New driver…first time on detention pay.

Discussion in 'Shippers & Receivers - Good or Bad' started by RightLaneKing, Jul 29, 2023.

  1. RightLaneKing

    RightLaneKing Bobtail Member

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    I’m a really new driver (my 3rd week on my own) sitting here at the General Mills facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My appointment was for anytime today to pick up a preloaded trailer and take it to Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

    I show up at 12:55, the lady in the office told me your trailer isn’t ready yet so drop your empty in row 3 or 4 and sit at the end of the row and, the spotter will come get you when it’s ready. It’s now 3:15 and I’m still waiting! I already called for my detention pay which I’m receiving but I have a few other questions for some of you more experienced guys…

    1) is it ever cool to go inside and start being a pest to speed the process up or should I just sit here and wait quietly?

    2) How low should I let my clock run down before I just say piss on it for the day, and go find somewhere to park for the night? Not too worried about that (yet)…I got 6 hours left on my clock.

    3) What’s the longest some of you guys ever had to wait?

    4) What do you do if you really gotta pee? I drove a lap around the place looking for a porti-potty but no luck. Seems I remember reading somewhere or something that shippers were now required by law to provide bathroom facilities for us drivers but maybe that was certain states or something. It won’t be too much longer and I might have to go “inspect” the tires in between two of these empties sitting here! I swore I’d never be that guy to do something like that but #### I can only hold it so long

    5) Are there any shippers famous for this that you’ll just flat refuse to go to?
     
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  3. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    Don’t be a pest, but it wouldn’t hurt to pop into the office and politely ask where the bathroom is and while in there, check the status of your load. It is possible that your load is done but somehow got lost in the shuffle. Or the guard shack could have had a shift change or something, maybe the yard man is being lazy... who knows.

    Meanwhile, kick back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful sights and smells of Cedar Rapids! LOL
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I would go no longer than 2 hrs sitting before asking about your load. In your situation, you are dealing with office personnel, warehouse personnel, the yard dog guy, etc. Plus might be a shift change somewhere, which can really screw up your load. Also, you are one of maybe 20 loads or more that are being "worked" . Can you see where a screw-up can happen ? Ask, (politely) about your load, paperwork might be on the forklift guys clipboard, with 4 other loads which he hasn't dropped by the office yet, but he will as soon as he finishes his lunch break ! The wee-wee situation ? Carry a gator aid bottle (bigger opening) for this kind of situation, or, go inside or go outside !
     
  5. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    The entire detention thing is a joke. You'll never get what you truly should in compensation...

    Get yourself either a empty gallon water container or something similar to urinate in then dump it out in the grass when your stuck in this type of situation... it's really not a big deal.
     
  6. austinmike

    austinmike Road Train Member

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    Oh boy. I think the longest I ever waited was 12 or 14 hours. I forget. It was over night so I got paid 30 bucks an hour to sleep. That was hauling LPG in tx
    Best of luck
     
  7. drivingmissdaisy

    drivingmissdaisy Road Train Member

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    The squeaky wheel gets the grease, but is also the first one to get changed.

    What I do is observe what's going on. Are other drivers coming in, dropping trailers, grabbing preloads and leaving? Or is everyone just sitting around waiting? I've been a real true PITA when I see other drivers grabbing trailers and leaving and I was supposed to do the same and can't for some reason. But if I see other drivers in the same predicament I'm in then I won't cause nearly as much ruckus.
     
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  8. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Agree on what others have said. First or second time to go in always better to be nice. Then if you have to keep going back, being a little more insistent. To a point. Then it’s rip a fart tell’em ####ty day. Just hope the wind takes it to their nose and hope that it’s loud.
     
  9. Stringb8n

    Stringb8n Road Train Member

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    Window washer fluid jug. Gallon capacity. Can pee at your leisure pretty much.
     
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  10. hope not dumb twucker

    hope not dumb twucker Road Train Member

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    Forgot to add if they take to long pee outside inbetween trailer and truck. They say anything great response is well should have had my load ready. Either you get fired for it they never send you back or someone that matters can make a change for all. Disclaimer I’m just a twuck driver what do I know.
     
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  11. aussiejosh

    aussiejosh Road Train Member

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    Airlie Beach QLd
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    Congrats on your new solo job, yes the old waiting game can be a patience tester that's for sure, well think of it this way you'll have plenty of time to catch up on some sleep, do some tidying up around the truck, polish the mirrors, top up the oil etc, etc. As to when you should go in and check to see what's happening there is no general rule however you need to do a quick assessment of how many other trailers are being loaded, how many are in front of you, and how quickly they've been loaded. Are there any other drivers waiting? Try asking them to see how long they've been there for, if they've all been there a while then guess what your sure to be delayed as well, If you can't find anything out, then I'd go in and check with the office try and be polite about it, say something like hey I was just wondering if I have time to catch a cab, or drive bob tail and do some shopping while I'm waiting, or should I put that on hold if the load will be ready soon. Avoid saying things like why are you taking so long?
     
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