Sometimes It is best to Bite The Bullet...

As I read more posts on this site and others, I have to wonder if it is the companies or the Drivers. Before I had to leave I got sick of all the whining and comp,aining. And after starting to read in the forums, again I see more whining and crying.

I haven't been real happy about where I have to "retrain" but also realise that there is not a darn thing I can do. Whining can't resolve anyone's issues and until we get honest with ourselves, well, how can we face up to what it is that we need to do to make the job any easier, so that we can stick stick it out?

I can honestly say that I helped create a few of my own problems, a stalker ex-hubby, some stupid decisions as to who to tell things to within the Companies I worked for.

If I had a company to run, and Paid out $50,000--$70000 per truck you can be darn well sure I would be a picky SOB. No to mention Authority, tags, and all the rest. Compny drivers don't want to look at the investment made into a large company, and the lossses they can face.

My cousin Underwrites for CR England, Trans Am, Helwig, and SNI. He has told me that the companies that want the best drivers are those paying the lowest premiums, because they ONLY HIRE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS, with 3+ years.

Having been out there and coming back as a newbie is killing me. I can stil recite the map by heart, remember the most important truck stops, and, having been a meat hauler, even the meat patches and how to get there.

SO, right now I am grateful to have a job, and am prepared to stick it out no matter what. I am sure there will be days whenI want to quit, and give up, it happens even when you are happy with a company. I know I can do this, and live in trucker hell for awhile. Being a robot isn't my cup of tea, but if I want back in, I am left with few choices.

I also can say that changing jobs like your underwear does nothing for your DAC, and makes the decent companies look at you in a worse light. My ex did that and I am sure that he is now at the bottom of the barrel. He is never happy ANYWHERE.

Time to go, Take care, and beware....Just look b4 you leap, this is a good site, and honest, but at times you have to look at how you are contributing to your own misery.

 

Well said! Keep us posted on how you're doing with getting back in the game!

 

As I read more posts on this site and others, I have to wonder if it is the companies or the Drivers. Before I had to leave I got sick of all the whining and comp,aining. And after starting to read in the forums, again I see more whining and crying.

I haven't been real happy about where I have to "retrain" ......



I've not been real happy with losing my job after 29 years, and having to learn to be a trucker... however... we do what we must, and I had been pretty much commited to the learning process- starting at the bottom to learn the ropes- and I guess I still am. I must be... I have responsibilities, just like all of you... and I've begun orientation with a large carrier starting today (Tuesday) and looking forward to being put with a mentor Friday for at least 6 weeks... I've enjoyed meeting new people and have been fully open to the learning process... BUT... Today I have been pretty much flabbergasted at how disorganized and muttled the orientation process is. Transporting the group around for physicals (I already had a DOT physical for driving school, but for some reason not good enough for the company and had to get another) and a different clinic for stress testing (lifting, bending stooping) and then a second drug screening (again, I just had one for swchool 3 weeks ago)... oh the transporting... not a big enough van to haul the whole group around so several trips were necessary. The company? Swift Transportation. One of the biggest (if not, THE biggest) I was quite disappointed. Day 2 tomorrow. After day 3 I am supposed to get on with a mentor for 6 weeks. I have all of my gear, (and obviously my laptop) but I don't know if they'll have a mentor for me! I might have to wait a couple of weeks. That's all just hearsay so far though.

I still have an open mind. I am somewhat flexible. But I was told I would be working by the end of the week. I have pre-hire agreements from at least 5 other companies. I will be quite upset if they cannot put me to work after the recruiter had told me I had already had an immediate job.

Currently I am not whining, however I am reserving my right to do so.

Floyd->>>

 

Heck, all truckers whine or complain at some point. Some just do it more often than others!

 

Every employee in every job finds occasion to whine a bit.

However, with the exception of the military, I don't know of any other job that has as many employees -doing essentially the same thing- as trucking does. yeah, we gonna whine and complain a bit

 

You have to be heard some kind of way. Whining is a truckers right.

 

Doggone it !!! I was in a good mood until I started reading this thread.
Isnt channel 19 for whiners now? DRIVE SAFE

 

There is no question that whining goes on at every work place every single day by someone. Some people just seem to have whining in their nature.

What I don't understand is why people in general seem to be more willing to whine than to do anything about what it is they are whining about. There are people at my work that honestly would not be happy if they were not whining.

Although I have not been involved in the world of trucking for very long it is apparent that many things need to change. So many Drivers seem to be treated no better than indentured servants. You guys and gals work countless hours for which you receive no pay. Companies purposely damage your work history and future career by putting fraudulent statements on your DAC report. It is appalling to say the least. So in that respect some whining is understandable. I just wish there was as much energy put forth in trying to make the conditions change.

