Profile For PackRat

Welcome to my last two days.

Detention at two shippers and one receiver for the last two trips.

"I love the customers, I love the customers, I love the customers..." Everybody sing!

Here's a perfect example right now. I'm at a shipper, in the dock for the past three hours. In this time, I've had at least six drivers approach me looking for the shipping office. I'm better than most at identifying people by facial features, attire, or accents.

1 Eastern Asian

1 Caucasian

1 Somali

2 Hispanic

1 Trinadad and Tobago

Everybody from everywhere drives.

I made my escape at 0630 this morning.

The same Diva was at the counter this morning, swearing she called yesterday. Odd because she couldn't tell me the number she called when I asked what it supposedly was. Then I get called a lying fool, just before she slams the window closed. A real professional.

We don't have company GPS at Crete, either. Routing steps directions, but these can be way off at times.

Are you bi lingual? CFI has many hispanic drivers. We also do tons of shipping across our Southern boarder. We have a terminal in Laredo and drop yards from Texas to California along the boarder. Being able to speak Spanish is a plus down here.

Truck drivers come from all backgrounds. Be a safe professional driver and you will be respected.

Good luck and relax and smile.

Bi Lingual....shoot! Don't forget going into Canada, the other border. Tri Lingual is even better.

With this many questions, there should be only one answer: Go drive for someone else.

It may have been, but not certain. I've been to a few Meijer's up there.

Currently for today's latest starburst:

I get to the receiver today for a live unload at 1300. Trailer into the dock, disconnect, go park the truck out on the street, and we will call you once we are finished.

After four hours, I call their office about the trailer, and that goes through a phone tree to a voicemail box that is full. At the six hour mark (1900), I decide to drive the 3/8 mile back to the office to inquire in person.

Not so fast Driver! The gate is locked, and all the cars have departed the lot from another exit. Topping it all is this gem:

THERE IS NO NIGHT SHIFT!

So now I must wait until at least 0600 tomorrow morning for hostage negotiations to begin for both my empty (hopefully) trailer, as well as my paperwork.

Detention pay ain't going to cut it on this one, but I will try to keep it professional in the morning with the day shift clerk. I'm not coming to this place again, though. I'm only willing to get shafted once.

Super, detailed posts, Chris! I feel as I am there, too.

I drove by this one two days ago on I-44 in Missouri.

What they want to see is that you're reliable. Steady employment with no gaps, or in school learning. Hours aren't a huge consideration at all. No large, blank blocks of time.

Yes, you need to get it all paid ASAP. It will be a ding as an outstanding debt on your credit history until you get this resolved.

Damn! I smile and also shed a tear because some day that will be me. A tough day for you.

I salute you for all your contributions on here, too. Please don't be a stranger! We still need experience and the wisdom of seasoned drivers here.

So you are still with Swift?

Wanted to say THANKS to everyone for their input. I'm in my last week of training and have already accepted a job offer with Western Express. Just have to get that license and then go thru the Clearing House, which will be no problem. Again, thanks everyone!

Just curious if FreyMiller turned you down?

How are things going at Swift for you Zach? Getting lots of miles since you should be a solo driver by now? How many miles are you getting each day? Making more money there than you saw at WE? We haven't read any updates from you in more than a month.

That's about the last thing a new employee should be asking: "what about days off"?

Seriously?

I would be asking how many days can I stay out to gain experience and learn my trade.

Just me at the Flying J down the street.

I would bring the clothes listed, as the weather and temperature can change dramatically during a day. Last year in Washington, I saw it go from 37 degrees to 105 degrees in a single day.

Inside my truck, it's usually between 65 and 70 degrees year round.

One other thing you may consider is an umbrella. I carry one on the truck, and this takes up minimal space.

Why get it, then wait to begin driving several months? It's really a useless endorsement unless you utilize it.

My personal record for a dry van unload was at a Meijer DC some place in Michigan: 14 hours in the dock!

Longest time at a shipper for a scheduled appointment was 28 hours. I picked up a trailer that was a full day behind being loaded.

For me pulling dry vans, anything having to do with a grocer warehouse/DC makes me cringe.