Adventures of a Flatbedder at Roehl

So on my conversation with my FM on Friday setting up the relay it was assumed by me that the driver of the other load was going to be picking up on Friday to meet on Saturday. When I get the Preplan it says available on Sunday 0900. No biggie, maybe just giving us extra time.

Today, I call the other driver to see what his status is. He hadn't picked it up yet when we spoke. He started this morning DEAD HEADING 400 miles to pick up the load. It was another 250 or so miles to meet me? WTF? I love that my FM and Roehl is trying to get me home (already missed the boys birthday) but deadheading a driver 400 miles to pick up a load for me to head north? That's crazy!

So last I talked with the driver he said he was waiting on getting loaded. I told him, see you in the morning.

 

Relay driver arrived on Sunday at 11. We swapped and then I was on my way NORTH. Got into Council Bluffs, IA and stayed the night at the Sapp Bros. Delivered to the Menards in Sioux City Monday morning. Was there for 2 1/2 hours getting unloaded. The guy unloading was getting interrupted by customers every 5 minutes. I think I had two periods where nothing was taken off for over 20 minutes. I did put in for my 1/2 hr of detention and FM approved. Can't believe it took that long!

So I sit for almost 2 hours after unloading waiting for a load, HOME. FM calls, not good news. I am 246 miles from home. I get a preplan that is deadheading me 250 miles to pick up a load that will take me near Madison, WI, 305 miles from home.

So, now I sit 5 hours from the consignee wondering when this is delivered, will I get routed home? This is the one thing about trucking that really gets you down. My daughter won't talk to me on the phone. She says she wants to talk to me in person at home. She's 4 years old. Been tough on her. I also missed my stepsons 12th birthday party on Saturday. They are disappointed too. Not a good week for TheTank!

 

Well, finally got that load home, except I have to get up at 0330 so I can deliver it in the morning... Then I am officially HOME. Daughter is happy and I did get a shower at home. Showers at home are underrated!

 

So I get to the consignee this morning, at 0500. Sat around for 2 hours while they complained about who would unload me. Oh, normal receiving hours start at 0700, but customer service failed to confirm that nor had any info. Finally left 5 minutes short of a full hour of detention.

What gives lately? I spent 6 months with only 2 occasions that I could claim detention, one I did and one I didn't. Now in the last week I have had 3 different occasions to claim detention. And I was close on a fourth. Thank GOD for the long weekend.

 

YAY, pick up in Shakopee in an hour and then on my way to Urbana, IL. Another trip, another dollar.