mercer transportation

I'm not a fan of mine but I had to suck it up and realize it's part of trucking now, just glad I got it free no service charge

 

Honestly, the ELogs aren't a big deal. I hate them and want to chunk it out the window a lot of times, but that only happens if you don't fully plan out the load and you need to go to a customer when you have no hours available and its only 5-10 miles away. If you take the time to plan the trip out right, that will never happen and its really not too big of an issue. My only real complaint, and trust me I miss my paper, is the 30 minute break rule. I'd rather take two 15 minute breaks 4 and 8 hours into my day than one 30 minute break. When I was on paper that's how I'd run, and now I take one 30 minute break 5-6 hours into it. I don't see why that wouldn't suffice, but then again I'm not a rule/lawmaker that never drove a truck making it a safer world.

 

Being new here I'm on ELogs. But I've been on ELogs for a few years now so it's not a new change. I will say that once you learn how to manipulate them legally they are better then paper. Most of those that I have talked to at Mercer that have made the switch end up liking them better then paper too. They are fast and easy. As for the 30 minute break? Well I rarely drive more then 8 hrs a day anyhow but if I do I need to stop and eat sometime. I complained about it at first then just made a minor change to how I ran my truck and now I like the break. IDK maybe I just spent to much time in the Navy. Had to learn to deal with change on an almost daily basis.

 

Not trying to pry but I am curious. What's causing the stress? Is it with the truck (maintenance, repairs, downtime) or securing loads or what? Obviously you don't have to reply but I hope that you will share. Thanks in advance.

 

I think quite a few wannabe cowboy super truckers might quit. But not a single business minded owner op will quit. A successful business owner adapts to changes. Do I want an eobr? No. I absolutely don't. But just like the 14 hour rule, or slow freight times, I will adapt and continue to make money.

 

I just love to drive in general, it's one of a few things I found that truly relax me. No matter what I may be facing, it rarely stresses me out. I drive as far as I can legally everyday, load permitting. I don't sleep much so I get bored when I'm not working and days like today where I am doing a 34 absolutely drive me nuts. As far as being in the Navy goes, I guess I took to the other aspect of the military. Having been in the Marines, there was a lot of hurry up and wait, but there was a lot of busy work too. I don't like to just be sitting, and even to eat, 30 minutes is usually more than I need, so I end up sitting in the driver's seat waiting for the last 10 minutes to tick off the clock so I can roll again. I don't mind adapting, "improvise adapt and overcome" right? I just don't really like being told when I am tired or when I don't need to work. If I am tired, I am responsible and will stop. I just don't get the logic of punishing those who are responsible for the actions of those who aren't.

 

i agree. But we can whine about it or adapt. Like spyder stated, I'm here to make money. And I am making money. The politicians are making laws and I will continue to adapt.

As as for the last 10 mins? Well since I've started drinking the KOOLAID here at Mercer I have only had one load that I needed to step it up and get to the delivery. And that was because I called the receiver and asked if I could deliver a load on Friday vise Monday. Otherwise I am happy driving 8 hours a day. I am still trying to get out of the "I need to drive 600 miles a day to pay my mortgage" mentality.

And as for 34s? Well I've been taking so much time off that that's not a problem. I also spend lots of time in hotels so I get great rest. I may have an advantage over some of the people here as I don't have a truck payment. My move here has been the best move I could have made. I had a choice between here and Landstar, if you ask me I know I made the right choice.

i think skateboard (but I might be wrong) told me to get miles out of my head. Whoever it was, was 100% correct. Yet I'm still trying to learn. This I will say, 6 weeks here, I've taken 3 weeks off. I have grossed a little over 20k in that time. I only put FSC on my card and have a bit over 6.5k on it. I put 30% in my escrow acct and have roughly 7k there already. Plus the money that goes to my bank. TBH I might lower my escrow acct soon and use my fuel card as my maint. Acct. but I'll figure that out in a month or two.

Umm I've gone off on a rant of sorts. Sorry everyone. Let me get back in my corner and listen to the pros. Raz I wish you the best of luck. It can be done

 

yes it does

 

I don't have to get elogs til my next inspection which would be sept, oct for mercer to pay the costs. think I am gonna run the summer and then do em. running out of hours is never a problem for me. only problem I see is sometimes not getting to where I want to stop for the night.

 

Does Mercer offer any type of Insurance Plans for its drivers or being its 100% O/O there isn't any?