Hopper, Dump O/O's & Drivers

28,000 with about 3/8 fuel in each tank.

 

That's PUUUUUURRRRRTTTTTYYYYY! Nice looking outfit,highside! Just seems wrong to get 'er dirty,though















Side-note for wheathauler,i vote we bannish highside from showing any more pics of his Pete on the hopper thread,the drool from my mouth just shorted-out my keyboard!!

 

He is a Legend, they pull him over for his autograph.

They do have a sharp fleet of trucks, even the older trucks that I have seen are well kept and always clean. I have always kept my equipment in top notch shape also and try to wash and keep it clean as much as possible. I still think some customers still take notice but they will remember you also if you show up driving a piece of junk with the fender about to fall off. It may still pay the same rate but I want to show up with a clean professional appearance of myself and my equipment and also be courteous. A good reputation, good service and what customers think of me is still important to me because you see a lot of drivers and their equipment and that doesn't matter to them.

Years ago when I started driving I worked for a company that pulled hoppers and they were known for older equipment, low pay and a revolving door for drivers. We ran the same area as another company called Tri-State Commodities, Greeley, CO. They had a sharp fleet of trucks with fancy paint jobs that paid better and had a waiting list for drivers. I always and still do admire their operation as I am sure their customers do also.

 

Boy it's gettin' pretty deep in here! I've given plenty of autographs to the DOT, but they were all on tickets!!!

Seriously, though, I share the same mentality as Big John. My folks raised me to believe that anything worth doing was worth doing to the best of my abilities. I take an immense amount of pride in my profession, and make it a point to operate my truck, myself, and our business as a PROFESSIONAL. It's a shame that the trashy side of trucking seems to get all the attention, but the truth is, the REAL professionals among us don't seek the attention like our lesser admired brethren do. It really makes my day when someone responds with "Wow, I would have never believed you were a truck driver" when I tell them what I do for a living.

It's pretty obvious that all of us here in the hopper thread share the same attitude. It shows in our equipment, our attitudes, and it shows in the experience that we all share with each other, and newcomers to the business. You won't find any bottom feeders posting in this thread, that's for sure. We've all weathered the ups and downs of the industry, and seen the "Billy Big Riggers" come and go.

The DOT is pretty good at sizing up a driver/company as well. We've all had our experiences with the diesel bears before, but I can attest, and I'll wager the rest of you will too, that we don't seem to be "harrassed" like some of our competitors claim to be. They just won't accept that it's their lax attitudes towards appearances, maintenaince, and common courtesy that prompts more frequent visits from Mr. DOT. They only want to believe the DOT is simply full of jerks, that's all.

I'll be the first to tell anyone that our business is successful not because of one person, or philosophy, but EVERYONE that makes up our team. My parents and I started our trucking company in 2003 with one truck, and have grown it only when it was safe to do so, and with people we were absolutely sure shared the same business mindset that we did: Provide unmatched service to our customers, do whatever it takes to meet our commitments, and maintain a professional demeanor while doing so.Sometimes that meant washing trucks on Thanksgiving or Christmas day, and sometimes it means shutting down for a few days here and there when the rates aren't good enough, but it's treated us pretty well so far.

My only whish is that EVERY carrier in hopper freight operated like those here on the hopper thread...If that were the case, things would look MUCH better in the bulk commodities industry, I can guarantee that!

Everybody be safe out there this week!

 

They have already written off southern Oklahoma and around here is not looking good, we need some rain bad. I called a buddy today that is Indian and told him to get out and do a rain dance or beat on the drums or something.

I paid $3.81 at the Coop Elevator last night and there are places around here that are from $3.79 to $4.09. One Chinese dude that owns a station was $3.73 yesterday and then bumped it up to $3.87 after getting a load of fuel. Greedy little sucker. I think the cheapest place to get fuel right know is in Wyoming but it is a little far to drive to fill up.

 

I very much enjoy it so far. I really enjoy being home more and I have been staying busy and averaging pretty good money, doing a lot better then pulling that flat running OTR. I can see that it will get boring running this short stuff and the same roads everyday. Our roads are pretty bad not like those smooth Kansas roads. I also like running under my own authority which is a big plus. We will see what the rest of the year brings. Some of the local haulers are already getting nervous and looking at pulling other freight. For one thing I am not and not going to worry about the future, when they have no grain to haul then I will look for something else but until then I will keep truckin. It is not going to hurt me nor will I not be able to pay my bills or make my payments if I sit at home for awhile. These guys can get nervous and jump ship, maybe when they leave I will be able to keep busy but more will come. lol. The cows still have to be fed.

I think I spotted a Kramer truck today in town pulling a new Timpte with a paper tag. It was a white and blue shaker, I think it said Kramer on the door.

 

Yup, John you spotted Robbie pulling the famous new trailer...we gotta keep an eye on you rebels down south!