Roehl Driver Check In

I have to admit, generally I think Roehl isn't that good at setting up weekends for us Flatbedders. I have had many of those 450 mile weekends. Usually, I would run it hard to be within 50 miles to get layover and a reset at the same time. Come Monday I was running hard again for the week, but of course it came at a cost of sitting for the weekend.

I think Roehl should look at keeping us busier... maybe work all Flatbed like TMC or other flatbed companies. Out on Monday and usually home by Friday or Saturday to get a reset in and start it over again. I know freight isn't that nice all the time, but it sure beats sitting in a truck stop for no reason other than they didn't have a better load.

 

The miles are not the biggest problem, they usually run me well, but this relay crap is getting me, this load is a 44k coil, shotgun with four straps and two chains, which were hooked to the rub rail, no coil pads, not enough bunks, no friction mat. I fixed it as best I can, it is more than legal, last one was 45k of steel plate with 5 straps and 6 chains, all chains were loose, the straps were run over both ends instead of chains, lucky they didn't get cut. I spend way too much time fixing other peoples loads, not to mention stuff I will not admit to doing to get the job done, but to then sit around and make Burger King wages when I was supposed to be home a week ago is a problem..........ok rant over, done venting.

 

This load sounds like one I got a few weeks back. Two plates, 45k total weight. As I was unstrapping and untarping I came upon a strap that was stuck in the rail. Had to take my bar and beat it out. Once I got it out, the strap fell on the ground. It was in two pieces. I quickly untarped to look at the rest. Not one edge protector on the load. A second strap was almost cut totally through and two other straps were worn and basically trash. I got really lucky on that one and I said something to my FM about that. There was no way for me to know that the load was in that much danger until it either shifted or fell off.

 

At the. J in Emporia,Kansas with a load of steel pipe. Headed to Phoenix then some home time.

 

Normally I wouldn't say anything but I am a hometime fleet driver. I average 2,300-2,500 miles a week for the 2 weeks I am out. The worst 2 weeks I had was when I only got 4,100 total miles......4,100! So if you think I am eating up "your" miles you are sadly mistaken.

 

ultra...I am not say YOU are eating my miles...but what I am saying that overall the hometime fleets are eating everyones miles including yours...the more parttimers you have to keep rolling for 7 or 14 days..the less the national fleet and the other parttimers have...its a math thing (I suck at math btw)...as for you flat guys complaining about your securement..I am betting its a local guy that is fetching the loads and dropping them in the yard for you so he doesn't care...