Older male Starting Out...?

Hi ironpony, I think that "100% no touch" is the biggest crock. I think it's just another one of their ploys to get you in. Has anyone else here manually unloaded a "100% no touch" load? I have.

 

I haven't. Prime doesn't want you in the back of a trailer for any reason, except for floral loads.

 

That's good to hear, because I wouldn't believe these recruiters for a second. And it's really cool that jj is asking these questions, because this is just the kind of thing that new drivers never expect, and they probably won't tell you, and the shock of picking up a pre-loaded, sealed trailer and having a dock person telling you to unload it. In all my years, I never once got a lumper, and I always unloaded my own wagon, (truck tires were the worst) and have the sore back to prove it.

 

In my checker career, I have never been required to unload a trailer. I have had to move some pallets to the back of the trailer. That was done using a pallet jacket. Which is not a big deal. Of course, I am 57, but I have the Body of a Greek God. I look like I am over 2000 years old.

The hardest part physically for me is pulling the Kingpin release and cranking the landing gear up or down. Opening the swing doors in the blowing wind isn't fun either.

I am 5 foot 8 and 190 lbs. Out of shape unless you count barrel as a shape. Like anything repeating the exercise will make it easier over time. Just avoid local jobs. Those are the hands on loads.

 

The United States Government says you have to work to age 65, or 67 in my case, to collect social security, so no you aren't too old.

 

Aside from the truck tires that were on the floor, probably the hardest thing were pallets of cheese, that weighed at least 2000 lbs. each( 20 pallets X 2100 lbs.= 42,000). And those docks that go downhill, LOOKOUT. (I think I scared the OP away).

 

66 and 2 months for full benefits, 62 at 74% of full benefits.

 

I actually got into trouble with my company for helping unload a trailer.

got hurt by the other dock workers. they ran over my foot with the fork lift. OUCH!

they said," the ins company insures you as a driver not a dock worker".

I already had an agreement upon hiring as there will be no "fingerprinting" of freight by my old fat butt. really.

it was part of my questions and terms for employment.

so, yes, those companies are out there.

 

My hubby who is my team driver is almost 53, with a hernia he got from surgery. He has the same concerns as you, and he has to be very careful with that hernia.

Look for a company that has 100% no touch-freight or all drop & hook, and/or a company who will pay for lumpers to unload the load.

Yes, if us women can handle the physical requirements of trucking, so can you my friend!

 

Hi Numb, I guess things have changed. Many times if I had many stops, I'd back in, and the dock person would say, "We're really busy, we'll get to you when we get to you". Rather than sit there for hours, I'd ask, is it ok if I unload it? They said, "sure, knock yourself out", so I did, and got all my deliveries done earlier than anyone else. My bosses loved me.
I had a friend that got his big toe chopped off by a dock plate. You know how the lip is supposed to flip up when you pull the chain? Well, this one didn't, so he went in the trailer, pulled it up with his hands, the forklift guy put his tire on the plate, it came down fast, and my buddies foot was in the way, and took his big toe off. Not sure what ever happened with that, legal wise.