One month on my own.. need some advice

I've had bad wait times to load and unload but not consistently... the key to maximizing your hours is to arrive at your customer in order to start your clock there. I'd start by requesting a new FM and trying to run different parts of the country. if you don't mind staying out 2 weeks at a time you can get longer loads which are generally more productive. I had a run last week that was 1400 miles total, 2.5 days of driving, took an hour to load and an hour to unload. awesome.

I can't get a clear answer on HOS other than my FM repeating his script that "a 34 hour reset is never mandatory" and to "run off my recap" ...I think I figured out how to do that, but I cannot run legally and meet the delivery appointments they ask me to sometimes. I worked 13 days straight without a restart, if the log department catches it, cool, I quit caring long ago. not receiving any help from my FM.

there is simply too much information going into and out of the office in Des Moines for everything to work smoothly. your FM probably has 40+ drivers, we are just a number to them. all they do is relay information and count beans.

first month is rough, especially in the winter, hang in there, get a year in and move to a company you can take seriously.

 

working for tmc huh?

 

Yes is defintely hard to adjust to the changes and suck pay, especially in the begining but it does get alittle easier eventually, or at least you get used to it a bit, maybe not easier to deal with.

Alot of FM's are like that, not only with the new guys....thats why there is a huge turnover rate and they are able to keep hiring 25 to 50 guys a week.. Just keep doing your best, you can only do what you can do and eventually you can can fire your FM if he/she doesnt come around when you have some time under your belt.

A machine! You have it right and don't ever think otherwise, if you do it will drive you nuts. As far as the NorthEast...Big truck Big road, especially if your new, you will see some conditions up here and out in the Northwest that is unimagninable that big trucks are driving in, just take your time and take the big roads(interstates and major highways) through the winter as much as yoou can, wait until spring and summer after you have alittle more experience to try and keep your oor down on the back roads.

Get used to this, some weeks are better than others but patience is key (extremly hard, but KEY for sanity). Shippers and consignees (along with TMC dont give a rats a s s about the drivers time. Never did, never will, remember that!

Tough call, make your decision and go with it, some weeks are like that, you may not always choose right but you have to learn to live with it and do your best. Try to get into a TQM class in Des Moines the next possible class, it will be an eye opener and help a great deal, also hit the OOR class that weekend too if you can, both classes will make you feel alot better and explain the game alittle better and how you have to play to be as successful as possible. Its a game and you have to learn how to play...this all comes with time in the truck.

Join the club brother...Rest assured there is a ton of guys feeling the same way you do, your defintely not alone. I keep telling myself unemployment is at 10% and there a ton of people with no jobs and losing their houses and I have a family to support , so that somewhat keeps me truckin day in and day out, but nobody says its gonna be easy...

The best of luck to you, just try to think of it as an education, don't think too much about the money in the begining or you'll never make it!

 

Anuuub said this .

 

duh, my bad i totally misread your post rick and his..i gotta stop drinking so early in the am,,lol...

 

Get on the computer and see if you can find the consignee's number . Call them and explain the situation . Maybe you can change the pickup time . It sounds like if you pick the load up you won't have the hours available to deliver it so what's the point picking it up on time ? DO NOT violate HOS . If you get caught they will put it on you and you'll have points working against you on CSA 2010 . Call the Safety Department first thing Monday morning and ask what they think you should have done . It might be a good idea to have a recorder to record the call .

 

Just my 2 cents...Was it really necessary for you to go home. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and try to be at the customer at your appointment time. I know that is not what you want to hear but it is reality. Also, the weather has been crappy all over the U.S.. As stated above, just take your time and if you are not comfortable with the conditions, find a safe place to stop and wait it out. Hope this helps.

 

I feel your pain... honestly, I think we all do. Since you are new, one would think you would get a little more guidance, but since you are not, this is one of those rare times I recommend the almighty CB. Ask your fellow drivers. Yes, you will get a pile of crap from all those scruffy bums out there who were abused as children, but after they get finished insulting your mother, your sister, and your dog, the Real Drivers will kick in and you will get advice that is the benefit of their experience. Questions to ask: What's the best way to get into X shipper? How long will it take to get through ahead? How many miles does this ##(&# Fog go on?

We were all new once and we are all being misued due to the economic reality that there are more drivers per mile than usual. This tide will turn. In the meantime, give up the idea of making a lot of money, and try to kick back and enjoy the ride.

Lots of Luck! Don't worry....Be Happy.