Swift stabbed me in the back

That's the way it should be companies I think uses internet directions.the main thing is you have to be fully alert at all times. which many are not.GPS can be an excellent tool but you still have to watch your signs your surroundings and you still should plan routes with a truckers atlas then compare that with GPS or the companies nav system.if something doesn't look right talk to dispatch about rerouting.

 

Ya but the problem with these companies that have to continuously babysit like swift is, if they don't route them then half on the fleet would be sitting on the side of the road out of fuel because the route they wanted to go didn't have a fuel stop...

 

It wasn't the company's fault! Or the drivers, it was that dagnabit GPS's fault

 

So true.In a word...MAP! Keep your chin up though. Nobody is perfect. Just PAY ATTENTION!!!

 

very true and also drivers won't think for themselves.how many actually even glances at Atlases? they assume because the company routed them it must be correct.not only swift but other companies as well with a high accicident percentage has this type of. Things happen on a daily basis.I can understand why companies have as routing. solution I forgot about the fuel stops and the other thing u mentioned.but its unbelieveABLE how many drivers sang their hand held .companies who continuously let this happen aren't any better.

 

This won't be the last time you get in a bad spot. could be a typo on the BOL, incomplete construction detour, or maybe that's where the load is supposed to go. Sometimes the price of experience is high, but now you have more for next time.

 

Another thing to always remember. Hours before, even a day before,call the shipper and consignee. Speak to a human being, at the very least a direction hotline will help you get in. New roads are constantly being built, construction, detours, weather, accidents, you name it. It's not fun, but it's all a part of this industry. Trip plan from stem to stern, leave early and arrive early. Always be on your toes and expect the expected. Know that the unforseen can and will happen. If you're prepared you won't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. No simulator or class room compares with real world over the road experience. Their are only two types of truckers, ones that have been in a tight spot and those that soon will be. You'll survive and life goes on. Just learn from it.

 

I have been a Harrahs customer for years. Found out they have a casino up in Cherokee NC so after getting empty decided to come up. As I got within 22 miles there was big sign, Trucks Not Recommended lol. Now you tell me. But as I went further into the mix I see steep grade signs with the picture of the truck going downhill. Figure they know trucks go down here lol. 7% grade, sharp switch back turns and drunk drivers leaving the casino. I made it by some miracle, but that is not the route for a rookie. At one turn I looked in the mirror and saw the trailer just barely clear a sheer rock wall as we followed the curve. GPS said the route is OK for trucks-- just barely.

 

Here's my two cents or a roll of quarters maybe.
Once in New Jersey, ( pronounced Joisey ) it's maybe 9:00 PM, while I was training ( as in, I was the trainer ), I turned left one intersection early and was promptly greeted with a weight restricted bridge. Pulled my brakes and popped my four ways, got out to show my trainee to stop traffic so I could back out through the intersection. Before we even made it to the back of the truck there was a Highway Patrol blocking one side of the intersection with his lights on, and standing in the intersection stopping all traffic. All I did was make eye contact with him, and he nodded. I jumped in the truck, backed out, got straitened out, stopped, and apologized for my error.
He said, " No problem whatsoever, have a safe evening."
Now he was probably watching that intersection. So doing the right thing during an honest mistake cost me 10 minutes, rather than what........$20 grand maybe? And my job, and my reputation?

New Joisey #2. Getting near drop, this is about 4 months later in broad daylight, like 4:00PM. Here's your sign on a three lane ; ' Low Bridge 12' 0 " clearance, and the bridge is maybe 1/4 mile up in sight, no where to go around.
Stop, 4 ways. This had two lanes going my direction, this is a truck route, so maybe that's what saved me. But I start backing up, and I notice there is like no traffic. Had to go about another 1/4 mile backing up, just to get to a spot to turn of and go around a block to get pointed the other way. Near that intersection is Lady Bear with her lights on stopping the traffic for a good 10 minutes.
" Ma'am I am so sorry. I swear I didn't see any signs until that one before that over pass."
She says, " There aren't any. Be careful, have a good evening."


So. What is the morale to these stories?



Oh, and chics from Joisey are the hottest. Something about that accent just wrecks me.

 

Atleast it wasn't 10% and switch backs with a loaded trailer worst day ever lol