Random LTL Rants (all are welcomed)

Does your company run a "call block" type setup? I'm guessing probably not. Usually if the extra board in my barn is not working, they tell him around 1730-1800. BUT, we all have a call block up to 2100 where we are supposed to remain available to get to work if we are called in. At 2100, call just to make sure you didn't slip through the cracks, and if there is no work, you're off for the night. If they do call you in, they give you I think two hours to get your rear in gear.

 

I had call blocks at my last two companies. My current job is just like...you sit there until we randomly call you, and you'd better be rested! Lol

It's truly a job for the insane.

 

Better than when you are new in a package car. Get up, get dressed, shave, shoe up for work....get sent home.

 

So went to the interview and thought I #### the bed but he told me to call if I decide to leave coke so it couldn't have been all that bad. It's trip pay so I don't completely understand how pay works but I know three guys that work there that do well so I'm not worried about it. He road tested me while I was there and it was my first time pulling a tank (it was empty) and I thought I bombed it. The truck had a lot of power (t880 18spd, didn't pay attention to what motor when I pre tripped it) so he said I would need to slow down taking off from a stop because I'll never be able to get it to shift once the load sloshes back and forth. I also apparently slow down too fast for a tank. He said my braking was better than a lot of guys that have never pulled a tank and he attributes that to me pulling doubles so I am lighter than a lot of guys on the brakes. I stopped at the railroad crossing without him having to tell me to (apparently he's had to in the past). I almost put us thru the windshield with the jakes, they are beastly on that truck. He was impressed with my backing so anyone that says city p&d doesn't make you a better backer can suck it lol. Overall I guess it went good, I felt like I could have done better had I went in with a lil more knowledge on how to drive with a tank but I had no idea I would road test. One of my buddies was there when we got back and he would be the one to train me, I will have to ride with him for a week.
Hazmat is not necessary but strongly suggested.

 

I knew about the extra care when braking, but I never thought about when you are accelerating. That would make a lot of sense.

 

Yea he said you have to time your shifts with the movement of the load. I talked to my buddy in the parking lot for a lil bit afterwards and he said the same thing. He said you will be grinding gears the first few days not being able to match truck speed to rpm when you are getting pushed and pulled.

 

Well now I need to understand that about the tanker drivers I am in traffic with. Interesting.

I knew why the tanker driver who hit me in my car bumper a couple years back hit me. That made sense. Lol

But of course it would also be surging during acceleration.

 

Okay, minor and hopefully temporary rant.

We raised the starting pay to get all these drivers in here. I fear that we are expanding the terminal too much, we are bringing too many people at once, and we run the risk of losing some of the highly successful habits we have at our terminal if we don't intervene.

I saw a guy in a day cab doing at least 40 mph yesterday in a 20 mph yard, and then today a new driver hooked up to the trailer next to mine while I was between the trailers without at least alerting me that he was going to do it. I always say it's okay, I just want to know he's going to do it.

The ####ing kid couldn't even take his headphones off long enough to speak to me. Took off with his trailer without even pre-tripping it.

I see bad things ahead if we don't nip this in the bud.

Okay. Breathe. They'll learn.

 

I remember saying this same exact thing about the crazy amount of sleeper team hiring. My fear is that the company would get watered down with pos drivers which it probably will as you are seeing now. I wouldn't sweat it tho because people like that will never last, this is just a temporary hiccup that will straighten itself out with a lil time.