CRETE - A Year in Review

There is one other little development to address before bringing this weeks babble to a close. My trainee, a gentleman in his mid fifties, who had decided to get back into truck driving . . . . . . .

Anyways, I called him on Saturday to let him know we would be sitting until Monday morning only to find out, as he put it, “I’m pulling the plug”. Apparently he just couldn’t handle this fine lifestyle. Something about not being comfortable not knowing where he was going from one day to the next and spending so much time away from the family. I can’t help but wonder just what it was that he expected when he accepted a job as an OTR driver. He had come to this conclusion sometime during the night before (I suspect much sooner) and informed me that his wife was already enroute from Atlanta to pick him up. He also let me know that he planed on showing up at the terminal Monday morning to lay down his demand. He wanted a regional gig, take it or leave it. I’m sure that is going to work our just fine for him.


When I read this, my first thought was that the man was a newbie and could have saved himself a lot of time if he'd just read your thread for a reality check. However, since you indicated he was getting back into truck driving I can't help but wonder what type of driving he did the first time around.
I also can't help but wonder if he'll really show up at the terminal asking for the regional gig or if he'll send his wife to plead his case for him

 

The chances of a new hire getting a regional job right out of the box are pretty low. From what i am hearing there is a waiting list for most regions.

 

I spoke to a S/E regional last week. He said he hasn't been hauling S/E regional freight lately simply because there isn't any...he has been doing National freight, but staying east of the Mississippi.

At least your out and running. I am still sitting at home. Had to get a lawyer involved in my situation. They had a heads up of the deal, and were just waiting for me to come in an sign some paperwork that had to have the original filed at the court house, so a fax wouldn't do. Got home Tues night, and since I didn't know when I would be home, I couldn't pre-schedule a meeting. Finally after calling them all week, they got me in Friday afternoon. Now I am waiting on the other lawyer to check his schedule and set up a hearing with da' judge. So I may be out all week, and have to give up my APU truck... I'm about to call Deland and check in, but being Monday, I figure I'd give them a little morning to settle any over the weekend problems first before I call and get their opinion on how long I can keep the truck before Lincoln starts getting cranky about my truck movement (or lack there of). Crete has always been patient with my days home, maybe because I don't pitch a fit when I have to extend my days out to keep rolling for them, hopefully they will be able to stay patient this time...I kinda hate to give up my good truck. But I'd understand if they wanted it back.

 

Funny how people come into trucking and thinks its an easy job..all i gotta do is sit there and drive....HUH!

You have DOT to contend with weather, differant hours other drivers, directions, bridge hights, weight limets and how in he** your gonna back into some of these alleys...lol
Dont forget the shower,laundry and oh yeah the wife..she starts to look better after a month or 2 out

This is 100% life style little job and what an adventure!

I like think think of it as a Indiana Jones thing...you never know whats comming up next

 

I have to ask... did he drive for APA Transport since you mention NYC etc. ?

 

Blah totally messed this up, woops. : /

Thanks for updating your posts again ET, enjoy the reading!

 

Your wife may need to look for the Mythbusters DVD collection...Even if you've seen them in the past, if it's like me and my MASH collection, you can watch them over and over. My wife also got me the entire series of Supernatural, minus the current season that is. I didn't think I'd like that kind of show, but after the first few, I go hooked, and can't wait for the current season to be DVD'd.

The last few times I was in Paris they sent me on the Ogden, UT transfer load...Then from Ogden I played in and out of Cali for a few trips before heading back east.

*disclaimer --- If you get creeped out by a positive Snackbar comment about Crete... Look away.

After checking in with Deland Monday, I received a very pleasant surprise (or maybe prolonging the inevitable, but still giving me hope). After talking to my FM for about 20 minutes, a solution was offered to let me keep my truck, at least a little while longer, until I get this legal matter concluded... After 6 days at home, the offer of taking my last week of vacation came up...That'll be 13 days home, and keep my truck. And, if my hearing with the Judge is within a few days of the end of my vacation, they just want me to bring the truck to Deland(to satisfy any concerns Lincoln may have I suspect) , and they would hold it for me a short while... You know, the more problems that crop up like this, it makes me glad I work here. And makes me more embarrassed about my earlier disrespectful comments I posted in this and other threads.

OK Creepy time is over....

She did verify what we had been hearing about a hiring freeze in FL, for now at least. And that there is a new software being used to better utilize equipment. (she just mentioned what the new software requires when you're on home time... so I got info without asking)

Also she mentioned my lack of miles... And told me what I need to do right now... If I'm held up by a lack of freight over 24 hours, I need to note it on my logbook...and to daily remind op's that I am available for a load as soon as they get freight.... C.Y.A. (cover your ###)
Cya

 

I started right off with Crete in the NE div. The position was in high demand at the time.