So I suppose I'm a real O/O now. It went something like this, and I'll try my best not to exaggerate.
Setting - I'm carrying a load of insulation in a 53ft van. The main entrance to a huge new warehouse is completely torn up, and therefore a small residential side street is being used to access the property. But today, even 1/2 of this residential street - which I need to turn into from a larger two lane arterial - is under construction and closed all the way out to the intersection.
I'm 95% certain that I can't make the turn, so I manage to park my truck about 1/2 mile away, and then hike over to an office trailer that I saw at the head of the main (torn up and closed) new warehouse entrance to ask if there's another way in.
Me to a lone, 50'ish, grizzly crew cut type in the trailer: "Hello, I have an insulation delivery on a semi. What's the best way to get in?
Grizzly (goes ballistic right off the bat): "What the *ell is it with you stupid truckers (literally word for word)? There's a four foot wide sign on the gate saying use ****** street.
Me: "Half of ****** street is closed and under construction today. I don't think I can make the turn. Is there another way in?"
Grizzly: "Everything is under construction. We've been using ****** street for the last six months. Get the *ell out of here."
Me: "I can't make that turn."
Grizzly: "Get the *ell out of here right now or I'm calling the police."
So I turned around with my tail between my legs and I left. And thinking about it since, I still believe that I had no choice. As an independent O/O I'm sure I wouldn't have won a show down with this undoubted wife beating - but likely senior management - puppy kicker. And I simply couldn't risk the potential loss of business trying.
Resolution - On the walk back to my truck I stopped and talked to the (county) road crew and told them that I needed to try and turn onto their street. They were heck'o nice guys, and even agreed to stop traffic on the arterial to help me. But sure enough, using every inch that I could get, the turn still wasn't even close. So at this point the crew pulled up their cones and let me drive over their freshly graveled and graded side of the street to get to where I needed to go (thanks guys). I then spent perhaps another 45 minutes walking around around the site trying to find someone to talk to about getting unloaded; finally managed to do so; and then later capped off my day by taking a "late delivery" hit from my carrier (but this was thankfully later reversed).
Does anyone else have any "call the cops on you", or maybe even fist fight stories? Because I sincerely did want to smack this...person.
My first time threatened with having the police called on me
Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by seamutt, Jul 19, 2022.
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One thing I've learned in this industry is, every time you meet someone who is a complete arse hole, the next person you meet is usually nice and the nice people always cancel out the arse holes.
petefan4000, Opus, Dino soar and 14 others Thank this. -
Not sure what ole Grizzly could have told the police that they would want to come out for.
Likely a day drinker.
Bring Grizzly a bottle of Maker's Mark, and you two will be new chums in no time.Opendeckin, Opus, Trucker61016 and 11 others Thank this. -
I’m a hothead but can usually keep my cool until the insults and cussing start. Then it can go any direction lol.
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Was this in Barberton, Ohio!? LOLOL. I left that place 2x til' I learned not to go back!
Rideandrepair, Another Canadian driver and Flat Earth Trucker Thank this. -
Rideandrepair, JoeyJunk and Another Canadian driver Thank this.
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Rideandrepair, Lonesome, JoeyJunk and 3 others Thank this.
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Trucker61016, Rideandrepair, alds and 5 others Thank this.
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My standard response when threatened with the cops being called is "please do".
Opus, Sirscrapntruckalot, Gearjammin' Penguin and 11 others Thank this. -
My answer, go for it. You can use my phone if needed
Siinman, austinmike, Rideandrepair and 5 others Thank this.
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