An old man's career goes flat, Snackbar moves to open deck

I hope they let me tarp inside too. Supposed to be raining until around noon.

 

I would also like to add a couple other items to the list of dislikes.... elevator loads and the underutilization of conestoga trailers for these loads. One of the biggest issues right now besides freight slowing down is finding and keeping a decent set of tarps. So, if we have to haul elevator loads, and elevator loads are hard on regular tarps, why not utilize the dozens of conestoga trailers sitting in Arlington(that are already paid for) instead of risking damaging tarps hauling them on regular trailers. When the driver in Rancho complimented me on my padding and tarp job, he also mentioned that so many drivers don't take the extra time to put adequate padding on the load to protect the tarp...that is why we have a shortage of decent tarps. So why not take advantage of the equipment they have sitting around that would expedite the loading process thus increasing productivity...the sooner I get loaded and rolling, the sooner I get to the delivery and the sooner I get empty and ready for my next load (and the sooner they get their paperwork so they can get paid). When I left Arlington the last time, to pick up outside Spokane, I could have pulled a flat conestoga. When I swapped to this step in Cucamonga, there were 2 step conestoga trailers there (only one was available due to the other having electrical issues with the tail lights.)

 

It was almost 3 hours AFTER my appointment before they pulled me and the guy who checked in behind me in at the same time...and they loaded him 1st. Needless to say, I think this is my last elevator load for a while, even if it means sitting all weekend. Honestly, I don't see how drivers do this on the dedicated fleet. I would last about a week before I handed them the keys and walked home.

 

Been fighting winds since I left St. Louis Friday. Was nuts at the shipper Saturday. And I fought keeping the tarps in line all day yesterday. Now, I get between WY POE west of Rapid City and Gillette in a parking area. Road is closed to light, high profile vehiles. I am not sure what the threshold is considered a light vehicle(I am just under 60k gross) but there were some serious pucker moments (3 out of 5 on the sphincter clinch scale)...so I pulled into a parking area and chilling for a bit. The warning goes until 13:00, so I hope mother nature is on schedule.