Driver responsibility with the cleanliness of issued trucks?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Lonesome7.3, Apr 13, 2009.

  1. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Give me a shout when you are ready.I'm not too far from you. Spotless record, 20 years driving, 4500+ mile a week every week. I pull flats and RGNs, run 49 and Canada, Territories, etc. TWIC and passport.

    I also know some of the best drivers in the industry who would love to go from a large company to a smaller one.
     
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  3. Lonesome7.3

    Lonesome7.3 Medium Load Member

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    I will keep that in mind. Tennessee is a state I plan to service.
     
  4. rocknsand

    rocknsand Medium Load Member

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    Lonesome, Here is what my company does.
    We are a fairly small company (125 trucks with 13 at our location) and we have a written wash policy. It says the driver is to wash the outside once a week and keep the inside clean. We have a heated wash bay with all the stuff to do the job.
    Now, we are local flatbedders and we always unhook and keep the trucks in the shop at night. We haul concrete pipe, so depending on conditions we do pickup some dirt, since we do a lot of off road stuff.
    The policy says, you can get a wash bonus of 10-20 or 30 dollars per week. It paid on a quarterly basis and most of the drivers look forward to the wash check. It also has a determination on who gets a new truck. Our most senior guy was bypassed 6 times before he got a new truck. I think he finally got the point. We also do quite a bit of polishing too. There was many of times when I went down to the shop to wash or polish on a Sat or Sun. I think there is somewhat of a competition or pier pressure involved.
    Our owners believe that keeping the trucks clean and maintained goes a long way in getting top dollar at trade in time. Besides its nice to be driving a clean truck. I've got compliments on how good my truck
    looked on a number of occasions.

    IDEA...As a O/O would it be possible to mount a 25 gallon water tank that you could pressurize and attach a hose for washing your truck when you had long waits. It would be like they have on concrete mixers, only smaller. Shucks, even when it was hot you could catch a cool (or cold) shower. Just a thought.
     
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  5. ship71021

    ship71021 Medium Load Member

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    lonesome I applaud you for your sincerity and dedication. I own my truck and I take pride in keeping her clean. have you ever considered setting up an account with the squeakin beacon or a local powerwash company. you can want drivers to live by your standards but do you think any of them will be able to live up to them?:biggrin_25525:
     
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  6. Lonesome7.3

    Lonesome7.3 Medium Load Member

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    Both of you have gave me soem good ideas. Deoending on the runs they will make will decide if I set up a Beaking account or just have a service come it.

    Who knows, maybe I will have my wife go out in a bikini and wash the trucks. She may not do a good job, but it sure would be fun to watch.
     
  7. rocknsand

    rocknsand Medium Load Member

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    Probably not a good idea.... with her 5'2 and tipping the scale at 250 lbs. :biggrin_2559:

    Just kidding...
     
  8. bigrigjoe66

    bigrigjoe66 Bobtail Member

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    Hey, My name is Butch and I live in Nashville Ga. I am looking for a job driving but have been told I job hop, not the case. Read my post here and same name on class a drivers as well. Anyway I read your post about cleaning your truck. I can promise you without knowing your standards or those of your drivers I will keep your truck cleaner than you expect. I have a mental thing. It drives my family crazy. My last boss told me how clean he was but a month after I went to work for him he saw my truck and said he has not seen one that clean ever. I actually wash and wax it with a bucket and rag while at home. I clean and sweep it out everytime I stop, if even to use restroom. At times it drives me nutz but I have to do it. I am a perfectionist. Anyway I need a job. Hit me back if intrested.
     
  9. Lonesome7.3

    Lonesome7.3 Medium Load Member

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    Right now I am just getting the equipment together. I would like to have at least one truck on the road before I go home for good. But it might be six months or it might be two months before I hire a driver.

    I know what you mean though. I do the same thing when I am on the road.

    Oh we are trying to move to Adel/Valdosta area. So it might work out if you are still interested when the time comes.
     
  10. bigrigjoe66

    bigrigjoe66 Bobtail Member

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    I'll be here. Good luck.
     
  11. Lonesome7.3

    Lonesome7.3 Medium Load Member

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    I cannot beleive I missed this comment. :biggrin_25524:

    If that was the case I would have said my wives.
     
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