Dehumanizing Language...

Killem with kindness that's funny. Everyone has a different personality, Go with the flow and kindness rarely works. Do your job and do it right. Always someone miserable. No need to waste my time on these folks, It's a insult. Remain quiet or go with the flow. Listen to precisely what the vendor has you do. Do it correct and efficient.


Killem with kindness lol! Not being a idiot helps more then kindness.

 

Hi Skydivedavec, yes, yes I have seen a lot. One receiver at Certco Grocers in Madison, Wis. had a little podium thing on wheels with all his stickers and receiver stuff, and pasted all over it were newspaper clippings of truck accidents. Grocery warehouses were the worst,(and possibly, still are)but I learned to take their baloney with a grain of salt, because I delivered there on a regular basis, and after they got to know you, it got better, Super Valu in Green Bay, another awful place, but I'd go there 2 or 3 times a week, and they knew I got paid by the hour, so I didn't care how long it took, and I saw drivers that would get all bent out of shape yelling, "I'll never come back to this(expletive) place", and 2 weeks later, there they were again.
And ramblingman has a good point, I never cared for flatbed, except, you never had to deal with docks and receivers, as the places you delivered to were usually waiting for your stuff, and were glad to see you.

 

I usually just smile and nod. Yes sir/no sir.
But I draw the line at being cussed at.
Now I'm a driver and I use very colorful language all the time, probably too much but I don't use it when dealing with people I don't know.
When they start cussing at me I tell them my daddy didn't cuss at me and I'm not going to tolerate them doing it either.

 

If I have a problem, it will usually be the yard boy. The kid thats responsible for keeping the yard clean woke up with a chip on his shoulder and so he's going to take it out on the driver.
"Do you unload? Do you sign the BOL? No? Then you really shouldnt be talking to me, should you?"

The worst ones are the female site reps on a wind farm who like to feel empowered. They think they can 'crack the whip' and prepare for confrontation. I shake my head "no" and I began to whisper

...turn my back and walk off.

She will apologize and change her tone and everything will be cool.

 

Taking offense at being called "Driver"? Really?

 

Honch, It can be really frustrating to say the least but , read this and apply it to any of those who treat you with a sour attitude....it works....

I drove for a company for over 30 years (GSF) delivering supplies to McDonald's....We bid all of our runs , and I had the chance to bid on a really good paying schedule that ran only 2 days a week...only thing was , one of the restaurant managers on the route was a real pain in the rear , always holding -up the delivery , never having enough help scheduled to do the UN-loading etc...plus she had a terrible attitude....she even let it be known that someday she would cause a GSF driver to loose his (cushy job).....

I made-up my mind to bid the run , and just not let her get to me , the other drivers thought I had lost my mind , since with my place on the bid board ( # 3 ) I could have almost any run I wanted. It started off OK , and by the 1st couple months I thought all of the rumors about this gal were just that rumors....Well , on one delivery I was running a little late because of a flat I had to have repaired , called her and advised her too ( twice even)....when I arrived at the store , she told me that I would have to wait until after lunch....It was 10:15 in the am , and we had only a small load for her store....I just said fine I'll see you folks at 1:00....

After that she started to hold me up at every opportunity she could...now keep in mind she was the last of 3 stops that I had to UN-load , then go to a motel for my 8 hour break ( this was way before the 10 hour break started)..it made no matter to me anyhow...after several week of this abuse , I was getting really aggravated , but held my tongue. I made-up my mind to be as nice as she was stupid.....no matter what she did / said / or tried , I just smiled and said "yes ma'am" whatever you need , "I'm here to serve you" ...

Finally after one delivery was finished , she just disappeared , all she had to do was sign the paperwork , then I could leave and go to the motel across the street....I waited in the dining room area for over 1/2 an hour , and finally she came out to sign the bills....as she was signing , she said "you know "...you have to be the most patient driver I've ever had , I've tried my best to get a rise out of you too....then she laughed....I said "I know"....BUT , the thing is young lady , GSF pays me very well to "kiss your as s"....

After that this chick, was as nice to me as can be...never held me up , treated me like gold even....she even called my boss and bragged about my professional demeanor , and my ability to be patient with the customer.....Honch...sometimes it ain't easy...but being professional , in your attitude , and appearance....always pays off.....thanks for taking the time to read this post....Happy Trails...TTTD...

 

Hi 666, believe it or not, I've had most of my problems with women on docks or offices. It's like before 1 word comes out of your mouth, they are immediately on the defensive. It's like they put themselves in this position, and then let you have it for saying hello. I'm sure many men treat them terribly, and then ALL men are pigs. I always tried to be as courteous with them as I could, so they know, not all men are bad.

 

Professionalism is it's own reward, find it there.

You better get used to it, hundred of thousands of unprofessional drivers came before you.

Giving strangers influence over your emotions is no path to happiness in this industry, or life. Remain above it, or let yourself sink to a lower level.

Your call.

 

What a great line, one I hope to remember every day. Thanks gpsman.

 

Excellent story, Tony. I've always felt it was a sign of weakness to have 'buttons' that another person can push to set you off.