Ask A May Trainer

Every 60 days

 

My truck is SOOOO dirty right now. I've stopped at two Blue Beacon's the last couple days, yesterday there were 8 trucks lined up and today at Jubitz there were 10 guys lined up. I just kept going.

 

I can show truck wash reciepts, every 90 sounds more like it, my requests go unanswered. I think since half my terminal never drove before doesn't understand concepts of not drawing attention to DOT, maintaining professional appearance, and the amount of time having to sweep out every 9000 series and 8000 series trailers on our dime not companies. Would be nice if they gave back as much as we do. Last wash I had was sept. Too bad I can't save those qc messages.

 

Platinum - If you spent half as much time working out solutions as you do complaining, (adding to the problem) then you might be happy! I would suggest setting down with your terminal manager, come prepared with a list of concerns with documentation to show them. Tell them your SOLUTIONS to these problems and work your issues out. May does what you to be a success here, you just have to talk with the right people. Your entitled only to the experience you choice to create for yourself!

Now about truck washes:

Take this for what it is worth to you. I learned long ago that everything in life is a sale. You're either selling or being sold, everything is a negotiation.

If you walk into a car dealership and the dealer is asking say 30,000 for the car, are you going to pay 30,000? Remember the keyword is "asking" If you always paid what everyone was asking you would soon go broke. Like wise if you only took what people offered you would never get ahead, right?

I walk into every situation as if my life depended on that negotiation, from the smallest of items to the biggest of items.

Years ago when I was running the i5 (11 western) I made the acquittance of several truck wash owners ( I stopped in regularly)
I pitched to 4 of the washes that I would come in every week if they would reduce the cost to 10 dollars. I would also recommend my buddies to come in when they could. 3 said "will think about it" the other said heck ya I'll do that. for years I got my washes for next to nothing.

I worked out a deal 2 years ago, now i get unlimited washes when ever I want as often as I want at blue beacon guess how much I pay? 0, zip, nada! You could do the same, however I suspect you will not even try!

If you ever seen my truck sitting at a yard and wondered, "how the heck does he keep it so clean? He must be going broke!" there you have it.

 

I used to see May trucks in Pittsburgh with Coors beer from out West.
Do you still do that? Thanks.

 

NO RECEIPTS!! ASK PERMISSION, NOT FORGIVENESS
Request a truck wash...all trucks are entitled to one every 60 (Thanks Scooter, I couldn't remember)
ASK THEM FOR THE PO# and you shall have it. Don't pay $40 for something not dfetrimental to the operation of the vehicle, without asking, and then expect them to reimburse you.
and 90% of scale house are automated, if we get waived in, it's because they are pulling everyone, or you are HEAVY. There is a BIG difference between a DIRTY tractor and a rough looking tractor. The older rigs that have duct tape on them etc get Level 1s. And honestly, what's the problem with getting a Level 1 or 2? Our trucks are very well meaintained, and you should pass any of them with flying colors. If not, it's something YOU failed to take care of.

 

I was told every 90 days for a truck wash just two weeks ago.

 

To be honest if I could maitain steady miles at 2800 or above I have no issue buying my own washes. Let's get this straight, washes are least if my worries. Miles are concern everyone, I mean everyone is well aware I am trying to drive anything they can give me legally. I am moving on in the near future. I am only going to continue posting about miles paid and direction of travel. They can't meet my needs as a company, individually some have. I have been home on time every time I asked, most times a day early. My friend gets 11500 miles average with swift he is some bronze level driver according to his dm. Him and I are alike
I, we been friends since 2005. He went swift I went may.
I am not here for a popularity contests. I am here for results. Like going to a gym and working out or sitting on the equipment talking about sports. I am making changes not sitting with my head in sand that 90% do.

 

I'm certainly not going to try and stop you from attempting to improve your situation. I will tell you however in my 15 years of trucking I have worked with 3 companies. MS Carriers, Swift and May. MS Carriers was acquired by Swift, I have officially changed jobs once in my 15 years of trucking. From Swift transportation to May Trucking Company! That should tell you something.

I could set here and tell you all the intricacies of how May is heads above Swift. However, I am not one to talk negatively.

When I worked for MS/Swift I was in the 1% fleet, Hand picked based on my performance. No less then 20k miles a month, and my best month was over 30k. My fuel 7.5+ mpg, 0% excessive speed and idle time below 1%. I was a die hard swift cheerleader, I even semi customized my unit (chrome,flooring,exterior and interior lighting and custom wheels. I had the sharpest swift truck in the fleet.) for my steady performances I was, driver of the month 4 times (twice out of the Fontana Terminal and twice out of Phoenix Az. I was driver of the year for Swift as well.

I helped improve their training program on a consultant bases. (they never did completely follow throw but at least they some what listened.) I also co-designed the uniforms for swift. Not only did I wear mine proudly, I ironed mine every morning right after polishing my shoes, of course.

My pay rate was close to union wages as I was a MS DRIVER and I never had a year below 100k. I was Costco dedicated out of Tolleson Az. I was by the house every other day for dinner and had a 34hr reset every weekend.

I was a DM's dream, I never complained, heck we hardly talked and I did his job for him by working with logistics myself to make sure everything went as planned. I knew the swift system in and out and knew how to jump through all the hoops to get exactly what I wanted. Heck I even got my family working over at Swift.

So why would I leave this? PM me and Ill tell you my SWIFT story!

 

Does May trucking have any kind of training as far as CDL's go?