Pepsi, beer and coca-cola side loaders

How do they load bay trailers? Does the driver load them? How does a side loader get unloaded? Do they handle compared to a pup or a 35ft trailer? Are the trucks set up different than the regular trailers? Does anyone use side loaders or have they switched?

 

Can the side loaders be unloaded easier than a box trailer? Do they handle different than a conventional trailer? Are the trucks more automatic than manual because of the tendencies of the work to stop and go alot?

 

They load them on a pallet, and the floor is sloped inward, however, I've seen loads that moved and the driver can't get the door open. All side loader trailers are hand unloaded.

 

Side loaders usually have the axle all he to the back. The benefit to a side loader is you can run the route technically how you see fit. It’s also shorter so you’re less like to rub against trees compared to a 13”6’ trailer. In regards to backing they’re “better” in my opinion, but I struggle to back a pup because they just get away from you so fast - a side loader would be easier to back, but harder to turn due to the axle placement.

the crap part is you sometimes have to “dig” for your orders.

it’s hard work and I wouldn’t recommend unless you really need a job, or are super young

 

I loved sideloaders when I worked at 7up/snapple. The pups weren't bad, but evry stop was going up and down the lift gate, versus just opening a door, and stacking the dolly. It seems like pups are taking over from the side loaders though.

 

I rolled beer years ago and it's a terrible job. You put your fingerprints on everything. It's hard work and long days. Generally, lower pay than other comparable work.

I would avoid beer, Pepsi, coke, etc, unless you just need an immediate job. Most of these places close to me pay less than $20/hr. You can usually run propane or such for as much money per hour and those are generally pretty easy jobs that have you home by 5 pm.

As for your questions...

The trailers are relatively easy to pull. When I did the work (2010) the tractors were all manual 10sp and we're more often than not, junk. Everything could be auto by now, but no guarantee unless you talk to the specific yard you're thinking about joining.

 

When I worked for coke I was happier taking a sidebay trailer than a liftgate trailer because it was quicker to drop the cases and you was able to do the route how ever you wanted.

 

All I can tell you is don't do it. Run away. Unless you're new and need the experience.

They work you way too hard for way too many hours for too little money. Store manager/owners will treat you like an indentured servant, making you do all kinds of crap you don't get paid extra for.

I worked for Pepsi, terrible equipment that won't pass DOT inspection. Air leaks everywhere. Mechanics they have are generally not worth a crap. Did I mention how bad the pay is? 14 hour days and these days you might be lucky to clear $65k a year.

Meanwhile go to LTL and work 1/4 as hard and bring home an easy $100k.

 

1,500 cases of beer. 30+ stops a day. You're touching every case. Stacking on a hand truck and pulling it up steps. Up curbs and walk ways crusted with snow. Kegs go down down slippery steps into restaurant/bar basements. Ducking your head to get into coolers. Stacking cases for some package store owner who glares at you like scum of the earth. Then they wander off to help customers when you need your paperwork signed. "YOU FORGOT THE EMPTYS!" Cases of empty beer bottles. They are disgusting, stink, splash on you with old beers full of cigarette butts. The cases are wet, fall apart and smash all over the parking lot and you need to pick them up. Take a fast turn and your product is smashed or wedged against the door. Yank the door open and cases go tumbling down smashing in the parking lot.

In summary. Just don't do it man.