Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Heading to SLC, Portland, Seattle and Spokane. 6 drops total. Will be done on Friday morning.

I had what could only be described as the easiest drop ever yesterday in Edenton NC, and I will say, the nicest people I’ve ever encountered at a delivery. Checked in with the receiver, he called down to the unload dock, signed my bills right there, came out and cut my seal, I bumped the dock, receiver said to stay in the truck that it wouldn’t take long. 22 minutes later came out with a goodie bag that had a ham and cheese sandwich, bag of chips and a water. I thanked him multiple times, chatted a bit, then pulled off to the side to finish the last 8 minutes of my 30 as I ate my sandwich.

As nice as I was treated for that one delivery, and treated with the utmost respect, I still can’t wait for the next 21 months to end. But trust me, I will forever remember that one delivery.

And on to another note. It seems the company pulled the plug on the short haul fleet. Not enough freight and too many issues. From my understanding, they offered those drivers regional jobs. My buddy that came onboard 13 months ago told them absolutely not, that’s not what he hired on for, and gave his notice. Quite sure a lot of the problems will be quitting as well.

And finally, the newly constructed parking lot at Richmond with the new pavement and white lines looks marvelous.

Oh, one obvious observation coming through the gate yesterday? That new pressure plate apparatus that we have to drive over entering the yard? Still in one piece with no visible signs of destruction. That alone is a massive achievement. But it’s only been a month. I remember the guard house that use to be in the same spot, it took my first 3 years here before it got knocked down and off it’s foundation by one of our drivers, this contraption really doesn’t stand a chance.

 

I have never once questioned them about how they handle family emergencies. That’s one thing that I can honestly say is their strong point. It’s just a shame how they handle this business. But I get it, they spend most of their time putting out fires caused by inept drivers and inept operations people. Not all, but enough to warrant to much time that could be used in running an efficient operation. All one needs to do is look at the revolving door of drivers and operations. West Memphis is a prime example. In fact, it’s about time I should be getting another new DM.

 

In all the years I’ve been at this racket, it is blatantly clear where the problem lies here. In order to put a warm body in a seat, they resort to hiring what’s available. That being said, all the good drivers either have a job or are retired. It’s abundantly clear here.