Being an O/O under a Carrier's Authority

Well, I arrive on site for my preloaded trailer and it's empty; they never loaded it. Probably won't be in tomorrow because of the holiday. Dispatch is off but are on call so hopefully the queen bee load planner can get me on something. They were like, head home and maybe you can enjoy the holiday. Uhhhhh, no. I live in the truck and on the road and I'm not interested in holidays; I just want to work.

 

You jinxed me. Started my day with a hour and a half long wait and rework at the shipper then I pull in at Loves for fuel and a clamp breaks on the coolant hose, hose pops off, and I lose 5 gallons of coolant on the ground. Lost so much time they sent a truck to recover the load so it makes it on time. Back to square one waiting on a load and down 175.00 for repair.

 

I suppose I could carry a coffee can of assorted clamps and 5 jugs of coolant at all times. I carry basic tools but I can't predict what clamp, belt, hose, or other component may fail. There is only so much you can prepare for. It was mainly the rework that caused me to run late but spending 45 minutes on the hose and coolant put me past the point I could have made up any time.

 

Got the APU serviced today. Turns out this APU did not come with the truck. I thought it was a beat up 2012 TriPac but it is a 2006. It has had a new ECM put in it from what the tech told me so there is no telling how many hours are actually on it. It runs great and all but I am the proud owner of a 2006 APU that probably has a lot of hours on it. Something else to keep my eye on. I was glad I brought it in though. He showed me the belt and it was on its last leg. It was cracked in places and very well worn.

 

It's doing great so I'm not too worried. Now that I know it's an 06 I'm pretty impressed that this Ol' TriPac is chugging along so good. And it has fresh filters, fluids, and a new drive belt so I know where I'm at service wise.