Reefer vs. Dryvan

Ltl reefer for me on paper logs equal money.I would do 5-7 stops in Chicago/Wisconsin and hardly had any wait time sometimes as soon as I hit the dock down at the Fulton market they would already be pulling pallets off even Sysco in Jackson,wi I was in and out regretting I ever quit that gig.

 

Sounds like a good gig...don't know what company you were with, but sounded like they had priority. Have a couple buddies running for McLane...few loads they have that aren't driver unload they get first door priority and never wait long.

 

Good gig most places in Chicago I went to we're small mom and pop type warehouses either one dock or unload you on the street and Sysco was driver unload and as soon as I broke down pallets receiver come over and checked me out and I was on my way.

 

I do have to say the ma n pop places are usually a pleasure to deliver to. There was a small farm in Upstate NY I would backhaul potatoes to from my Cali run...would unload 43-45000 lbs of potatoes in 15 mins. Yet a 5 pallet load at a Walmart DC takes an avg of 4 hours...go figure

 

No, you didn`t sound negative, you`re just saying it like it is. Anyway, your tips sound like great advice so I will make a note of them. Obviously I don`t know much about this industry at this point, but I am impressed with all of the experienced drivers on this site who are so willing to reach out and help fellow drivers, there`s a real sense of brotherhood amongst truck drivers. Thank you so much!! Maybe one day soon you will make the move to another company and improve your job situation? I`ve just been hired by Shaffer and I`ve heard nothing but good things about them.

 

I guess it`s easy to say I hope I can drive mostly at night when I`ve never actually experienced it in a truck, lol. guess I will live and learn. thanks for the reply!

 

I used to be a fan as well...years ago

 

Crete/Shaffer has a lot of policies that typical mega carriers have that I won't deal with(slow trucks, no inverters, etc). With that being said, they do seem like one of the better ones...decent pay, seem to keep drivers moving, decent equipment. Being no expert, from my experience/limited knowledge, I think you picked a good company to start with. Biggest piece of advice I can give you is to be professional, pay attention, take your time, and don't sweat the little things. The first time I had to blindside back into a tight, darkly lit spot late at night at a truck stop, I was ready to have a nervous breakdown...probably took me 20-30 minutes to get into that spot. Looking back, there was nothing wrong with taking that long to do it. Don't be afraid to take your time with everything at the beginning.
Also don't pay attention to any drivers busting your chops about parking or backing into a door etc. There are some douche canoes out here that think they were born with an Eaton shifter in their hand lol.
I actually just gave my two week notice today on great terms with my current employer and will be going IC on Schneider Choice, so I have taken care of that lol.

 

lol, yeah I`m looking forward to the hazing as soon as they quickly discover I am a rookie. I`m sure I will be doing a lot of praying, lol
hope all goes well with your new job! I`m a firm believer in always leaving on good terms because you just don`t ever know what life is going to throw at you in the future

 

I`ve heard that some companies hand out 'Rookie Driver' hats for their new drivers to wear....I don`t think that is going to work well as a deterrent, lol