I see you're older than I am, Ms. BlueEyz, so I'll make the leap. Maybe they have an idiotic pay scale based on how fast one can tote that 75-lb weight around at orientation. Yeap, if you can run with it and complete the course in a certain time (young folks only), you get kicked up to a certain pay bracket right from the get-go. Maybe this weight-toting task could be an activity we can all try at Walcott in July during the Truck-boree. That'd be a good way to make fun of it. Maybe we could create a new episode of Movin' On with Will and Sonny going to orientation and encountering this toting test.
Heck, I might even enjoy that, but I better start practicing now. Do they allow retired folks to join in the entertainment?????
I'd definitely fit you in if I ran it, but that's why guys like me aren't allowed to run those things. I'd not exclude people because they're older or fatter. I can understand why they want to exclude the fat and/or the old. With people living longer than ever, they just want to make sure those who weigh 300 pounds more than they should (because of bad emotional-eating habits) can be trusted to drive 80K on the roads. Now, the big question is: IF I'm 70 years old, weigh 460 pounds, am 5'6", have had 5 heart attacks, AND have 90 days experience driving OTR, can I get a job as a trainer? I'm sure I could at some outfits. I'd just have to be able to tote that 75-pound weight around a little bit.
What a shame people make so many bad choices in life. Eating habits is one of them, but then you don't find a lot that is really healthy if your life is on the road. People are are really obese are a risk to themselves and others. Yes, I have seen the men and women who tip a cab over sideways when they step on the running board or first stop up to the cab. These are the diabetics and those who will fall victim to many other diseases. Yet, even the skinny are at risk because of poor health decisions; past, or present. Drug use or abuse, alcohol abuse, tobacco abuse, illicit-unprotected sex, or just not getting the nutrition and exercise needed for a healthy body, mind and soul. There are many who should not be driving truck, but then the drug tests and physicals are not meant to stop the world of transportation. They are designed to produce revenue by the bodies that government regulation. Yes, I said regulation. The Congress deregulated the industry, but at the same time they regulated every drivers life for the purpose of profits and not to make the industry safe. 95 to 98 percent of all traffic tickets are writing for revenue and have nothing to do with safety. That's regulation. 95 to 98% of all warnings issued at the Stated DOT shakes have nothing to do with safety, but borderline administrative details on log books or if you just came through an winter storm with a heavy load, you are over gross because of ice you picked up. Probably within twenty minutes of further travel the ice would be melted and you would down to your legal weight again, but you got a warning based on the fact this DOT cop had to waste your time to justify their job that puts a letter in your driving record; good or bad, it is there and it will weigh in future decisions on your employment. That is Government Regulation. Everytime you are overloaded by a shipper and the documents can prove fraud, but you get an overweight ticket that should have gone to the shipper because they knew better; that is regulation and has nothing to do with you. Every time you check in at a delivery at 11 pm one night for a 1 pm appointment the next day and the dock help goes on break just as you back; then keep you at the dock for 4 hours to empty your wagon, and then go on break again without giving you your paperwork until they return; they have screwed your whole day because unless you have a drop and hook waiting, you don't get re loaded until the next day, and do they give a dame that you have not been paid for more than 24 hours of your time sitting? No! Does the government care? No! Do the people who hold the mortgage on your home and automobiles care? Well, that is government regulation because they don't give a hoot about the needs of a driver. Does not happen? Well I just got a call from a driver in Montgomery Alabama who told me his latest story about how drivers are treated at Big Lot Distribution and the abuse he received while exiting the premises by a low life security guard. Now, this driver had to drive two hours and wait until mid morning tomorrow to reload and the amount of income he has received this week will not make his basic needs expense. The week before was worse yet as he had to take an advance to make his house payment. He better log all this in so it looks correct because, even if he makes no income, he is regulated by the Government. De Regulation? Not Hardly! Big Government! Garbage Industry! Drivers who are unjustly treated because they have NO PROTECTION. Yet, drivers could call me and I could set them on their way to a great income; but only if many of them phone me with open minds and give me the benefit of a doubt. After all, you don't know if you can trust someone unless you first trust them, and from what I saw on the road and what is happening even now, most are trusting the wrong people. Now, it won't happen and many would trash what I have to say while they know in their own minds, I am right on the button. Decisions? Yes, we make them! Then we live with them! I don't pick on fat people, ugly people, or poor people, but I know we all need a little more self discipline in our lives. It might make for better decisions.
Lucky, It seems you had some things on your mind!! Great post and unfortunately quite truthful. It is rare to read a post (that is likely a rant) that is not directed towards a specific carrier. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge of the industry. Be safe!! Creek
I had to edit this post because of too many typo's. I have been reallyl sick the past week and I must have really had bad vision here. Anyway, I apologize and the new post is just above since I could not just edit.
You are very welcome as that is my purpose for spending time here. I am usually very busy, but I would like to believe I have things to say that can help make the world a much better place; at least for those with their minds open and some common sense that promotes good VISION!. Specific carriers, I believe is not the answer as it is the industry that is the problem with additional burdens placed on the backs of drivers because of idiots that work within the management of the carriers; although, you wonder about Senior Management when some of the decisions made don't seem to be fair or just. Best wishes and thanks for the comment.
Lets see I went to training in Millington Tenn.. there was over 100 people in the class. I was promised to leave right away after graduating but that never happened. I went home for a week before I got my mentor. He weight about 420 lbs and the 6 weeks we were out there he only took 5 showers. We ran as a team operation for day one. I drove only nites and all nite. the only time I drove during the day was when the sun was coming up.. But I stuck it out.. so finally I got my truck and off I went. at the end of three weeks when I was suppose to be home I was in sandy utah. and from there I went to vegas. My first time out by myself ended up being over a month and a half.. and even then they didnt want to send me home. so I just sent them a message and drove back to the terminal to return my truck. I was left sitting for so many days my first 3 weeks out I only made 1000 dollars.and with bills to pay and a family to feed I had to leave.. I have had been driving with my class B for 12 yrs and I have had my A for 1 yr.. can anyone recommed and fair company for someone with little experience.. Troy
