The Greenhorn Landstar Chronicles

Lots of waiting on this load. Arrived at shipper at 1230 hrs yesterday the 18th. They didn't knock on my door till 0322 hrs the next morning the 19th. Took them 15 hours to load 3,000 lbs worth of plastic cups. Of course I had to start my clock because my load was ready and they were kicking me off the property. One thing I found very strange was the shipper didn't allow you to leave after your door assignment... I was officially a hostage. Won't be loading out of that place again. Of course no heads up from the broker, and talking with other drivers that pick up there often, they said that was normal. Been sitting here at receiver for two hours, apt to deliver isn't for another four hours.

Hurry up and wait driver...

On another note, I'm down the street from my buddy's house. Once unloaded I'll drop down to line five and park this truck for the weekend. Feel kinda stupid though, saw two good loads on the board, but didn't jump on them fast enough. Hopefully I find a reload out of here for Monday before everyone goes home for the weekend.

 

Found a load out, got another load booked to get me by the house. Both pay decent, without any deadhead.

Mechanical update: Installed a Ravelco anti theft device while I was enjoying some time off with my buddy. I also use the Warlock parking and tractor brake lock, but when I'm just running in somewhere I don't always use it. Now I have something that is simple and quick. I'm not convinced it would stop someone from hot wiring, but would definitely slow them down.


http://www.ravelco.com

 

Enjoyed a weekend at the house. Sat under a load that delivered Monday. Next I scheduled an out and back to Texas. Just got down to Dallas, deliver in morning. Next load should get me home Friday afternoon. Both loads paid close to 2 bucks a mile to the truck. Might keep running, just depends on what the board has and how I'm feeling. Another weekend off sounds nice...

Mechanical update: oil leak Just the pan gasket, but I'm excited to see the inside of the engine pan when I replace it. Get a peek in the engine.

 

Yep, took another short weekend off. Headed out tomorrow, Sunday, on a two stop delivery to Texas. Picked it up on Friday after I delivered. Haven't booked a reload yet, called on one but it was gone before I could get to it. I'd love to find a dedicated run, round trip from KC.

 

Had two dedicated offers, but the money wasn't there. Made it to OK for my first stop in the morning. Hopefully something lucrative presents itself on the board tomorrow while they are unloading my first stop.

 

So far I've only had one in front of another. Loads can cancel, and I don't want to burn a broker before I get a handle on things. So far I'm not impressed with the load board, but I'm reluctant to judge too much, as I'm new and don't have a relationship with any agents yet. I'd really like to work out something dedicated or regular runs with the same handful of agents. I though I'd be content with LS for a while before getting my own authority, but it's hard to sacrifice 35% of the line haul with just the one limited load board. I also have a hard time booking a load I'm only going to clear .30 to .40 cents a mile on.

Delivered and empty in TX, enjoying the cool breeze. I don't idle at all and I'm glad for these cool nights.