Missed appointment, got lucky.

So I usually run OTR but I needed a specific day off this week. So after my last run I offered to help out the local guys for a few days before my day off. They gave me a load that had to leave the yard as soon as my 34 reset was complete (which was 4 a.m. this morning) to make a 9 a.m. delivery appointment.

Well early this morning I got to the yard and couldn't find my truck, well then it must be locked in the shop. Of course I don't have the keys for the shop, and was unable to raise anyone by phone at 3:30 a.m.... So I had to wait until one of our dispatchers came in at 5:00 a.m.

I explained the situation and the dispatcher let me into the shop, but my truck was opened up and in the middle of some maintenance. So the dispatcher gave me keys to an extra truck, "Get going you're late." The dispatcher was actually very understanding.

I get my preloaded trailer hooked and on the road by 5:30... But of course I knew that even if I kept the throttle matted on the floor I would be at least 20 mins late, to a receiver that will make you sit until the end of the day if you miss your appointment time. But I did the best I could with what I had been dealt.

By 8:20 I was still just over an hour out from the receiver. So I called them and explained that I had had an unexpected delay and would be 30 to 40 mins late. Was told I may have to wait until the end of the day. So I kept her hammered down and arrived at 9:35... 35 mins late.

This is where I got lucky... As I pulled in the gate another truck was bumping the dock, turns out he was the 10:30 appointment that showed up early. So the dock manager gave him my unload slot and gave me the 10:30 slot. I got so lucky.

I'm so glad that other driver was early. I usually get to receivers early as well, and it makes me sick to be late. But it happens at times, sometimes because of things that are beyond our control. I hope most drivers try to be early to their appointments... Sometime it may help out someone else that has had a bad day make the best of the cards they are dealt.