Werner And Dollar Tree Route

We don't like hearsay

That's why we call it "Trucking Truth!

I haven't delivered to dollar tree or any of the dollar type stores. I have seen where they are located though and I wouldn't want to try to get into some of those places even very early before the shoppers are out. I did deliver to target stores back in my time with Swift some of those stores were bad enough to get behind. Just my 2 pennies worth.

Brett, from what I've seen and heard (i know. That naughty word lol) i would say that the dollar accounts are even harder than food service is. There are quite a few similarities between the 2. You're required to do some hard backing, many times off busy streets. You're required to put that trailer in many places that weren't designed with getting a truck in there, and also the physical aspect of it. The biggest difference in my opinion is that with dollar accounts you don't have a choice but to figure out how to get your trailer lined up with the back door of the store. With food service i have to wheel the product down a ramp on my 2 wheel dolly, sometimes up to 400 pounds. Dollar store boxes are most likely less weight. Atleast with food service though if i don't feel confident enough to get my trailer into a spot ill walk the extra 20 steps. Dollar accounts do not have that luxury.

I do not recommend taking the same path I took, i have been fortunate that i went through a 12 week training period. I've had numerous close calls, and learning experiences, however id say it is better to start the way i did over dollar accounts. Of course, getting that important 1 year of OTR of experience is usually more valuable for your career.

Yes I did! For two years!

I gotta Agree with Patrick C!! Don't do it! I've heard nothing but bad things about how they abuse the drivers on that those runs. Keep in mind you have to help unload the trucks.. You do regardless of what they tell you. If the store people who work there are good, thtn they will help you, BUT many times they have one person show up, who moves slow and doesnt care if it takes all day. I have heard endless stories of what happens at these stops, byt some good friends of mine who have actually driven these loads. Seriously...Don't do it!!

Be real careful about using "I have heard" here. We try to keep things at a personal experience level. Have you run a Dollar account yourself, AAV?

USMC AAV wrote in reference to having experience on. Dollar account:

Yes I did! For two years!

Help us understand why you initially replied with "what I heard" (twice) instead of what I know and have experienced.

What we "hear" is usually not valuable,...however sharing direct experience relevant to an inquiry is priceless. Takes on all new meaning with significant credibility.

USMC AAV said:

I've heard nothing but bad things about how they abuse the drivers on that those runs.

That is an odd way to respond to a question about a division you were in for two years, ya know what I mean?

So that the moderators understand how I phrased previous comments. When I started in trucking about 11 years ago, my first job in trucking was a dedicated route doing Dollar General. I did it for two years (actually 22 months), in case anyone wants to reference my comments on my profile page later on. Since i have not done it in about 9 years I cannot say specifically what happens now. Although the people I talk to actually do that route, because I know a few who actually Do it Day in Day out and one specifically who trains drivers on that route. So when people I know who have been in the industry for 7-11 years tell me something and how it is, I listen. These people are not random people I meet at truck stops or just a random driver in a restaurant who got out of the truck with that route.

USMC AAV said:

I've heard nothing but bad things about how they abuse the drivers on that those runs.

That is an odd way to respond to a question about a division you were in for two years, ya know what I mean?

Sounds good, USMC AAV. Only one concern.

You said they "abuse" their drivers. I've worked the Dollar Tree account for US Xpress and it was a really, really tough job but they certainly weren't "abusing" us, ya know what I mean? If you know of actual abuse then by all means we'll discuss it. If that was just another way of saying it's a brutal job then just be aware of how you're describing it, ya know what I mean?

It's all good.

I run Dollar General with Werner, I've never felt abused. Actually, they leave me alone most of the time. I'm making decent money, its not that bad.

Shawn chimes in:

I run Dollar General with Werner, I've never felt abused. Actually, they leave me alone most of the time. I'm making decent money, its not that bad.

Good for you Shawn. Please, tell us more.