Running with JCT, Part Deux

I saw one flatbed loses load and one truck rollover with the wind today on the 40

 

I think it's funny how they want us to communicate with them, but it's that's a two way street. They got to communicate with us.

While they do for the most part, they tend to forget that every now and then. The because I said so excuse is company driver thinking. Which doesn't work over here.

Should have been hey, we had a situation on this route. Would you please run this alt route and we will pay the extra miles.

If it would have been me, I never would have asked for the reroute. I would have ran it across 80 to the 15 anyway and figured someone miss calculated the miles.

 

I have composed a couple emails to driver services, one of which is on this subject. They are on my laptop currently, but will copy and paste on here when I reconnect to the internet.

 

So I saw something cute today. Getting an empty from the San Bernardino yard. Gladhand locks on empty trailers. And JCT seals on them too on the doors. And Locks. But look through the vent...a sealed load of Socal air.

Cute...very cute.

 

One of the emails to Driver Comments at JCT.

Concerning driver bobtail parking in Sapulpa.

Can we do something about the condition of said parking area?

Currently it is uneven and bumpy in addition to several deep holes and if a truck should happen to hit one of those holes it could potentially damage the skirting and/or rubber strips on the bottom which a driver would then be financially libel for repairs .

What would be nice is to see that section paved. Due to all the dust, dirt, and mud in that area it defeats any efforts a driver may take to keep a clean truck and/or tires.

Prompt attention to the leveling of the parking lot is appreciated by ALL drivers not just myself.

 

The other email to Driver Comments at JCT.

As drivers seem to come to me to voice their gripes, complaints, and concerns, I feel obliged to pass on this information to management.

On the subject of communication whereas a driver is told to run a particular route, if it’s not specified in the comments of the load assignment, then the driver should be advised as to the reasoning, (customers requests, weather, safety, better opportunity for swaps, etc.) as we are not forced to run specific routes under normal circumstances. When a driver asks why a specific route, the response should in no way be “because that’s how the planners want it run sir.”

I have seen unadulterated communications between a driver and their driver manager on this very topic. On this particular load the driver would have been able to do a pass-thru their house without incurring additional excessive miles nor jeopardizing OTD. When the driver asked to the reasoning they were simply told “because that’s how the planners want it run sir” without additional explanation. As we are the sole party that decides routing, fueling and best use of our hours, it is not unreasonable for the driver to request the reasoning or legitimacy of the forced routing. What ensued is approximately a dozen argumentative, back and forth messages when one with the proper information would have sufficed. Now JCT has a lease operator that not only still does not know why they are being force routed but is upset that they are being treated like a company driver being told what to do. Instead of having the freedom accorded to them as a business owner.

I will not divulge the names of either party in this situation as it should not matter. Now everyone receiving a copy of this email knows good and well that had I been the driver in this situation the responses received would not have been satisfactory in the least. I would expect the courtesy and professionalism of a proper response as should EACH and EVERY driver that is contracted to JCT.

 

I tend to get long winded with my emails. Lol

 

Actually you worded them in a really good way.
Honestly a few years ago that conversation would have gone in a bad way LOL. I have learned to hold my tongue or use my words as wify says LOL

 

I have an autistic child, and my wife will use those communication things on him with me sometimes "USE YOUR WORDS!!!" when I'm angry and growling. Makes me laugh and breaks me out of my "dude brood".

 

This is the 1st one o sent at the beginning of February.

This is in regards to the driver amenities provided to the drivers at the home terminal.

I’m curious as to when was the last time upper management, a vice president or an executive of JCT has taken a look at some of the amenities that are provided to the drivers.

1. Showers: Several months ago, the shower facilities were remodeled in an effort to provide a better shower experience for the drivers. The problem is the continued upkeep (rather lack of) this area.
A. There are huge holes in the walls in both the hallway and one of the showers.
B. The sanitary conditions of the showers is severely lacking, even after the cleaning service has “cleaned” them. There is grease all over the floors, on the floor mat, human body fluids and other matter scattered on the walls. Completely unsanitary and unacceptable.
C. There is very poor lighting in the shower rooms. Usually, only 1 bulb working in the fixtures.

2. Sleeping rooms: Not sure if the bedding that is in there is provided by JCT or if it is stuff left by previous drivers. If it is provided by JCT, then arrangements should be made to regularly clean the bedding as no one wants to cover themselves in with bedding used by strangers. The cleanliness of those rooms is also an issue. Again, grease and other substances on walls.

3. The driver lounge in the shop:
A. Most of the chairs provided are broken. I had spoken to John personally several years ago about the conditions of the chairs and he had them replaced within a couple of weeks. Perhaps it is time to replace again?
B. The cleanliness of driver lounge. Anyone can walk in and see this. Trash and other items left on the counters. Floors not swept adequately. There was literally the same trash on the floor, under the counter for almost 3 months!

I personally appreciate the little stuff JCT provides the drivers while they are at the terminal, but there doesn’t seem to be any priority in keeping those things clean, sanitary, and providing a sense of “appreciation to the drivers for all we do.”

This is the reply I got:

Currently we are looking at upgrading some of the amenities and know how important the small things are to make you comfortable while here at JCT. We will be in touch with the improvements.

Needless to say, as these have not been completely addressed,I will be sending a follow up and press the issue again.