CDL A Dry Van NOOBS: Shipping and Receiver process

All the same I'm going back and editing your post for accuracy, clarity, and brevity.
You don't do the new drivers any favor when you exaggerate things.

 

I don't have a issue with that.

The new drivers will be served by others better than myself in this particular topic. Thank you for your assistance.

Sometimes I wonder about topics...

 

If you are working for a company like Millis, then you shouldn’t have to worry about ever touching the freight. I can’t say it would never happen, but it would be very rare. A little tip, if you get to a customer and they tell you to help unload and you think it is sketchy, call your dispatcher/customer service and confirm that it is supposed to be a driver assist. You company will not want you touching the freight unless the customer is paying extra for the service.

On the subjuct of lumpers, if customer gives you a choice between using a lumper and unloading yourself, just use the lumper, don’t even mess with it. Chances are your company might pay you a small hourly wage to unload yourself, but don’t bother. It’s not worth the hassle and the waste of your on duty hours. Let the lumpers do it and let your company pay the lumpers. I have never had an issue getting my company to pay for lumpers.

 

In many cases you will probably get all of your load information over a satellite system. Check it carefully for things like pickup/delivery numbers, addresses, contact information. It may say that you need to scale before going or that you need x number of load straps. It may say you need to contact a specific person before showing up. Just make sure you read and absorb all the info provided.

When you pick up a trailer that's already loaded check the paperwork carefully. Trailer 993345 looks a lot like trailer 993354. If the trailer is sealed the seal number will usually be on the paperwork, make sure it matches the seal on the trailer. Simple things that can lead to a lot of grief.

When you get live loaded also check out the paperwork to make sure everything matches. People have been known to drive away with the wrong bills. Again, the seal. If they seal it make sure the seal number on the paperwork matches the seal they put on.

When you go to a customer to deliver or pick up be on time. Don't show up with a messy trailer, if it needs to be swept out do that before you get there. If possible check out the location on google maps ahead of time so you can see the layout, where the truck entrance is etc.

Treat the security/shipper/receiver etc. with respect and don't appear to be impatient.

 

Each place has their own rules and can vary greatly. Most places want to see your cdl. So have that ready. Other than that just follow what the guard or clerk tells you.

 

Not true it can be a long wait for dry van also. In just one day I waited 5hrs with appointment time I made to get unloaded and 3hrs at a different place to get loaded got 150 miles that day gotta love Chicago. I get paid detention but doesn't make up for it. But don't be the a hole screaming and complaining it won't make anything better, gotta take the good with the bad or you'll just stress out and it's not worth it!

 

By the way the next day I got 600 miles in which I was very happy with. I'm new but I have learned so far that over thinking and stressing out does no good. I maybe be a rookie at driving but beating my body up as a plumber for for the last 25yrs this is a lot more enjoyable profession for me. Good luck!