 months to a year! Let someone with more experience deal with these BOZO's!!! :lol:

As a more "experienced" driver, I ALSO appreciate this thread, GMH! I have considered switching to SOLO with one of the better companies, but I just don't know how long I would last before going POSTAL on 'em! :lol:

And they WONDER why they have a 120% turnover rate! :roll:

Fact is.... something like 97 percent of all companies are O/O's or Mom and Pops. I work for one! They wouldn't DARE treat their drivers like this! And the 3% of companies that are Mega's actually only have about 22% of the trucks on the road! Yet, because they have 100% of the advertising budget, they attract (guessing) 95% of the new drivers! :shock:

I came to this board BEFORE I got into trucking, and learned some valuable lessons. Maybe, we aren't getting the message out! Getting your CDL makes you a valuable commodity! There are MANY jobs out there that will treat you that way.

Mega recruiters are LIARS! School placement flunkies are ON THE TAKE! Mega carriers treat you like a number they can't even REMEMBER.... and the numbers don't add up!

MILLIONS spent on advertising means they are trying to dress up a MULE as a STALLION! Do your OWN research, find a company that will take a chance on a graduate, and then PROVE you are worth the risk! This is about YOU!! NOT the millions of fools who want to become truckers and will take the "packaged deal!" You are HERE.... on this board.... because you are smarter than the average bear! This is NO time to get "lazy!"

On a lighter note...... how are things coming along for your son's ride-along this year, George? I am really looking forward to THAT thread! After that, I expect you'll either grow OUT of Crete, or you will have learned how to "handle" them! And for Christ's Sake...... don't HIT anything/anyone in the meantime!!! :lol:

I'm not BRAGGING, folks..... but, I made about $600/wk during training, get things FIXED when they need fixing, get loads when I need them without a bunch of QC messages, get home every week, and know everyone in the company by name! I can also take someone with me whenever I choose by filling out a one page form. I can outfit my truck anyway I want, and go as fast as it will go! I am never forced to drive illegal, but can "adjust" my logs anyway that my understanding of the regs will allow me to do! I don't know what a "T-Call" is.... NOR do I know the code for a "service failure." I get my loads there on time because they ASK me if I can do it, and if not.... they adjust the delivery time! I don't have to EXPLAIN a DAMN thing to my dispatcher!

I'm a truck driver! And I provide a valuable service to my company. Many Trucking companies NEED drivers! SOME of them know what the "OBJECT" is! If you let too many politicians and administrators into the mix, you get a trucking company run like the war in Iraq! :roll:

I don't have anything against Y'all investigating the big companies..... just don't stop THERE!! Do yourself a favor and see what "middle American" companies are looking for!

I know ALOT of people who make just as much or MORE flipping burgers for "Stoney's Burger Shack" than they would at McDonald's!!! Many have just as good "benies," and ALL of them are happier!!

Have I made myself clear?? Or do I need to rant on for six more paragraphs?? :roll: :lol:

Now, back to our regularly scheduled, OFTEN duplicated, and always informative "diary" of a trucker trying to hold on to his dream with a MEGA company! But, let's not FOR ONE MOMENT, think that this is the BEST, or the ONLY thing a new trucker can aspire to!

Rant off!! Hobo is out! :lol: 8)

Truck Driving Jobs

Trucking Jobs

Truck Drivers

Trucking Companies

Class A Drivers.com