Maybe it’s because I work in a HEAVILY government regulated industry but surely there must be laws that can be passed, regulations that can be implemented, something that can be done to better the conditions and treatment of drivers in general. You are after all hauling everything that every one of us has an opportunity to eat, purchase, drive, sell etc.

I say Whiner’s Unite and take a stand! If you think the economy is bad now.....let every driver everywhere say I will not move another inch until some of these things are changed and watch how quick the world stopped spinning!

Just my $.02 worth.
.

 

Very well put and I raise ya $.02 cents.

 

I also agree that there are times to whine just as there are times to let it go. As far as being at the bottom, well, try doing this most of your life (I also have a Master's) and because you lose a few years they put you as close to the bottom as they can? I suppose I could whine all day about it, but I just "Keep On Truckin".

I do hear enough whining on the Cb, noone ever is happy with what they got, Fair enuff!! I have even been a whiner myself in the last few days!

I am finding this place a lot to bear in many ways, yet amidst the confusion of a new company, and one I came to with a bad attitude ( because of all I read) I am not so sure it is a BAD place to be! It seems that there is a lot of support here for many types of drivers,newbies,students, and even those of us with a dip in our records, and the experienced drivers This is one company that does seem to want a good record themselves, and even though they know the drivers might not like it they encourage safety. They are working with a sleep study from Australia and they do a profile on your best working and driving hours, and then give it to the Driver Managers.

I also have researched the Lease Program, and they told me right out front that there is no "balloon Payment" in a few years,( this means that the truck is never really yours, you are in effect "renting it".

Perhpas this is a question not asked by anyone who leased here, and if so than it is their own fault. Yes, they do push leasing, and I am sure it is partly a benefit to them, yet why is it so bad when you can lease an alomost brand new truck for a 6 month probationary period, as long as they get 30 days notice that you are done as a lease Operator. And it applies even to the longer leases, and they are willing to let you rent for 6,8 ,12,24 or whatever you want. And you can get a new truck if you decide to upgrade the truck you rent for 6 months, as those are 12-24 months old. I found a gorgeous International in their lot today, but I have to wait 3 weeks and it will be gone. But they can get whatever you want. You are not restricted to the same as everyone else. I think 6 months is a good way to get an opinion as to your future ideas.

So, is it the Company or the Drivers not getting the right info they would have liked.

I have a lot of questions in my notes, so if anyon has any they only need to ask. The only problem I have had is a sense of structure, and also after getting in Saturday night, I got a knock on my Door, and another female was moving in, and she was a non-smoker. I liked her, but she immediately went to the front desk to tell them that I was a smoker and she can't room with a smoker. THey called up and pitched a fit, the "company doesn't allow smoking in the rooms". Then came the manager. With the Driver in tow. I then told them both that I had 4 hours of sleep in 2.5 days, and my sleep time was getting less as I had to get up for work by 5:30 a.m. and it was 10:00 p.m. I also said that I had a request for a smoking room, and this was what I got, and it had an ash tray,and that if they wanted to make an issue I would find an Atty to settle it. I glared at the other driver (what a rat! what kind of driver rats out another...don;t answer that!

They both left me alone to smoke, and I went to bed. I got up at 4:00 a.m. and went to the place we were supposed to catch the van. THere must have been 35 people there, drivers to be, and it was like watching the Cows get into the Slaughter line at the Meathouse. I almost wante dto ask where the Prod was, and how they got so brainwashed. I did mention it to the driver who had been with me at the bus station waiting for the van. He felt the same way. Between Motel Helland the group of cattle, all in their new hats, literally lining in formation to get on the bus to Orientation. The driver threw us off because we did not have to be there until 11 a.m. for the physicals. I could not believe that I had ahd less than 8 hours in 4 days now and I was getting physicalled and going to Orientation on a Sunday! My theory was that the Dr was giving everyone "shots" to send them on their way to being "good little robots" and told my friend to let me know if I came back sounding like I had met Allah or Jesus.

In any case, it has gotten better, I am actually enjoying myself, and may just yet do the 6 month lease, and get out if it is bad. These people who are complaining of this place and no miles, and that they are stuk with a huge truck payment, well, it isn;'t true. I got all the Specs today from the Truck Salesperson, and am seriously thinking that although I may be nuts, it is also a biut better for me and my kitty, as company drivers are not allowed pets. See how it is in 5 months, and if I still want out, give 30 days on the truck, then leave.

Have a Happy!

For the Swift Student, if you cannot stick it out let me know. YOU can have a bus ticket from there and be here in 2-3 days, start Orientation on Sunday. Better Equipment here, and the training,m no matter what you hear is basically really good!