Broke Down 69...The Adventure Continues

Not one strap.

 

Just when I thought I was getting out of Des Moines with my rig yesterday, the shop sends me to take two drivers (whose trucks weren't ready) over to a weld shop a half hour away, so they can bring back two trucks, and so I could deliver some fuel tanks needing repairs. When I got back I grabbed my keys, called training to get the truck officially assigned, and after a quick lunch, my dispatcher got me on the board with a load of steel. This wouldn't have bothered me, except it was three hours away, and would be cutting it close to get there so I could park up and have my 10 done before my appointment.

Getting load secured wasn't bad, just hot and humid. And with the amazing equipment I got, took way longer than it should have. Long story short, I made it to the customer with 45 minutes on my clock. And they were gonna go ahead and unload me WAY before my appointment. So, finally about 330 this morning I was backed into their overnight parking spot, and racked out. And no one came beating on my door to see why I was there. Even better. Now I'm sitting at a Lowe's D.C. I've never been to... you guessed it. Waiting on my trailer to get ready.

 

The put you in a 579?

 

Not sure if the equipment comment is real or fooling.
This is one area I am a real mass-hole about, thats equipment. I want it top shape. If its not, get me new ones. they are part of the tools used to do the job and make money. Get the best and take care of them, never have problems that way.

It does have a double edge to it. Other drivers will be more than happy to trade loads with you. thats how they get rid of carp stuff. Too lazy to exchange it at the yard. If a driver trys to push off carp equipment, just say, no, not going to take that. If need be take your good stuff off the load.

Then you can try and turn down any swaps.

 

That's the only ##### about someone else delivering your load. Pulling off all your securement so they can resecure it. It's a pita. It's my securement I paid for it.

 

Yes sir. And a 9 speed to boot!

 

I got 5 new ratchet binder, and 5 used ones. I don't think the used ones have seen WD 40 a single time in their lives. So, as I learned to do over the year, I made due with what I had. Made sure the load was properly secured, just took me a hot minute with my binders.

On the plus side I also had two brand new lumber tarps, and 13 brand new straps. Now I have two crappy traps on my load now, and someone will pick up a load at Lowe's in Grand Ledge with 6 brand new straps on it.

 

They were having a problem with the electric door locks on the 579. Two times the locks activated when the drivers door opened. I got locked out once on my pretrip inspection. I started to leave the drivers window open or took the keys with me when I got out. They locked a second time but I had the keys with me. Be safe.

 

Yes it's a pita. But it's tmcs equipment not the drivers. Several times I would get new tarps maybe not even use them then have to pass them off. A couple times I would change them If I had the time. Now I have my own equipment, tarps ,and trailer. Life is good!