question about weather delays

Change your mind set and think like a carrier and not a company driver.

 

You need to ditch that mentality. You're not a company driver once you get your own authority. You're running your own business. Act like it and think like it. Do you think it's a wise business decision to let some other company take money from you in the form of fines? They'll bleed you dry if you don't get your mind set right.

 

I was gona give you a long response. But its not needed, your already a driver. Nobody is putting x amount of money into a rig just to crash it in the snow or ice or what ever.
Not all appointments are strict appointments. For example. A receiver may accept you 8-3.
But your told 1:30..
I can't answer your question. But if the weather is to bad I'm pulling over and that's that.
There are charge backs for certain things. But I don't know what they are

 

If you get in a situation, get it all in an email. Even if you have to call them and tell them you aren't moving an inch until "someone responds to the email I sent". If it's all verbal, it might as well have never happened.

Remember when mom used to say "if you two don't quit it, I'm turning this car around!" Well you're the mom now, and the broker is your kid. If he doesn't like it, tell him you'll whip a U at the next overpass and haul this crap right back where it came from.

I hauled a load recently that didn't pay detention, but I wanted to haul it because it was interesting. I flat out told them in writing "come two hours, I'm leaving." Before I even signed the rate con. They said they understood, and don't worry because these guys are fast. And they were. It was a good load.

 

It really depends on the load itself. Some have urgent requirements with penalties if missed appointment. Learn to watch the weather before you take a load that could be a danger load and don't take it if you are not prepared to do the work. If you do have problems communicating is key and most likely it wont be a problem unless it is a big box DC or store. Then you might have to reschedule and wait a few days.

 

I remember someone here telling a story about TQL filing a claim on a load that arrived late due to a blizzard.

Adversary weather will always be a moral excuse for arriving late and perhaps a road safety necessity to arrive late but contractually it may not always be so obvious.
For instance, the may still have to reschedule your appointment for the next week....

 

If your hauling produce and it’s suppose to get delivered on Thursday… delayed and you get there after hours Friday night and wait till Monday, it may get rejected and you may need some deep pockets. If your doing time sensitive perishable freight you gotta make it on time. If my truck goes down I’ll pay someone 15K to complete a haul for me.

 

One more thing - you'll make more miles with a set of chains and a "can do" attitude. Not saying you don't already have both, but don't let a little weather shut you down.

 

I'm in awe and throughly impressed with the dedication to getting a load delivered regardless that many of you demonstrate. So, I hop this doesn't strike a wrong chord with anyone. It isn't meant as such.
Anyway, that one of numerous reasons I am and intend to remind a company driver. I guess I'm just a wimp, but when weather turns sour, I'm parking it. Been a driver over 2 years, haven't chained once and hope I never do. I always keep track of weather and if the likelihood of needing chains may arise, I park it beforehand.
Then again, I accept less money than I could make as an owner operator, don't have as much control or freedom either. So, I accept those downsides over the risk.
But, in all honesty my hat is off to you guys who do!!