Stevens Transport aviary

To all new drivers and students on this board.The trainer plays the major roll in getting you back to the yard.But having said that,be firm,but nice in dealing with counselors.Unfortunately freight doesnt run on your schedule.But your trainer can play a major roll in getting you to the yard.Be patient.If he is not making an effort to do so,your kind of on your own.Might be time for a talk with your trainer.Just sayin.

 

Glad we aren't the only ones that are constantly getting screwed by the weekend folks, was beginning to think they didn't like us.

As for Mistermino, just tired of all the 'students' copping an attitude that the world owes them something, plus thinking that since they have been driving for a couple of weeks that they know it all.

Unfortunately being a 'desk jockey' for 12 years doesn't teach you a lot about life on the road,

 

Funny thing is, I am doubtful of a repower before monday, as I told them on the QC thanks for the screwing again. And that I should start being like the drivers who don't say anything about running late, until the very last day. I will be ignored on sunday.

and I doubt any amount of begging at costco will get me unloaded on sunday.

 

Here is a scenario of how the trainer plays a role.Deliver a load to Kraft in Fort Worth.I live in Fort Worth.This is a Monday.Students last day is a Friday.Needs five more days.Dispatch is askinf me if Im going on time off.I say no,my drivers not done.Now they know if I say Im to be home by Friday,I better D--m well be home by Friday,lol.Ok take a short load to Memphis,with a preplan coming back to San Antonio for Thursday afternoon.Perfect.While delivering 2nd drop in Memphis my Dm calls me up on a repower going to Florida.No problem I say,shoot me a preplan from Florida back to the DFW area for Friday.I already have a preplan back to Texas.He says OK let me see what we have.Never hear back on this,lol.He knows better.Get to San Antonio,get a call from a Dm for a repower after we drop going to New Caney and then on to Temple Tx.No problem I say.Are they Walmarts I say.He says yes.What are the delivery times I say.0330 and 0600.How stupid do you think I am I say.Dont insult my intelligence.He didnt even bother arguing with me.My Dm had already told him he wasnt gonna call me he would have to do it himself,lol.Again he knew what my answer was gonna be on that one.Unloading at HEB CALL Jim in South Texas dispatch.Jim preplan me on a load coming to the yard.OK he says,30 minutes later there it is.A trailer at J/O going to the rail in Haslet.We run down,lay down for three hrs.Roll to the rail,we are on the yard at 1100 Friday,my drivers 35th day.Thats how a trainer does it.He should always have the students best interest in mind.Unfortunately this is not always the case. Good luck guys.

 

Bla bla bla. Honestly I stopped reading after the first sentence. Let me know if you're willing to stop make assumptions about me and judging me...

 

I haven't much use for the weekend crew and not much more for the night crew.
I have to remind myself to be careful answering the phone on the weekend.
This morning when dispatch called to ask me to give up 1700 miles for this 1200 (not a bad trade, don't get me wrong) I found myself saying "Crap! you idiot!" as I placed the phone to my ear. The dispatcher wasn't sure if I wasn't calling him an idiot.
It could have just as easily been a load back down the Cajon into LA and then another six pick, only this time spread from Salinas to Borrego!
I think the mentality is: 'get it off my plate onto someone elses'.
And for you newer drivers out there, be aware!
Some DMs will look for a grad fleet or newer driver with a nice load similar to what I had and call you to trade for a crap load like TLea got, just so they can help their driver. If you can make delivery of your load, you DON'T have to give it up. Weekends seem to breed this type of thing.

 

We all get those bum loads and take our turn at the meat patch, but I've got to say that MOST of the time at the patch, I've needed a break and I've managed to get a 34 in.
As for home time? I've gotten home just about every time I've wanted. There are times I have had to be firm, but I get home.
My home base changes from season to season, but most of the time it's in an off the path location...Boise, Seattle, Portland.
I still get there. You just have to be firm and polite.
Of course, bringing donuts to your DM when you're on the yard doesn't hurt...

 

And how will you know if you don't bother to read what I write?? My husband and I are constantly giving out our phone numbers to new drivers and doing what we can to help them out. That's is all I was doing with my original response. In my experience, which spans quite a number of years, name calling is a knee-jerk response when one feels threatened.

 

I'm going to attempt to save this in private message, sure others don't care about this kind of drama...