Stevens Transport Aviary . . cont'

Dodger, i am still in training, but my significant other started getting decent pay about midway thru his grad fleet.
Advice...use your name. Get their name and use it. Learn about them, and remember what you learn. They expect to be chewed out....dont do the expected. Treat them with the respect and consideration you want.

And....food is never a bad idea. Compliance is particularly fond of muffin baskets. Jus sayin

 

Lol Im going to have to be the 6'2" 250lbs guy walking in with a muffin basket.. Im down.. At least I will make some sort of a name for myself. I baked them myself.. And see that bow.. Yup that used to be just ribbon.. Guess if you are going to take a knee and kiss #### may as well go all out. Thanks Flue, so what is it like be a lady trucker? and you said your husband drives also? doesnt seem like you guys would ever see each other.

 

Less than we would like but more than we expected. And as a female trucker there are a few added things that are necessary but overall, its the same....we are drivers, controlling 80k and providing a service.
Female students must be picked up and returned to the yard, no bus or plane to the truck and we interview with potential trainers prior to getting on the truck.
If the trainer is male, both have to sign affadavits on video and before witnesses agreeing that we are aware of and will abide by the policies Stevens has in place regarding sexual harassment and conduct. In addition the truck has to return to the yard midtraining to interview and verify that all is going well.
There are far more female truckers out there than you would think. We are a distinct minority but at no point have i ever felt unsafe or in danger at a truck stop or shipper or receiver or by any trucker.

 

Dudette your cracking me up lmao

 

Well, the most important thing I can suggest is to send pizza to the night crew on a regular baisis...

 

And donuts to the shop when you come to the yard.

(Funny, I don't remember you saying anything about pizza while I was training with you Emul. Must be something new that started after you went inside).

 

We all progress, grasshopper...we all progress

 

Yes, oh wise one.

 

I don't know guys... I come in and ask you how to not be just another truck number.. and all I get is "feed me!" responses... You guys sure Stevens pays you?...You sound a little hungry. LOL

 

Do I detect an acerbic retort my worthy liege?
On a serious note, some of the things a new driver can do to improve their lot in life is get to know who does what. Get to know the load planners, be proactive in seeking out a repower if you're running ahead or behind on a load. Figure out how the clock ticks. It takes some time but it's worth it.
Don't skirt the system or rules. It will hurt you.
Be polite to the inside workers. They're abused from all directions and a mouthy driver just gets you put to the back of the line.
Even when you're right.
Don't believe all the hype about where not to go or which loads are 'bad'. Everyone has their own opinion. We have drivers that do the NYC area all day long and are happy as can be.
I did California a lot and after Produce knows you'll take any load anywhere, you start seeing better loads. When you don't whine to the meat department, "I don't want to go to NY", you start seeing loads with short or no wait time at the meat patch.
Learn which lanes end up where and use it to your advantage. Don't like emptying out in Cheyenne and heading to Lexington? Start shopping for a repower as soon as you're rolling from Cali. You'll probably get one right back to Cali, but your next load will likely be a single pick to Dallas or Cedar Falls with enough time to run it. Find the freight lanes you like and learn how to keep yourself in the 'groove'. Even tho someone else will tell you it's a lousy lane.
Being willing to go anywhere and not complain is the best way to keep rolling and get the miles. The planners will recognize it and keep you rolling. Since you're taking care of them, they try and take care of you.
But recognize, everyone gets crappy loads on occaision. Just accept it and use it to barter another load or curry favor with the planner.