Profile For Ralph G. ( Arejay )

For me, I keep a file of index cards for every shipper and consignee I've been to. It's a huge file.

Name, address, good phone number, my own directions and notes for the place (which gate, best times to be there, parking possibilities, egress route, if the guards are a PITA, etc.).

I don't trust doing it electrically because my card file never crashes, doesn't need a charged battery, or gets any malware.

All good points! I've heard of using index cards and even considered it myself. I started out with notebooks... keeping track of each load and notes about how to get in and out, etc. I know of several others that do exactly the same. I dropped using the notebooks a few months back and am currently just using a sheet of copy paper that has everything I need on it for each location that I deliver to. I'm up to about 160 pages already. I like the paper method and it seems to work OK for the most part, but it does have several drawbacks as well. Hence why I've been wanting to work on this project for some time. I'm mainly planning to build it for my own use, but it is being designed with the idea in my mind that I would like to share it with others that may want to check it out and see if it helps them out.

Yes, Google maps satellite view is a tremendous help... I use it also in my trip planning along with my Garmin and paper diagrams that are provided by Publix for each store. Larger facilities, I agree I've also had little issue with getting in and out also, it's mainly the other stuff that I've found if I'm not super careful I can get into a pinch very easily. I'm mainly working on this project since it is something that I've been wanting to do for a bit and now since I need a project for this class, I have an excuse to actually spend some time working on it to see what I can accomplish with it.

Hey everyone! It's been quite some time now since I've last posted on here, I stay pretty busy working two jobs (one running local loads for a dedicated account locally and a non-driving job) as well as taking online classes to complete a programming degree.

I'm hoping someone here can help, I'm trying to find any websites that have any sort of repository for shipper/receiver directions, notes and ratings to give tips to drivers going to those locations, etc. Other than searching forums for specific shippers or what not, the only tool I've been able to find is the reviews tab for the facility category in Truckers Path. Unless my memory is playing tricks on me again, I could have sworn that I'd come across a site or two a few years ago that offered this type of information. Does anyone here know of any such sites off hand? I've played the Google 'slots' search games and have not had any luck in my searching.

The reason I ask is that I've just started an advanced web development class where I have to plan and build out a complete web site for our class project. The project I've chosen to create will be a trucking "final mile" site for shipper/receiver directions showing things such as facility diagrams, annotated maps, comments from other drivers for things to look out for such as a tight turn into the facility or only enter at a certain gate or watch out for low hanging trees etc.

I've found that GPS tools and maps/atlas is pretty good for navigating to the facility when you have a good address, but those tools almost always fall short when trying to determine the best way to approach or enter the facility in question. For example, I deliver grocery products to Publix stores in Florida... there are often very specific ways that we need to enter the parking lot to be set up properly for the loading dock as there is little room for error or getting turned around if you go in the wrong way.

Any help anyone can provide with the information I'm seeking would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping that if the site I'm planning to build comes out well, that I'd like to find a hosting provider to publish it for public consumption where it may be of use to my fellow drivers out there.

If you have to use PTO time to request specific days off, I'm curious how much PTO time your company is giving their drivers each year?

From what I've seen, the vast majority of trucking companies are notoriously stingy when it comes to PTO and Holiday Pay. The company I'm driving for now gives 5 days a year and they act like that is generous. I contrast that with two non-union insurance companies I've worked at in the past where I worked doing IT support. I received 25 PTO days per year plus 8 to 10 days for company holidays.

Here is what the LTL will be called.

So... out of curiosity, will this new TForce name still be a part of UPS?... Or is it a spin off, or something?

A shortage in your neighborhood Kroger of Libby's canned vegetables is one thing. This news article by CNN is about a shortage that will get the general public in the short hairs:

Coming this summer: Gas stations running out of gas

Well... it seems the shortage is here a LOT faster than 'this summer'....

I stopped at a Circle-K in Lakeland Florida on my way home this evening for a drink. While I was at the soda fountain getting my drink, one of the store clerks came in and announced to the people in line that they had just run completely out of gas. Out of curiosity, I asked her what happened, she immediately said that their distributor missed their 3rd delivery for the day because they don't have enough drivers to keep up with the load schedule. She expected it would be about another 4 or 5 hours before they would get their next load of gas delivered.

So, yeah, if they are running out of gas with their normal daily demand, I can only imagine what it will be like if people all start running out to get gas fearing there won't be any.

Also, Let us not forget there is a bit more to the pay thing than just the almighty CPM. Many companies pay for detention, extra stops, short run pay, etc. etc. Also, and this is a HUGE one.... if you have a good working relationship with your DM, many times they are given a lot of discretion for extra pay and perks they can divvy out to keep their productive drivers happy on the road. An extra $50 here or $75 there may not seem like much, but over the course of the year it does add up pretty quickly... especially when it's free money you get for being a valued professional with your support team at the terminal. As a rookie myself, I've had my DM go out of his way to take care of me with extra pay. Also, I've received great loads when others were sitting in the yard waiting.... I helped out my team by shuttling some trailers they urgently needed moved locally and was immediately given a 900 mile load from Alabama to Maryland, what made that run even better was the deadhead from Lakeland, FL to Pennington, AL was well over 550 miles. Some good money there, when I could have been sitting around waiting for a load at the yard. I know this example doesn't say much about the extra $$ perks I spoke about above, but is an example of getting taken care of when you are a team player and have a good relationship with your support team.

