Company selection procedures

It don't matter really. It is still a faux pas to ask and in some cases it's going to get you cussed. I have seen this happen many times over the years. Especially in areas with a history of load hijacks.

 

When I pulled flatbed I didn't mind if I was asked what I was hauling if my load wasn't tarped. But now if it was tarped I did not like it if somebody asked and it very rarely happened either. I never really thought about it but us drivers never talk about what we're hauling. It's almost like a taboo subject. But seriously don't ask drivers what they're hauling if u can't already see the load.

 

I was hauling air (empty trailer) once while doing a 10 at the Atlanta Petro. I had a driver that said he was a WSE driver as well. Started asking me about my load. First time I smiled and tried to get across to him I did not discuss my loads. Second time I told him it was none of his business. Third time I suspect everyone within 50 feet heard me telling that guy to go have sex with himself.

 

If you're not talking about the megas (who all run with the same playbook), you are talking about the smaller companies. If you see them in your area, they have to have a shipper/receiver and possibly a drop yard just to store trailers in your area. They will also have a truck stop in your area where they usually scale at and fuel.
If it's a small company based in your area, go inside and talk to the owner.

 

Box drivers like to imagine that they spend their time hauling top secret government research projects, gold bullion, experimental electronics, and the like. If they have to tell you, out loud, that they are hauling dog food or paper towels, then they have to admit to themselves that they aren't hauling something awesome.

 

Now you went and done it! This was supposed to be a top secret. You going to have to keep your head down now because one of these highway ninjas will come after you!