Why is it OK to send drivers to unsafe places not meant for trucks

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DAX_, Apr 22, 2019.

  1. vinsanity0

    vinsanity0 Light Load Member

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    Because "unsafe" can be subjective. I watched a YouTube video of a young man having a hard time straight backing into a spot on a DC yard
    Simple drop and hook. A little tight, I guess, but I've seen worse. He kept going on and on about how the place was unsafe and the company shouldn't be sending drivers there. To a distribution center.

    If you are hauling dry van or reefer it is unlikely you will go somewhere that is unsafe. Difficult? Yes. These other guys are putting it in perspective for you.
     
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  2. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    I'm glad you aren't saying that. You would be amazed how many very intelligent people with college degrees drive trucks for a living.
     
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  3. RunningAces

    RunningAces Road Train Member

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    This has been a great read as I’m headed into Brooklyn for the first time tomorrow morning with my flatbed. It’s exciting to finally be able to get a small taste of what everyone talks about hating so much, like an unpleasant right of passage.
     
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  4. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    Check your route for pop-up construction tomorrow before you roll. Construction zones shift daily in NYC.
     
  5. RunningAces

    RunningAces Road Train Member

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    Thank you. Is there a specific website for pop up construction going on tomorrow morning?
     
  6. RayBlaszak

    RayBlaszak Light Load Member

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    I go to those types of places all the time. First, it has made me a #### good backer. Go slow and get out and look. Secondly, you would rather sit in the dock at US Foods for 6 hours than bump the dock at this other place and be gone in 15 minutes? My company has a driver board. You can always tell the ones who do all the Walmart or other DCs because they whine profusely about the lack of room. In reality there is plenty of room if you know how to close quarters back. I just went to BP in Glen Dale, WV you have to back around a curved wall and with a truck in the adjacent dock the mirrors touch. It's a tricky back but it always seems no one wants to GOAL back up 1 foot GOAL back up 1 foot etc.
     
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  7. dieselpowered

    dieselpowered Heavy Load Member

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    I didn't like them either when I first started but more recent years its more like throw me your best shot. been in New York very very tight areas. Eventually we all learn how to back in areas not meant for trucks and with impatient drivers who want you to move faster . To those drivers rather reg cars or semis pay them no mind do your job and get it done. If they have the balls to step out we will go from there but there aint much makes me move fast. I don't start fights but when they get all puffed up I frankly ask them "I will not move this truck any faster needs to be what are you gonna do about it." Actually had a laugh month ago back I didn't need his help was 1 pull up from finishing but he got out and spotted me not a trucker just average joe. This was after I said one my phrases was interesting for sure.
     
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  8. Farmerbob1

    Farmerbob1 Road Train Member

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    I run Waze at all times when driving to monitor traffic. I use a truck GPS as well, and when headed into major high population metros, I will call 511 and write down turn by turn instructions.

    There really isn't an easy mode to go into someplace like NYC.
     
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  9. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    No disrespect but ... You make the big bucks so you go where the customer is because your paycheck depends on it.
     
  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    It's not the hate. Just have a couple 10's, smokes of both menthol and regulars on hand for the people who will protect your truck while you get a hoagie or a grinder at the curb somewhere downtown. The food is awesome.

    The last time we hit Hunts Point after a lifetime of doing it was the first time I had my wife there. I did not WANT to take her there. That's like verboten, no way. But way we had to go.

    What's interesting was I saw no one after the final left turn and uphill to the point and back out no one, all the corner people gone, roach trucks gone, no DOT either. No walkers, sneakers or parasites. Nothing. All the way back out.

    I told her this was very unusual, extremely unusual.

    She said she prayed since Darien McDees (95 connecticut. I think 31 mm) for a Angel on every corner of our semi. I suppose Gabriel and Michael was in the group that day. Thank goodness.
     
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