Ralph, who do you work for?

Hey Auggie, I work for Knight out of the Lakeland, FL terminal.

" Better to be at home wishing you are on the road, rather than be on the road (or ditch) wishing you are at home."

That's a good one!

+1 on this one. It's almost worded exactly the same as what I was told when learning to make go/no-go decisions back when I was taking lessons for my Private Pilot License. Here is another old aviation quote that could easily be adapted as sage advice for trucking.

"There are Old Pilots and there are Bold Pilots... but there are very few Old and Bold Pilots!"

I knew a lot of "hospitality management" folks in the military who where mad when they found out they where headed to the chow hall to be a cook.

LOL, I'm curious about what it was they had in mind when they signed up? Did they think they would be learning how to operate a world-class resort while getting first-hand experience running the onsite Ritz Carlton at their local military base? I wonder if those same folks would have had similar mis-conceptions about trucking if they were signing up for a truck driving academy?

... but the actual "freight" is irrelevant, in the long run, the career is what is important for most, is the "making money part" not the job but the "provision"...

Uh, BUT the topic of this thread is about *pay* and how to maximize your earning potential as a driver....

... I am a person who doesn't need a "pat on the back" to get stuff done, and it sounds like you are... I got paid for allot when I were out working, I got paid to shut down whenever it were unsafe to drive, I got extra pay for allot of stuff most drivers don't get extra pay for, again, I guess this was my motivation driving me...

Good for you kind sir... I'm genuinely happy that you know what your motives are in life. That's a tricky one that many people take most of their life to figure out, and sadly there are some who never do.
Now if I may ask, I'm curious where in my comments I sounded like I was looking for a "pat of the back"? I simply relayed a first hand example of how I was able to stay busy and making money when other drivers were waiting. I took on an undesirable task that needed to be done and was rewarded for it with a good run. If that's what you mean by a "pat on the back"... well then, sign me up!!! I'll take em' every chance I get. :)

... FYI, don't keep this going back and fourth, just stop with the commenting please, your comment was in my opinion, very NON-professional. Have a good day....

.... but this was my first reply to this thread? Not sure how I'm keeping anything going "back and foruth"?
By the way, I'm legitimately confused about why or how you think that my comments are "very NON-professional"? Would you kindly expand on that statement with your reasoning?

Also, Let us not forget there is a bit more to the pay thing than just the almighty CPM. Many companies pay for detention, extra stops, short run pay, etc. etc. Also, and this is a HUGE one.... if you have a good working relationship with your DM, many times they are given a lot of discretion for extra pay and perks they can divvy out to keep their productive drivers happy on the road. An extra $50 here or $75 there may not seem like much, but over the course of the year it does add up pretty quickly... especially when it's free money you get for being a valued professional with your support team at the terminal. As a rookie myself, I've had my DM go out of his way to take care of me with extra pay. Also, I've received great loads when others were sitting in the yard waiting.... I helped out my team by shuttling some trailers they urgently needed moved locally and was immediately given a 900 mile load from Alabama to Maryland, what made that run even better was the deadhead from Lakeland, FL to Pennington, AL was well over 550 miles. Some good money there, when I could have been sitting around waiting for a load at the yard. I know this example doesn't say much about the extra $$ perks I spoke about above, but is an example of getting taken care of when you are a team player and have a good relationship with your support team.

There is one thing you don't want to do as you are trying to reach out to recruiters and make a choice on which company to start with. Don't equate your recruiter's performance with the quality of the company for which they work. There are both good and bad recruiters. There are new and experienced recruiters. You have no way of knowing which one you are dealing with. You may get a recruiter who is just being trained. They may not be so great at their job yet. It is a huge mistake to equate your experience with a recruiter to your possible experience at a particular trucking company. Once you are signed up you will never have any more contact with that recruiter.

For those of you struggling with your experience with recruiters, here's a great article for you to consider...

The Biggest Mistake Drivers Make When Speaking To Recruiters

This right here! ^^^^^ +100 to the power of 1,000.

I was going to add that recruiters are employees just like the rest of the world... some are very attentive and good at their jobs... others, not so much. They may hate what they do and are just doing enough to skate by and keep their job until something better comes along. Still others yet, may be average and are just overwhelmed with the demands of their position and particular company.

