Stevens Transport Aviary . . cont'

I would call back and talk to Safety to see how much of what the VSP said is true. I can't imagine that Security of ANY company has that authority, but who knows.

 

Do you know why things like this happen? Because drivers refuse to work together. Companies that treat drivers this way should be instantly boycotted by drivers. "You want to treat us like stray dogs? We won't haul your crap. Make your choice".

Same with the Walmarts of the world. You won't let us park? You won't let us stay for our 10 because we can't move? We won't haul your crap.

Walmart doesn't have the power. WE do. They die the DAY we decide to stop hauling for them. We don't die if they go out of business. Same for companies like the one this guy mentioned.

I blame drivers. I blame the AMerican people for ALLOWING politicians to lie to them, and I blame DRIVERS for being too ###### dumb to cut the crap, get together and make this industry better so we can all feed our families.

 

Uh-oh... Saw a Stevens truck sitting on the right shoulder of 114 today between DFW airport and I-35. Had a couples of police tahoes behind him and a car with a smashed front end behind him also. At least he doesnt have far to go to get back to the yard.

 

Since being shafted a couple times and having my butt chewed by mother, I have adopted a golden rule.....If I dont have the hours to get into AND out of the receiver I will not accept the repower. This is one of those situations that you have to think of yourself above all else. As far as getting your clock burned there is nothing much you can do, but I always budget 3 hours for an off load plus 30 mins to make a truck stop or safe haven. Some Wal-marts are going to a 4 hour appointment window where they have 4 hours to unload you before THEY ill pay detention. Casa Grande is one of em. Seems Cheyanne is starting to do this as well. I am also hearing of Targets that are taking 6 hours before they will pay detention. Sorry folks, but my CSA means more to me let alone having to bail myself out of grey bar hotel than some load. Can you picture making your one phone call to safety when you only have 5 minutes? Sorry not a cap on safety and the impossible job they have but this is reality.

 

Shelbyville TN... left with 11 minutes left and took some back roads to the Loves on 24... roads I probably should not have been on, but I made it with two minutes to spare. The guy told me they have 4 hrs from the appt time, so I always make sure I have 6 or 7 on my 14 when I get there unlessnitnis like Cleburne where I can park on the street.

 

"Plan your trip work your plan". Safety preaches this all day long but sometimes even with the best of planning and working it all goes to crap. All I can say is think on your feet and develop your own strategies for dealing with it. THere are tricks you will learn with time. I am by far not a sage old hand I am still green but I have developed some solutions due to the lack of support available. It comes down to you are the captain of the ship and It comes down to we wear many hats out here but the law and safety should never be compromised. Both can ruin your career. Be smart about what you do.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regu...fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=395.1&guidence=Y
This is straight from DOT
"Question 4: Are there allowances made in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for delays caused by loading and unloading?

Guidance: No. Although the regulations do make some allowances for unforeseen contingencies such as in §395.1(b), adverse driving conditions, and §395.1(b)(2), emergency conditions, loading and unloading delays are not covered by these sections."

Until drivers and trucking companies stand up and demand some kind of provision be written into the law (OMG something beneficial from DOT nope aint gonna happen) Never mind that was a foolish thought

 

YO! That preplan I got from Carthage, TX to Portland, OR.....I want that back dangit! That be miles, mountains and regions!

I just did my first delivery at the Cleburne facility...nice place to nap lol, saw a double rainbow but my trainer didnt think it wise to youtube the happiness. Thought I'd share the happy O

 

Spent a week at the Carthage plant one day. Not exactly a great place to load out of. You maybe lucked out.

 

They changed that one on you? Too bad. I did that run with my trainer. The only problem we had was too much time on the load. 6;days I think it was. The received on the other end, Winco Foods did take it two days early though.

In was in Cleburne Wed. Guess I am two days ahead of you.

 

Hate posting by phone. Stupid fingers.

That load was already 12 hours late. Now at the pilot north of ft worth watching trucks fuel since sleep seems to elude me. Am officially t2 now, which means i am becoming more aware of what i need to do this instead of just blindly going. Luckily my trainer is flexible about what i learn when and doesnt take offense when i dont blindly follow his lead or his teaching plan.

Not to say that i am not listening or learning his way, but that i am getting ok with taking what im given and extrapolating it to suit my way instead of forcing it.

The HOS and on duty, off duty and sleeper berth is throwing me for a loop, so compliance will have fun with me lol. The blown tire means insurance and safety will have something to say to me, but i have things to say to them as well.

I spend a lot more time than i expected wanting to whine and cry about crap lol. Then i watch the sun come up and know theres just nowhere else id rather be. I do miss my cooking tho.

You guys out there....yall stay safe. You guys inside...yall take care. As for me...i think sleep has finally come a callin