Aggressive Sales Pitch/Scam in the Fuel Aisle

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Criminey Jade, Oct 8, 2013.

  1. Criminey Jade

    Criminey Jade Road Train Member

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    During a fuel stop, I was approached by a man who started off with some friendly ####-chat. At first, I thought he either worked there or he was another driver, so my guard wasn't as high. After a few moments, he launched into a very insistent sales pitch for a carrier and he would NOT leave me alone until I gave him a fake name and some other fake information. He said was impressed by my driving. I've never seen him before and I didn't do anything fantastic pulling into the fuel station. He also said he is a driver recruiter for Vella (?) or Bella (?) Transportation. I was too busy trying to wrap up and get away from him to get the name right. The whole situation felt REALLY off and I was nervous because I couldn't leave the pump. I would've traded someone $50 for a can of mace or a pipe wrench. This guy was waaaaaaay too pushy. He also tried to follow me to the diesel desk but then changed his mind and started chatting up another driver. I've never seen a Vella or Bella truck around Denver... Certainly not a tanker. There was no Bella or Vella truck at the fuel station, either. I mentioned it to the fuel desk and I called my DM in case it was a scam. My company doesn't use Comchecks, so that trick won't work. I worry about what else that might've been. I also worry about running into him again.

    Seriously, though... What carrier would send recruiters out to harass people in the fuel aisle? Shady much? Do they pay lot lizards to pitch for them, too? Yikes. Even if it's real, I wouldn't want to work for a company who does that.
     
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  3. Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    Never let someone get you outside away from others....this guy may have been sizing you up for a robbery.....hate to say this, but you have to keep your guard up these days.
     
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  4. Florida Playboy

    Florida Playboy Road Train Member

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    He was probably an identity thief. Just say "I'm not interested" next time. If he's still bugging you tell him flat out to leave you alone. I have no problem hurting a peddler's feelings.
     
  5. Charli Girl

    Charli Girl Road Train Member

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    I get this a lot too,just a look from a Cajun woman tends to make them understand ...."it ain't that kinda party" LOL I never really have to say much,or get into any conversation.. Tony is right,NEVER EVER let someone make you feel that way,you're out there working hard and there ARE boundaries!!!
     
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  6. chalupa

    chalupa Road Train Member

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    And if he still won't go point the fuel nozzle at him.......he'll go real quick if he knows what's good for him.
     
  7. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    I've heard jbhunt does that.Only they'll come knock on your door with a flyer and card.
     
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  8. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    some will get your truck# and name, then later call UR co. say a they are a tire boy and you have blow out need com. ck. to go fix it, they find info. and use it.
     
  9. Criminey Jade

    Criminey Jade Road Train Member

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    Except my company doesn't use Comchecks. You can try it, but they won't authorize anything. We have a strict procedure for sudden repairs. So far, it involves bringing the truck back to the yard and then being lectured for a lazy pretrip.
     
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2013
  10. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

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    Sounds like a good company to work for! We have the same policy on breakdowns lol
     
  11. passingtrucker

    passingtrucker Light Load Member

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    Judging from your username and avatar, you're an experienced female OTR driver. Driver recruiters are paid a commission for each driver that signs on, which is why he asked your name. If you submit an application with the company, that's when he gets paid, then if you're hired, he gets an extra commission. However, there's an added bonus for experienced female drivers. The problem with sending out a male driver trainer and female driver trainee, there's the temptation of driver trainer making advances on female trainees, which opens sexual harassment lawsuits on the carrier. You eliminate this when you match female driver trainers with female trainees.
    On another topic, I'm not surprised when you sensed something wasn't right. That's your "woman's intuition" warning you of deceit and/or possible impending danger. Pass studies have shown womens' intuition for deceit is stronger than men, but this same intuition also warns you when a guy has ulterior motives. This danger alarm mechanism is impeded when you ingest drugs or alcohol, which is why guys are quick to buy you all the drink you want at a bar. They want to disable your woman's intuition danger mechanism.
    Back in the 70s and early 80s, when trucking was male dominated, when a female driver pulls into a truck stop, male-chauvinist drivers would release the king pin when she's away from her truck. I had not heard that over the CB radio for years, so I presumed attitude has changed and more male OTR drivers are supportive of female drivers now (I hope).
     
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