New to Reefer, tips?

That's why I said "most" companies. Companies that look out for their drivers in the manner such as the one you work at are rare. Another thing, I work exclusively 100% brokered freight. I cut out the problem loads before they even get booked by asking routine questions. It's trucking and stuff happens but that helps cut down on 90% or more of the BS. I run the same lanes so am familiar with a lot of the usual shippers/receivers on those and the brokers served by them.

 

Washout! Everytime you get empty, you will need a washout before a shipper will load food stuff as they are required by law to inspect your trailer. A dirty trailer will be rejected. Some meat plants have a washout on sight. Generally, a washout cost about 30 bucks. Save your receipts to get reimbursed. Lumpers...varies by customer, but you will need a comcheck or equivalent to pay these rip off artist. Again...keep the receipts and send them in with the signed B.O.L.

One more thing, don't forget to fill up the fuel tank everyday especially if you do drop and hook. Nothing worse than picking up a trailer and the guage is on E and the nearest place to fuel is way out of route.

 

You are not allowed to unload unless the customer agree.

 

You know what is funny from what I have seen its business as usual since that law went into effect. I know refrigerated shippers where they are not so picky about a clean trailer as long as it doesn't stink of something like nasty ### fresh chicken. It could have all kinds of broken pallet splinters, small piece of shrink wrap, or paper pieces and they will load it no problem. Even with shippers that are picky all you really have to do is sweep the trailer out and it's fine. I get my reefer washed put about once a month. I never haul fresh chicken or anything juicy and nasty like that though. That law changed nothing. I don't know anyone who is getting washout after every load they haul. It's a stupid regulation that makes no practical sense but of course costs everyone money if they actually follow it to a T.

 

I hear you bro...There is freight that it doesn't require washouts. Sometimes it's a pain in the ### to keep it ready for fresh food.

 

Buy a bullet and rent a gun. Just being a smart-###, best of luck to you.

 

I always look for the skateboards.
Love hearing them cry like little babies.

 

New carrier should have OJT....

 

many will pay you a small amount to hand unload a trailer that they will pay a lumpers service hundreds of dollars. do yourself a huge favor and let the lumpers have at it. You will also probably have a long wait for the counting of product after also.