A&R Logistics Charlotte Terminal

Sorry it took so long for an update. I have been really busy. Now for the first full week on my own.
Monday. Ran a load to Newton NC. It was a slow offload but went ok. Then I got sent to rescue a load from a truck that broke down in Monroe NC. The load was gong to Hamlet NC. It was to late to deliver so I want to the yard.
Tuesday. Left Charlotte around 4am to Hamlet for a 7am appointment. Had to wait for them to test the samples and the lab opened at 7am. About 7:45 they told me which silo to offload into and signed the bills. It was easier to offload than it was to blind side to the silo. Then I ran a load to Mooresville NC. I love that place because 4 trucks can offload at the same time. Maybe even 5 trucks can.
Wednesday. Got a load going to Lenoir NC. Had to wait for the supervisor to come to take me to the silo. That place is very strict about not having a spill. They made my use drop pans just in case I had a spill.
Thursday. My first 2 spills. Omg. I got a load to Mooresville. Cool beans rite? Not. Ok I got set up to offload and made 1 little mistake. I started with the blow down valve closed. I always start with it open then close it to build pressure or vacuum. Well I started the blower raises the rpm to about 900 that's my sweet spot for offloading. Got out the truck saw the blowdown valve closed and opened it. Oh boy. Pellets came blowing out of the blowdown by the time I closed it back I had a mess under the truck. It wasn't a big spill but because it came out under pressure it was all over. Those pellets are small but they show themselves when on asphalt. I told the same guy that checked me in about the spill and he gave a broom and dust pan. I picked up what I could reach but had to wait to offload so I could move the truck to get the rest. I also sent in the spill macro. After that I got another Mooresville load. I was like yeah. I don't need to get another trailer I'm just going to reload the one I got. Great. Got to the rail yard, checked in and off to the rail car to load. As I opened the cover on the 6 inch line to load. Guess what? A less than hand full of pellets came falling out of the cover. I didn't notice the pellets in the cover until I went to hang it to the side and turned it upside down. I was like you have to be kidding me. By know the worker at the rail yard is pulling up to verify that I'm at the right car. All he said is "here is a broom and dust pan" that he conveniently had on the gulf cart he was driving. I didn't send in a macro for that. Made the delivery and was happy to go home.
Friday. I got as load to Winston Salem NC. Pretty easy load. Then got asked to pre-load a load for Dublin VA. that delivers on Sunday. I was like sure and can I make the delivery. The TM said sure. So I loaded it for Sunday.
Sunday. I started about 4am to make it there by 7am. The delivery window was between 7-10am. Got there about 6:40am. Was told the shift change is in about 20 minutes. So I have to go by the silos and wait for the next shift supervisor to come and tell me which silo to offload into. SMH. About an half hour later she comes and tell me what silo plus I have to go to a truck stop to get an empty scale ticket and bring it back. The closest scale is about 20 miles away. SMH. It took me about 3 hours to offload and get the scale ticket. I handed her the ticket and a delay form to sign and she refused. I told her it's company policy after 2 hours to fill one out. She replied its not her fault that I have to go and get an empty weight. If their silo was full and I had to weight on them then she would sign. I said no problem you have a good day and wrote (RTS) refuse to sign.
Monday 10/29. I ran 3 Mooresville loads that was a long day due to the horrendous traffic on I-77. That I had the pleasure of driving through going and coming. I ran out my 14 on the last load. I had to personal conveyance back to the yard.

I will make an update post with some numbers from last week's loads. It will have to be later since I'm at the yard loading. Lol

 

These are the numbers for the loads that I got on me 3rd week.
Monday. Charlotte NC to Anderson SC. $152.32. It was a preload so I didn't get the $45 for loading.
Charlotte NC to Mooresville NC. $113.17
Friday. Charlotte NC to Winston Salem NC. $155.42
Saturday. Charlotte NC to Mooresville NC. $150.85. Same load as earlier in the week but got $37.18 for minimum trip pay. Why I didn't get that for the first load I ran? I have to find out.
Payroll is a week behind so I have to wait until next week to see how I got paid for my first full week on my own.

 

Yes it was an very interesting week. For my first full week on my own I grossed $1032.38. I'll take that. I was told give it about 3 months to get in a groove. I know I'm not even close to the speed of my trainer. When it comes to loading and unloading. My goal is to become just as fast or faster doing it safely. I will say that I truly like this job so far. The other drivers are always willing to lend a hand. Also I heard that they raised the sign-on bonus to $7000. I got my first installment of mines last week and will be getting the 2nd next week. I really love being home every night. That makes all the work worth it to me.

 

No. 1 year minimum.