My return to LTL... with SAIA

Discussion in 'LTL and Local Delivery Trucking Forum' started by McUzi, Jun 25, 2020.

  1. Ronniev1262

    Ronniev1262 Light Load Member

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    They said I would be running up and down the east coast. So, anywhere from Virginia on up. Thanks for your help!
     
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  2. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    As a systems driver, who knows where you will go. You’ll be at dispatch’s mercy. That being said, go for it... trucking with a hotel card makes it far more palatable than being out in a cramped sleeper all week.
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    ... And some non-driving idiot wrecking your truck while you're in bed.
     
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  4. Ronniev1262

    Ronniev1262 Light Load Member

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    For the most part, how are the hotels? Any issues with them being full and trying to find another?

    Do you usually go out on your 10? Is there alot of wait time? Thanks!
     
  5. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    Oh but think of the places you can squeeze that little bobtail in!
     
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  6. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    I can’t answer these questions, I am just getting back into linehaul (as a systems driver) from a city board. But I figure all of the answers I could give you are based on where you’re at, your timing of arrivals and departures etc.

    They give you a lodging card for the hotel, I’m not sure whether you must use a specific hotel that is listed in the employee system or if that is a suggestion to the nearest hotel available.
     
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  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    I certainly don't imagine they'll want to pay for the likes of the Waldorf Astoria. :biggrin_25523:
     
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  8. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    Regarding that, I’ll bet they have deep pockets and short arms.
     
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  9. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    Today is the last day of this pay period, and it looks like I'll be finishing it off with about 2900-3000 miles for the week, currently sitting at 2514 miles for the week.

    The main dispatcher I deal with at Central now knows that my hotel card is in hand and active, so I believe I may be seeing trips that require a lay down at some point soon.

    One stark difference I see to compare Saia's linehaul setup vs. FedEx Freight's setup, is that is seems that Central dispatch has 100% control of the linehaul operations, while the hubs/terminals just close, break and build trailers to whatever planning Central implements and that disgusting phrase of "hub discretion" that was prevalent anywhere at FXF does not seem to exist here, at least not at the localized dispatch operations.
     
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  10. Ronniev1262

    Ronniev1262 Light Load Member

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    That's a great week! Is that for 5 or 6 days? I'm assuming that's a CLC card. How long does it take to get?

    My training starts next Monday. Hoping for good things to come.
     
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