California Runs

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by Bodhi, Nov 16, 2020.

  1. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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    Hey folks,

    Looking at a new employer and they run BC to California ... I know California is a nightmare and so wondering if it is even worth the heachache?

    Thoughts?

    Cheers
     
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  3. skipgears

    skipgears Medium Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2020
    BC
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    .. into the bowl, not past it, meaning stay out of LA.

    I dropped in Compton once, what an experience that was.
    Also 2 days to drive in, and 3 days to get out of that swamp.
     
  4. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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    Yah I am not sure where in Cali they go. I used to drive in Chino coming from the East and was not too bad ... but yah, I have come from the south to the north - oh my!!! LOL
     
  5. skipgears

    skipgears Medium Load Member

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    Aug 8, 2020
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    Don't make that your first mistake. You need to know precisely where they drop and pick. If they don't tell you, don't work for them. Unless you like adventure and sitting out unpaid by the mile.

    Compton was surprisingly chill, but defo stressful when you see all that's happening around.
     
  6. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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    Very good point, thanks for the reminder. When I used to go to Chino I have had the downside of hell with live loads ... sit there making zero money. Not fun.
     
  7. Ol'Shusquatch

    Ol'Shusquatch Light Load Member

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    BC Interior
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    Did a drop in W. central LA last week. Timing was good. Got to location about 8PM and there was parking on site, Appointment was for 8 the next morning. Unloaded and pulled onto the street at 8.55.
    Headed to pick up return load. Traffic was moderate or about average for LA after the early rush.

    So for me it's how it all works out with time of day and parking. Some good and some worse trips.
    I also personally dislike Vancouver. Have had some stressful trips in there with multiple picks in the inner city. Unfortunately, some of this city crap goes with the territory.
     
  8. Bodhi

    Bodhi Light Load Member

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    Jan 18, 2020
    Vancouver Island, BC
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    True that ... Vancouver can be a nightmare indeed! You are also correct that sometimes it is just about timing. I have gone into New York at times and man, kill me now that was horrible. But another, smooth sailings. So timing is key for sure I think in anything trucking - timing for traffic; timing loading/unloading; timing for parking; timing for weather ...
     
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  9. skipgears

    skipgears Medium Load Member

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    Everything in any major urban city needs to go exactly right. If by chance any element fails then you can be stuck there for a bit.

    I did Green St. downtown San Fran once too. You need to download a special truck route map and follow it intently. One wrong turn and you're stuck on a hump calling a tow. All that makes for fun truckin', however stressful. Once again, proper prep necessary.
     
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  10. Ol'Shusquatch

    Ol'Shusquatch Light Load Member

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    BC Interior
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    Route planning is critical alright. The GPS nowadays helps, although is not always the best at providing the right option.
    Being from the paper map generation, I pack a Randy Mcnalley atlas to consult and jot down what looks good on a small note pad, to refer to while running. We have more tools to use nowadays along with the ols chatter coming from the cb.
     
  11. skipgears

    skipgears Medium Load Member

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    It's really too bad the CB has become mostly fad, some guys still use it, but not like it used to be, too bad. Nowadays you hear guys cussin' and yelling at eachother over parking spots and highway speed, lol .. it's gotten rough.
     
    BigHossVolvo Thanks this.
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