Glad I moved over to Poly Trucking

SS, glad your meeting with Alan went well. I too have had the opportunity in the past to speak with him and drew the same conclusion. That's why in the driver's lounge you won't hear me join in the conversations of ridicule, except the actual labor issues, concerning the shop. Other drivers don't know or refuse to accept there are some things beyond shop managements control due to the processes as a company. We aren't considered a regular OTR company and that includes the way some things are done here.

Now if we could just get at least a spouse rider program and break down pay. Both have been discussed recently with HR and was told they were going to revisit those issues.

 

its not u ss, ive had things happen that would blow ur mind, but i have held back cuz i kno untill they change management nothing will change. with that said, from my experience out here im sure alot of it is these trucks, its simple, u buy the cheapest trucks, haul the heaviest loads and then have the maintenance we have u end up with this result.

 

not complaining just saying ive accepted it for what it is based on my experiences

 

By what Alan said...it use to be worse...if your truck came in needing something simple like a shock (this is the example he used, so I'll use it as well) and there were other trucks ahead of it on the list with more major repairs...that shock repair(and it's driver) had to wait until the others were complete...which means you have many unhappy people. Now, if there is a long term repair like a clutch or an in-frame...a job like a shock gets in and out...thus making 1 less unhappy camper.

He also said that the delays in parts ordering is a 2 part issue. 1, our shop has to call the purchasing agent at Poly America...who then has to get 3 price quotes then submits it for a p.o. once they get it approved and get a p.o. he then can order the part. But, this same department is in charge of ordering anything and everything for the entire Poly America Corporation. Given the number of people, machines and facilities within the company that is a lot of potential purchases. And since the Poly America purchase agent isn't a "truck parts" specific order guy...sometimes there is some mis-communication and the wrong part gets ordered...then it all has to start over from the beginning. 2) the shop has very limited storage for spare parts, so they have the small stuff. Alan said they are in the process of expanding behind the shop office so they can keep a regular inventory of parts, then it's an order for a stock replacement. So, instead of a truck sitting still waiting for a part, a spot on a shelf is waiting on a part, and the truck and it's driver are back on the road. He said he has been lobbying for a purchase agent of our very own, one that has some general knowledge of truck parts, and what needs to be ordered. Remember when we were 1st learning about trucks and some of the terminology that was unique to our equipment...now picture a person in an office who has to not only order truck related parts, but parts and supplies for a vast array of departments. From parts for production machinery to toilet paper dispensers to light bulbs...I can see how a dedicated truck parts buyer would speed things up immensely, even without a bigger parts storage area. His meeting has put a little perspective on what happens out of our view...doesn't make me happy when the parts that were ordered aren't installed right, but I guess that is also being addressed.

Honestly, I didn't get the feeling from this meeting that it was a bunch of feel good b.s. or sunshine being blown up my skirt...Alan seems to be a straight shooter, a tell it like it is kinda of person. (good or bad) He strikes me as the kind of person that seeks a positive resolution, which sometimes isn't always a fast fix, but the resolution that is the best for the people involved....don't get me wrong, he will still can your ### if you f'up bad enough, but I didn't get the impression where that is an option near the top of the list in most cases.

 

I did make a bit of a booboo on this back haul loads timing. When the broker told me it delivered on the 3rd, I stupidly put Saturday down in my notes for delivery...however, the 3rd is Sunday. I pushed hard again to get down here to deliver 1st thing this morning...only to realize (after trying to check in at Wally) that I was a whole day early. I guess if your gonna be wrong on a delivery date, that's the way to do it...thankfully the folks at the Wally d/c were kind enough to work me in today...hats off to the folks on the weekend shift here in Palestine...and many thanks from me.

 

Got to meet againstthewind today...it's always good to put a face to a name..brother...don't worry, that deafness from my endless motormouth is only temporary...you'll be as good as new in the morning... ...hope things straighten out for ya soon.

 

My truck will be due for PM in about 3k miles. All this shop talk on here has me mortified at the mere thought of turning my truck in for service.

 

They did have a recently published loaner list out the other day...not sure how many were actually present and accounted for on the lot.

 

I have some things to get fixed besides just the service so might have to look at taking a loaner.

 

i ran across a old post,are you still with poly?im a poly driver also been here 8 years