CRETE - A Year in Review

I just did mine on-line figuring it would be faster than snail-mail. It's around 17 a month I think but it's worth it. i have passed some very long lines at the weigh stations and passing other trucks is a rarity..haha. Of course they pass me on down the road

 

I have a question; Does anybody feel their AM has deliberately misled them or just plain ol' lied to them about consignees in an effort to get them to run harder? I am beginning to open my eyes a bit having sat around at consignees lately. Like going in 5 hr.s early to a place that doesn't even start receiving till second shift all because my AM said "Others have gone in early and gotten unloaded". This run I asked my AM point blank if this was a live unload or drop and his reply; "others have gone in early and dropped" when he knows there's an "L" on his screen for live unload and secondly we don't have spot trailers at this facility. I'm getting tired of giving the extra effort only to get the shaft!

EDIT: I was told by Ops Supvr. last night that I am already at 20K since Aug. so It's not like I don't run hard. But I guess that would only go to make my AM look like he's the one doing the bang up job

 

This is a common problem and probably my biggest single gripe. It doesn't help a driver plan the day if we're just told to "go ahead and go on in". Information on the Load Information screeen that is just plain wrong is also a problem. I'm very tired of having to "interpret" what the hell the truth is.

 

Never hesitate to call the consignee. When doing so state your name and tell them you are with Crete Carrier then ask your question. Never tell them you are the driver unless specifically asked. Tip: use communication skills that make you sound professional. You may be pleasantly surprised at the resulting information you will receive.

 

As i told the Ops. Mgr. it does us no good to waste 5 hr.s by "going on in". I also told him I felt like I was being purposely misled in an effort to "improve" productivity. Give me the facts and let me drive. It's my money and I want all I can get every week. I know there are probably some drivers who slack around so.....it's a catch 22 on the company's side to...entice (shall we say) or trust the driver with the facts.

Never shy on that one except when the only number given goes to voice mail or "send us an email". Heck I have even googled and gotten better phone numbers...haha oh and BTW 22+ years customer relations so I know some phone etiquette

 

I had a Shaffer live load for Nestle in DeKalb IL that was listed as 1100-1700 that was preplanned to me at 1345. I ran straight there from Edwardsville and arrived at 1815. The guy in shipping told me the load was for 1100 and 1100 only. Dispatch wanted to know why I was 1 hour and 15 minutes late. I tried to explain to her that 1700 would have been 6 hours late anyhow. I also tried to explain that Edwardsville to De Kalb is in fact a 4 1/2 hour trip and that's exactly how long it took.

 

Yup...similar experience in FL two weeks ago. Load info says 1500. I'm 80 miles away at noon. I get there at 1400, only to be told the load was set for 1100. I left without the load. And my AM got an earful. A LOUD earful. I didn't hold back. Last time I've spoken with her....

 

I just make sure that when I am handed an impossible situation like this....I go ahead and accept, BUT I make sure they know that I will be late. Just have to CYA. That is true anywhere today. Just make sure it goes across the qcomm, or it did not happen.

 

What happened? The wires got really quiet. Where is everyone?

 

Working lol for a change. Last 2 weeks have been great with 3000 plus miles and even a 3 stopper. This weeks looking good too but hey as McDonald's says I'm lovin it. Maybe someone changed the kool aid.