CRETE - A Year in Review

Hey, we're Bluebirds too! Former Cretins. Yes, we noticed that freight has been a bit slow especially over the weekends. Hubby is sitting with a load right now that doesn't deliver until Monday. But we're still getting the miles. Maybe not over 3k as usual. Can't complain since we do continue to make good money.

Layover is good with Marten. I will give them that. Even detention is good. I like that it is automatic if you do things right. Getting detention with Crete was a headache for us.

Hopefully freight will pick back up for everyone's sake! <G>

 

On my last load, and the one I pick up tonight there are specific directions to not pick up or deliver early and to not call the shipper or receiver to aks for permission to do so. In fact the current load (Lowes) states: Do not contact consignee!!!!

What's the deal with this? Seems to me that if a company has placed an order for product they need it, perhaps now. So, if they want the product and are waiting for it wouldn't an early delivery be welcome? I suppose not.

That's a shame and a disservice to drivers who can many times deliver earlier than scheduled, notwithstanding the occasional consignee with a very busy delivery and unloading policy for live unloads (such as many grocery warehouses).

I would much rather deliver early if possible to get a head start on a next load, or get in line for the upcoming loads.

Seems like an unfair policy.

 

As I'm still a contractor, I'm aware of Depot and lowe's having to downsize crew and that there is a balancing act in funding. So I'll venture a guess that this is the reason for the strange instructions from their side. Everyone is trying not to overstock now as well, since money is tight even for the big companies.
I would IMAGINE, no know, that it's even possible that they haven't decided just exactly what's going on the trailer; it could be changing by the minute.
I know that the parking lots are usually full at certain times of day/week, and it's been VERY noticably down this year.

 

Have to remember that all trailers are rolling warehouses too. That might be the reason, they don't want it early due to inventory or whatever...

 

I depends on the delivery location. If it were to a store, then most of the store deliveries I've had were outside the normal hours of receiving. They bring in a special crew(DC loads to the stores especially). Also, most deliveries sit for a while if it's a drop and hook...Most trucking companies clock the time their trailers sit at these type of locations and charge for the excessive use of their equipment as on site 'warehouses'. I'm not sure if Crete tracks and bills for this, but that may explain why certain companies, that are notoriously slow at unloading drop trailers, don't want them on the lot any earlier than they have to. (like Target)

 

Looks like you're all keeping busy and don't have time to post.
I took my 6 days off and am getting loaded now to go to Deleware for Thursday.I hope it picked up up there.
I live in Southern Indiana and the economy is in the crapper there. I broke(again) my 22 year old recliner and got a great deal on a new one, even bought a couch. The store was empty and they really wanted to make a deal. Amazing how a new couch can attract spilt beer.

 

Sitting here at Keeblers in Indy getting unloaded. Going home from here. Since last Friday I have 3300 miles. God it feels good to type that.

 

Not too sure about us being busy. Maybe we are all just getting tired of writting about the samething every week. i.e. no miles, long waits for a load offer, and too much time to deliver.

 

Must be nice, I haven't had a week like that since last October. Last week I got 1640 miles. This week I have 1400 but am in Texas and have been told it may be a couple of days before I get a load. This is my worst 2 week run EVER. If it weren't for layover I'd be broke by now (almost there anyway!)

 

Who do you drive for? If you are getting layover it can't be Crete.