FFE...our first 10,000

I am a driver. I am honest. I am here to say "all that glitters is not gold". I was the one telling all the newbies at the academy that after 6 weeks with a trainer the shiny will wear off. I am the one saying that after the academy is an EXTREME difference between what was told to you in academy and actuality. But, most companies are basically the same. the same gripes and complaints..praise and adornment. I started this one to be specific to the company we work for and see if maybe we can help each other out, or stop a fire before it gets outta control...that's all. i welcome you to bring advice and experience, because alot of these guys will be new blood...literally

 

We were used like a team. For the first 2 weeks the student cant drive (not supposed to at least) between 11 pm- 6 am.I did because I have years behind the wheel and don't trust no body else to drive. ha ha. If the new student is smart they will insist on doing as much driving as possible, in all conditions, all paperwork, and eLog entries. Because when they get in their own truck for some reason, most have a memory dump...you've seen it after cramming for an exam for example. I want to relay to these newbies that it is hard and a pain. Take a lot of crap and grief. But, with experience comes "experience" and know how. Plus we all know, all trainers are not the same..unfortunately.The three of us..myself, playmaker, and spat are all recent grads, with a determination to help keep good, serious drivers that will stay with us, not just FFE, but as drivers anywhere, any company. Making us more successful as a whole. Want to see good drivers for a change. Drivers do better, company does better (in La La land)...hopefully we all reap the benefits...hopefully. Playmaker was never out for referrals. We found his thread because we are serious about our job. And I love driving. I am a professional tourist! But, not stupid. i knew what trucking is, i know the system, how it works. But, we all knew it has changed. We just want whoever gets into this mess to be informed and have fun.

 

spill your pee bottle and let it sit, then use pine sol...take it right away ( oh yeah..kiss my butt)

 

amen brother

 

man, you are quoting my last few "con·ten·tious" phone calls with operations. i wonder how these guys stay in business sometimes. But on the whole I'd say I'm 70-30 right now

 

LtLis about drops and p/u...both reasonable and insane..hard to pin-point

 

So far..some complaints about reimbursements and pre-planning, but nothing out of the extremely different. Hi's and low's.....trucking. I have got all my money back, maybe a week later, but I got it. I really like LTL though because I don't have designated route planning and have an off network com card (any fuel stop), and you only deal with the person who is over that particular P.O#...I haven't spoken to either one of my DM's in over 3 weeks. The drop I'm getting this afternoon, has 10 drops through out Ohio. $250 + miles, okay by me.

 

1) Got a picture of a woman with her glory hanging out in Va. during the beginning of the heat spell, in traffic...it was awesome. (so did my friend and fellow driver Lisa)
2) Get a college hat from every stop you go to that pertains to that area and wear it when you go to the shipper or receivers, they love that crap, plus it's actually a good conversation starter. Wear a rivals hat and REALLY get something started. Works great at Penn State and Tuscaloosa.
3) Oh yeah, when you find out you have a load to a correctional facility, call them and make sure you have clearance!
4) Oh yeah, whatever happened to the "no lot lizards"stickers? Can't find 'em anywhere anymore.....