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Post by rtst1524 on Aug 29, 2004 9:42:48 GMT -5
Are all companies now a days like the one I just left?
Trying to work with these people was about like pulling teeth. Do they think anyone who tries to get into the trucking industry crawled out from under a rock or what. I just can't believe how badly they treat people - no wonder there is such a huge turnover of drivers.
And if you want to mention equipment - broken driver's seat, clanging front end, and a trainer - although seemed like a nice enough fellow, was a dog. I was up for over 10 hours doing the training thing (all the workbooks and discussions on permits, ez passes and the like) and then he wanted me to log it for Sleeperbirth time then drive for 11 hrs- what ever happen to the 14 hour rule? Screw the rule - how about a little decency. And is it common for a trained "professional" to grind almost every gear? A shower after three days would be nice too.
Your thoughts will be appreciated.
later
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polly
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by polly on Aug 29, 2004 13:52:07 GMT -5
Oh heck I'm gona find Miss Nikki's # right now. Maybe I can get her to start posting here. She is so good about helping go with a good company. She did tell my class what is a good company to one person might not be good for another person. Also she told us never abandon a truck. Call safety if they try to force you to over log and if they won't give you the hours you drive.
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Post by truckertom on Aug 29, 2004 17:10:00 GMT -5
"A shower after three days........."
Ya know, when you get a free shower with every fill-up you would think they would use it! I showered everyday when I was on the road (unless it was a layover where I couldn't get to one...then it was a PTA bath.)
But one thing you bring up is that these companies cause alot of their own turnover problems. Todays truckdriving school grad may be alot more educated than those of 15 years ago. I have noticed that myself as a long term driving instructor, todays students are alot sharper than back in '89 when the "now out of business" school I was working at was taking students blind, crazy or stupid.
But I have taken students back to the motel and dropped their butts off and made him take a shower before getting back in my truck. And when one griped about having to take a shower to the schools owner, the owner backed me up! Told him that if the school was paying for his room, he needed to show up for class clean and dressed in fresh clothes.
This smelly student may become a road trainer one day..(barf)
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Post by rtst1524 on Sept 2, 2004 8:18:27 GMT -5
Hi folks,
Just thought I'd update this wonderful adventure. I formally ended my employment this morning with this company (now that my end of the contract has been met) and will be going with a much smaller regional company here in the mid-west. The truck they gave me a test in was comfortable to drive and felt very sturdy. Quite the difference from the large company's.
Will do the paperwork tomarrow - orientation and that kinda stuff.
Before signing on with this new company I checked everywhere to see what their reputation is, but found nothing, even from the locals. So hopefully this will be much more reasonable and will work out fine.
Thanks for your comments and keep that shiney side up.
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snow1
425 Detroit
Posts: 44
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Post by snow1 on Sept 3, 2004 17:50:47 GMT -5
Good Luck rtst1524
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Post by rtst1524 on Sept 25, 2004 20:55:31 GMT -5
Well hi all,
Back again - still another update, thanks for your comments
Been driving with this new company a couple of weeks now - or close to - the training week they mentioned didn't happen. They just gave me the keys and sent me on my way - oh well, didn't want to have to tolerate another smelly anyway.
Despite the cracked windshield the truck seems to handle ok. Getting used to the gears took a little but finally not grinding anywhere as many as my trainer with that other company. ;D
Been doing a lot of maintenance on trailers - can't believe one of their mechanics actually greased the hubs instead of using hub oil. Guarenteed to have to replace lights every trailer switch. Will have to scrape extra grease off other trailers to get enough to grease up my fifth wheel before heading into the hurricane tomarrow since the grease gun I brought with me is empty-the trucks scheduled maintenance will be put off until there is another worker in the shop - they don't know when that will be; trucking, you gotta love it.
The trips are wierd to say the least - but at least they are consistant. Drive all night for the 9 am delivery, 3 hrs to unload, 1 to 3 hour deadhead, loads in about 2 hours, got to be 670 miles by 9 am the next morning. Will get use to it sooner or later I guess. What I like least is waiting for Saturday to get here so I can eat real food instead of vending machine snacks, just don't have time for a sit down meal. I really used to like the Petros and 76s- but they aren't on my refuel lists and 76s don't exhist anymore as far as I know - haven't seen one anyway.
Now I see why there is such a large turnover of drivers in the trucking industry. Definately didn't get better in 15 years. But I'm not willing to to call it quits - will see how the next six months go. Perhaps its just getting re-aquainted with the lifestyle.
later
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Post by Pcuthbert on Sept 25, 2004 22:16:46 GMT -5
Well hi all,
Back again - still another update, thanks for your comments
Great that you have been keeping us updated.
Been driving with this new company a couple of weeks now - or close to - the training week they mentioned didn't happen. They just gave me the keys and sent me on my way - oh well, didn't want to have to tolerate another smelly anyway.
You must have done a good job of impressing them on the road test. Congratulations.
Despite the cracked windshield the truck seems to handle ok
This can be fixed. Be sure to write it up in the pre/post book so that you can have them aware of it. If it meets the requirements for replacement, I am sure that they will do it. If they don't, you could always slap a bug or two on the inside of the windshield. Then it will get replaced.
Guarenteed to have to replace lights every trailer switch.
Be sure to get a few extra while in the shop to keep things right. If you end up replacing lights/bulbs, be sure to report it on the pre/post trip form. It shows that you are doing your job.
Will have to scrape extra grease off other trailers to get enough to grease up my fifth wheel before heading into the hurricane tomarrow since the grease gun I brought with me is empty
Next time in the shop, get a few grease packs from the stores so that you can grease the wheel more easily. Slap two on the wheel, back under the trailer ( with an inch of clearance) and hook up. Off you go. Wheel greased and everything is fine. If thye don't have them in the stores, stop at a parts store and get a few. They are cheap enough that the boss should re-imburse you.
Best of luck with this new position;
Pat
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Post by rtst1524 on Sept 26, 2004 1:30:57 GMT -5
thanks Pat, catch ya on the flip-flop
off to Florida
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