A quick example for you. There are a couple of companies that are frequently spoken of with high regard in the trucking industry (I won't name names, you know who they are). Imagine that these companies receive a ton of calls and inquiries for jobs because lots of people really want to work for them. It's easy to imagine that as a recruiter for one of these companies, you will be constantly overwhelmed each day with calls, voice messages, emails, applications, etc. all vying for your attention during every minute of the work day. Returning calls and emails falls to the back burner because the live calls are the most urgent and easiest to deal with in the moment.

Anyway, I got a bit sidetracked there... what I'm trying to say is that if we equate the quality of the company with the responsiveness of the recruiter, then we could very well be calling a great company a bad one simply because their recruiters are overwhelmed and trying to keep up with their workload on a daily basis.

I'm pretty sure the barrier for most recruiters is that it takes thought and effort to compose an email that makes sense. It is far too easy for them to talk on the phone and 'shoot from the hip' with the answers to peoples questions. Also (and this is just conjecture on my part) but I would also assume that many recruiters are not very computer savvy, and thus may not type as well as they can speak. The good ones are trained sales people and they do their job by making human connections with live people either face to face or on the phone. Thus they would rather try and answer all your questions with a 10 minute phone call rather than spend an hour of accumulated time reading and writing emails.

They got back to me at night earlier and said I don’t qualify because of the two accidents. Pretty much it’s the wording from England that’s messing it up from England. But it’s okay I’ll put in my time at express and get the trust built up with these other companies. Just something I gotta do better at

Knight!

*like

I'll chime in and third that vote! :)

After taking a break from trucking i just got hired back into Knight last month. Gotta run with a trainer for a couple weeks this month as a refresher, then I'll be back in own truck again.

Which terminal are you looking to run out of?

That's a bummer to hear about Knight, Eric. However look at Old School, for example. He STARTED at Western Express, and continued ON, to Knight. See? That door is STILL open, just a bit down the road, is all.

Do you plan on going flatbed, then?

I wish you the best; please keep us updated, good sir.

~ Anne ~

I'm also a bit bummed to hear that Knight put a pause on their offer to you. I do hope that W.E. will be a good fit for getting you in the direction that you would like to move with your career, going forward.

Knight!

*like

I'll chime in and third that vote! :)

After taking a break from trucking i just got hired back into Knight last month. Gotta run with a trainer for a couple weeks this month as a refresher, then I'll be back in own truck again.

Which terminal are you looking to run out of?

Would you grace us with a diary, of sorts ?!?!? Sure do miss your penning on here, Arejay!!

Congrats!!!!

~ Anne ~

Hi Anne! I could certainly see about doing something short and sweet. Between working now at both Knight and Universal as well as also taking online college classes, I'm keeping myself a bit on the busy side.

Knight!

*like

I'll chime in and third that vote! :)

After taking a break from trucking i just got hired back into Knight last month. Gotta run with a trainer for a couple weeks this month as a refresher, then I'll be back in own truck again.

Which terminal are you looking to run out of?

I learned today that Freightliner is owned by Mercedes, so even if it is assembled here, technically it is a German truck. I wonder, which trucks (tractors) are truly American, I mean owned by American company and made in America.

This is actually quite the rabbit hole....

Mercedes is actually a subsidiary of Daimler AG, so Mercedes and Freightliner would be siblings under Daimler AG.

There are a bunch of other mergers & acquisitions in the mix as well, (including Daimlers acquisition of Detroit Diesel), like the American Telecommunications industry, the mergers, acquisitions and even some divestitures just keeps going and going and going.....

From Investopedia

Daimler AG acquired American truck manufacturer Freightliner in 1981. The company is headquartered in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and it operates as Daimler Trucks North America LLC. The company is known mainly for its heavy-duty class 8 diesel trucks, commonly known as semis, and also produces smaller class 5-7 trucks. Meanwhile, Cascadia Evolution model leads the long-haul-on-highway product lineup.

This is from the Western Star page on Wikipedia

In 2000, Western Star was purchased by DaimlerChrysler, becoming part of the Freightliner Trucks division.[2][7][8]

In 2002, Western Star production was moved to a plant in Portland, Oregon.[9] 4700, 4800, 4900 and 6900 model trucks are still manufactured in the Portland Truck Plant. In May 2015, the Daimler Trucks North America plant in Cleveland, North Carolina, began to build 4700 and 4900 models, as well as assemble all new semi tractor 5700XE models.[10]

.... and I swear I'm not a doxxer. .....

Anne... I'm not keeping score or anything here, but it seems you do say this quite a bit! I'm beginning to wonder..... !?! LOL

Who gave you flack for your decision? Your company? Other drivers?

I'm looking forward to hearing the answers to these questions when Georgia Mike checks in again.

Hey Anne, thanks for quoting in the definition of a Doxxer. I've honestly never heard that before and I've worked in IT support for over 25 years. Not so much in IT security, but more on the client support side and hardware asset management.

The Star Wars R2D2 "Rick Roll" link obviously didn't go over very well..... LOL I guess my little bit of harmless fun at least amused me when I posted it, so there is that, hehehe.