OTR: How to order things and get them delivered while on the road?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by X-Country, Apr 21, 2014.

  1. X-Country

    X-Country Medium Load Member

    645
    462
    Mar 27, 2014
    0
    If you're an OTR driver and dont see home much, and you need to order something, but can't find it in a store...how do you get it while you're out on the road?
     
    broodmom Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Balakov100

    Balakov100 Road Train Member

    3,937
    2,637
    May 10, 2012
    Temple, TX
    0
    I ordered a replacement Phone once...Got a Loves to accept it for me.
    But they (VZW) screwed it up anyway sent the wrong one, and a day to late.
    So still didn't get it.

    (I) Won't try that again.
    Maybe they can accept a package for you at your company Yard.
     
  4. CargoWahgo

    CargoWahgo Road Train Member

    3,912
    3,945
    Jan 10, 2012
    Louisville, Kentucky
    0
    I have a mailbox at my terminal.

    If I need something I'm dropping a trailer and going to get it via pc or pull in a big box.

    What item are you looking for exactly maybe someone here can help.
     
    broodmom Thanks this.
  5. jbee

    jbee Medium Load Member

    664
    619
    Jun 3, 2011
    NC
    0
    I always try to time stuff like that for when I'm about a week out from my off time at home. Problem with sending it elsewhere for pickup is what happens if you get re-routed or a load cancelled? Then you wind up having to chase the package or item down and more than likely, have it sent to your home address anyway.

    Another solution is if I have a PM due and I know I'm going to the yard soon, I can make arrangements with my DM and he'll hold it until I get there. You could also do it if you know your recap is ka put and a 34 is on the horizon along with knowing ahead of time where you'll be spending it. Otherwise, you're looking at a lot of headaches.
     
    X-Country Thanks this.
  6. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

    1,626
    1,423
    Mar 23, 2012
    0
    Typically had my family take it for me, problem was I only went home about once a financial quarter...It was an issue for me...I had to have books shipped to a TS once for a semester at school last year (spring semester, so around January-ish) and it was an absolute nightmare. I had the books shipped to the Loves in Rolla Missouri while I was on a 34.

    Only problem was; the company I ordered the books from, didn't honor the next day shipping I paid nearly $25 for...The books were delivered to the Loves, 7 DAYS AFTER THE FACT. God bless the manager, David was his name as I recall. Dude ACTUALLY TOOK IT TO THE POST OFFICE WHEN HE GOT OFF WORK, SHIPPED IT TO MY HOUSE, AND LET ME MAIL HIM A CHECK TO REIMBURSE HIM.

    That could've ended up so much worse! It was $300 in books, you could easily resell them for about half of that.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  7. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    13,376
    71,895
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    We use a PO Box, but some will not ship to a PO Box.
    Timing for days off as a second tactic.
    Third is my good neighbor.

    OTR brings its own unique challenges.
     
    cabwrecker Thanks this.
  8. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

    1,626
    1,423
    Mar 23, 2012
    0
    Scary how sometimes you have to rely on the decency of other people in this industry.
     
  9. pcfreak

    pcfreak Heavy Load Member

    835
    385
    Apr 22, 2007
    Alberta, Canada
    0
    I rarely get home, but I still have stuff sent there. Talk to your company and see if they will accept packages for you at the terminal you see most often. I believe you can put "John Doe c/o XYZ Company". Never hurts to ask.
     
  10. X-Country

    X-Country Medium Load Member

    645
    462
    Mar 27, 2014
    0
    thanks for the replies. not ordering anything specific. just wondering in case I needed something.

    for instance, I was going to buy a new line in cable for my phone to my cd player in my truck...the truck stops want $20 for that. I can get it on Amazon.com for like $5 shipped.

    just stuff like that, little knicknacks you need quickly, but don't want to spend a #### arm and a leg on it at these truck stops...these places are MONEY PITS!

    but I guess I'll just order what I need and have it shipped to the house. I don't get home much, I stay out 2-3 months at a time.
     
    johnbwheel Thanks this.
  11. pcfreak

    pcfreak Heavy Load Member

    835
    385
    Apr 22, 2007
    Alberta, Canada
    0
    Theres always walmart. A lot of them have plenty of parking for trucks. I get a lot of my things there.
     
    CougFan Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.