Slip Seating

If possible try to find drivers that are like you are. If you like to have a clean truck, non-smoker, etc. try to find other drivers that share your traits. If not possible try to be open minded about it the other drivers you drive with. Also dont hand off a truck that is out of fuel, or needs service because that will be done back to you.

 

Slip seating really sucks! Sleeping in someone else's bed, having to hook and unhook up all of your electronics, completely loading and unloading all of your belongings in the truck, getting stuck with someone else's breakdown, fuel, its just a mess.

 

I did the 7/4-7/3 with Roehl for two years before I leased a truck from them. They have smoking and non-smoking pods so you won't have to worry about that issue. Cleanliness and trucks needing repairs will be another issue entirely.

Some suggestions, take a mattress pad for the bed. Organization is the key to slip seating. Have everything organized and you should be able to get in and out within about an hour. It can be a pain, but it gives you more predictable hometime than having your own company truck. Keep in mind though that trucks don't always get home on time. Sometimes you might get home a day or two late and they will still expect you to leave on your normal day, so you might only get five days at home instead of seven.

 

I am quiting my job solely because of slip-seating. It sucks...

 

I "slip-seated" in a night/day driver aggregate hauling operation. but it was alittle different obviously because of no sleeper ... anyway my day driver provided and left a good Connex high-power CB radio, I provided and left the XM radio. Point is there are a few things that can be done with regards to at least radio and entertainment that can make life easier on all if the other team members seem trustworthy enough. But, yes, the bedding situation would cause me to not consider an OTR slip-seating option. Too much hassle, too much work when you just want to get going or get home, and too many ???'s

That being said, a 14/7 can be a great situation for some drivers, though.

 

Three (3) bags for everything. All with wheels and handles. 1 tools and misc., 1 clothes, 1 groceries.

Bed clothes in hand. And a cooler.

I can be in and out of my truck in an hour, this includes cleaning time.

Carefully inspect truck for recent damage before leaving, document and inform your dispatcher.

Only "bad" thing. Drivers who are complete PIGS in your "pod".

I dropped my truck off with a floor so clean you could have eaten off it. It was given back...a total piece of ####! You bet dispatch got an ear full.

 

I did it for 1 1/2 years with SNI, the 14/7 that is. Yepper, some pigs should live in a barnyard, but the problem children were dealt with by my DBL. Take a digital camera and take photo's of manpigs mess if you have a guy like that, and show your DBL, fleet manager, whatever he's called.
I still slipseat with a daycab. The first guy thought only of himself, usually getting back later in the day, bad attitude, the whole nine yards. The new guy drives like me, keeps the truck as clean as reasonable, tops off the fuel, etc, etc.
We are a very small company, and that makes a huge difference. We actually interact with each other.
As has been said, I could be in and out of a truck in an hour, and that included setting up my own CB, antennas, and XM radio. Once you get a system of your own down, you can do the same.
Those Rubbermaid type boxes are great to keep your junk in.
I had a 5 gallon bucket that I kept all my electronic crap in when at home. It also doubled as a trash can. Get yourself some trash bags to fit the bucket if you go that way. And don't forget your own toolbox.

Another good thing, is to remember to take ALL your stuff and garbage when you leave. As well as leave the truck cleaner than when you got it. At least that way you know you've done your part.

 

Bring lots of Lysol wipes and air sanitizers. If a particular person is the problem let the company know in a kind way maybe they can find a different truck for you or group to slip with.

 

We have a few dirty slobs, the bosses don't give a ######. One more day to go and it won't be my problem anymore.