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Dealing with different shifts...

Discussion in 'LTL and Local Delivery Trucking Forum' started by texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015.

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  1. Apr 15, 2015 #1
    texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    I just finished orientation with ABF as a casual dockworker (they'll switch me to driver in a few months) but I was wondering if you guys had any advice in terms of dealing with your work shifts changing from time to time?

    Like for instance - the next couple weeks I will likely be on the day shift for training, but after that I may get nights or swing shift (and it's not guaranteed that every week will be the same).
     
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    #1
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  3. Apr 15, 2015 #2
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You will need to be able to adapt. I don't think you need to worry too much if you're just switching from 1st to 2nd shift etc. It's the switching to/from graveyard that's a killer ! You may need to get to the dock at 5 am however, depending on your location. I advise going to bed when you're tired. Even if the kids and Mama want your attention. Get your rest….working all day while tired gets to you.
     
    Allow Me., Apr 15, 2015
    Allow Me., Apr 15, 2015
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  4. Apr 15, 2015 #3
    LoneCowboy

    LoneCowboy Road Train Member

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    blackout curtains are your friend.
    earplugs too.
     
    LoneCowboy, Apr 15, 2015
    LoneCowboy, Apr 15, 2015
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    texasbbqbest and road_runner Thank this.
  5. Apr 15, 2015 #4
    CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    I did that when I worked at Kmart. Rest is the key. One day Id work 10 pm to 6 am unloading trucks and stocking shelves. Then Idc ome back in and work like 3pm to 9pm on a cash register then be back in for third shift again. My advice, when you know your going to be on 3rd shift for a few weeks, keep the same schedule. What I mean is on your off days stay up till the time you are supposed to get off work then go to bed. Use to do some mad gaming on my days off. People thought I was nuts doing it that way, but my body adapted to it and I was more alert when I did it like this.
     
    CrappieJunkie, Apr 15, 2015
    CrappieJunkie, Apr 15, 2015
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  7. Apr 15, 2015 #5
    texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    No Mama or kids at my house - just wonderful grandparents! But I'm going to move to an apartment ASAP after I get a few paychecks so maybe it won't be so much of an issue because I'll be by myself.
     
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    #5
  8. Apr 15, 2015 #6
    texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    I used to do that when I worked nights at FedEx Express (but all I did was nights, no changing schedules).

    I'd love to work nights again if given the chance. I don't even mind weekends!
     
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
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  9. Apr 15, 2015 #7
    Shaggy

    Shaggy Road Train Member

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    I'd advise not to move anywhere yet until your off probation and get a confirmation letter.
    You're not earning union wage yet. first couple month checks is going to look very disappointing.
    --------------

    Adapting to different shifts, Benedryl and a white noise.
     
    Shaggy, Apr 15, 2015
    Shaggy, Apr 15, 2015
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  10. Apr 15, 2015 #8
    Mike2633

    Mike2633 Road Train Member

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    Agree 100% I work food service...right now working on changing gears, it's not working out to what I thought it would be and at the same time what it should have been and to what they said it would be. Anyhow though I amongst one of the top wage earners in my house and still live at home with mom and dad.
     
    Mike2633, Apr 15, 2015
    Mike2633, Apr 15, 2015
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  11. Apr 15, 2015 #9
    texasbbqbest

    texasbbqbest Road Train Member

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    Okay. That's fair enough. I'm guessing probation is about 90 days or so?

    Depends on what happens but I may not have a choice whether I move or not soon, but I definitely agree with both of you. It will give me time to save up some money anyway.
     
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    texasbbqbest, Apr 15, 2015
    #9
  12. Apr 15, 2015 #10
    Shaggy

    Shaggy Road Train Member

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    My AO is 90 working days, It varies at each region. Get with a co-worker/shop steward and ask, Want to move out? whatever is discussed between coworkers stays between coworkers. Don't be THAT guy.
     
    Shaggy, Apr 15, 2015
    Shaggy, Apr 15, 2015
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