Lousy idea

I was behind a truck parked on the fuel island at a Pilot for over a half hour once. After realizing he wasn't moving I pulled into the next lane when it became available. I went in and got my reciept and when I came back out the truck was still there.... I happened to notice the name on the door as I had met the owner of the company at a truck sale in Fort Worth. I still had the guys card, so I called him up and told him I didn't think he'd be very impressed with his driver's ability to get off the fuel island. We chatted a bit about unrelated b.s. and I hung up.

I don't feel bad about doing it, his boss is certainly in a position and has authority to handle this much better than I can as he sees fit. I wouldn't feel a bit bad about calling a company's safety department if I saw a gross violation either, it's their job to handle these things.

Generally, the only time I call law enforcement is when I spot a vehicle weaving (suspected drunk), and I can get the plate number.

 

Agreed. I've called on drivers exactly twice so far. The first was when I saw a hazmat tanker driver with a lit cigarette hanging from his lips while dispensing fuel, the second was when I passed a driver who was 20 under the speed limit using the shoulder rumble strip to stay in his lane. He had his laptop on the steering wheel when I went by, and was pretty focused on whatever was on the screen at the time.

 

This is why I try to stay out of the "Owner Operator" section. Too many Flease idiots in there, freely giving out either bad or wrong advise.

Martin

 

There are lots of different business models. What's 'wrong' for one is 'right' for another. Be open to all 'advice', but be savvy enough to discern what's right for your model, and be able to discard what isn't.

All advice is valuable. To someone.

 

Really?
I've been at this for over 20yrs, and can spot outright crap when I read it.
I have also been asking for a flease operator section for some time too, to no avail. Comparing a flease operator who cant get his own truck, and ends up getting raped weekly by the likes of Prime, CRE, and so on, to the likes of me and the other good folks who DO actually have a say in the truck, is insulting to me.

Martin

 

Again, there are successful 'flease' (sic) operators out there. Just because something is wrong for you doesn't mean that it's wrong for someone else. One thing that I've learned over the years is that there is more than one way to do something the 'right' way. YOUR way isn't the 'only' way to get something done.

 

say what??

 

I badmouth Stevens to people because their FLease is worse. You are just an employee, doing all the maintenence and bookwordk for them, yet they claim you ahve no responsibility or do you control, own or even have anything to say about the truck. From the way I read it, you lease a trruck from Alliance Leasing and lease it back to Stevens, all one company so they make all the money, you ahve all the headaches. Good idea!

 

Some people like being locked up, group showers and dropping the soap, and that special time spent with Bubba every week. Doesn't mean they're wrong, does it? They might argue that they get 3 hots and a cot, and Lefty has to pay for his meals. Some of them study and apply themselves and get college degrees and become successful, right? They could admonish someone else to get locked up, find Bubba for protection and get their degrees the same way...after all, they were successful.

 

there is a difference between fleece programs, though, and running your own truck.

and for the biggest point. is that all fleece programs are pretty much the same. with a variable here and there. and a gripe about there weekly settlements.

i certainly wouldn't run for 90 cents a mile plus fsc and pay $1000 + a week. with a brand new truck i'll never own. and a savings account i'll most likely won't get back.

but there is one poster on here. must be doing allright and seems to like it. he's been doing it as long as i've known of him on this forum.

yesterday, i saw a single beam trailer. i guess used for containers. it was hauling steel beams. had 4 feet front and about 5 feet rear overhang. no lights or flags. unless they aren't required on the east coast since i've been mainly west.

over the weekend. i saw a similar load. with flashing lights. and they were amber instead of red. last i heard. tail lights were always red.