The Waiting Game

That is a lot of waiting, we have 1 customer that averages a 3 to 4 hour wait for the driver don't know how the P&D guys do it even with being paid Im so used to running it would drive me nuts.

I don’t know if this ever works for others, but I did this last week;

Delivered to a customer 100 miles from my house on Thursday, no backhaul. Called in & they had drivers in the area from the previous day they were trying to get loads.

I offered to take 1/2 normal layover pay (for one day) if they would preplan me on a Monday pickup at one of our customers about two miles from the house (which they likely would have ended up doing anyway).

They said yes. Saved the company some $, got me home sooner and one less problem for dispatch to deal with.

I find, if I can make someone else’s job easier while achieving my goals, it works.

Disclaimer; I had 800+ miles (more than avg.) the previous week and I only drive southeast region.

Smart move Steve! I talk a lot about being creative in this job. What you did is just the sort of thinking I'm talking about. Nice job!

Smart move Steve! I talk a lot about being creative in this job. What you did is just the sort of thinking I'm talking about. Nice job!

Thanks! This week I knew I needed miles. So, when I got a load assignment yesterday, putting me in another tough backhaul area, I offered to take a Friday pickup that takes me farther from the house. But, most drivers don’t like the load so close to the weekend.

Again, they gave it to me. I was planning to drive the weekend anyway. This gives me better miles and allowed me to slow just enough to not burn my 70 clock too fast.

I keep learning FROM YOU! 😎

I keep learning FROM YOU!

Haha, thanks for the compliment, but it sounds to me like you're getting it done with your own solutions. I like seeing that!

I keep learning FROM YOU!

Haha, thanks for the compliment, but it sounds to me like you're getting it done with your own solutions. I like seeing that!

Steve L., I'm not a trucker .. but knowing what bit I do, it sure seems like you played your cards WELL, man! The credit given to O/S just touched my heart to show up and reply here. My husband hauls paper products, and is 'essential' atm. SO many people .. even WITHIN his company, want to try to play the 'sick' card. My Tom is rolling hard, long, and bringing the rig home to save 1.5 hours if and when he can.

You all are AMAZING.

PS: As part of my 'research,' I encounter people in other 'places,' let's say.. other social media venues if you will. You, Old School, are quite the benchmark to many. I miss your blog, yet understand the time issues overall with life and driving. I do, sir... I do.

Best wishes to ALL y'all~!

The trucker's wife,

Anne :)