Update. Retirement And Werner

You're a brave man!

Some people love that kind of thing. You know your own personality and the style of work you like to do, so I'll only add that you need to prioritize your personal safety over speed when unloading. A lot of people get injured on that account.

And then there's the backing scenarios...

Good grief man, we all wish you the best. If it's not working for you, switch to some other account before you ruin your chances of enjoying a career at this.

Don't let the money fool you. Any good OTR driver can make just as much or more once they've developed their time management skills.

Noooooo Papa Pig haha. Man I did Dollar Tree with Schneider for about 2 months. It may of been fun riding with a friend but when its just you, slinging 3,000 boxes of freight in 90 degree heat you might regret your decision. Or maybe you won't. I'm a prior Marine myself and thought I'd get the best of both worlds. I'll drive and keep myself in shape. I was in great shape but absolutely miserable. But like me you'll have to find out for yourself. Good luck. And always take your time.

Packrat

I know that it’s not recommended for rookies, but I’m going to do the Dollar general account. I will either be successful or get my ears pealed back.

I rode with my buddy on the account for a week and really enjoyed it. So we shall see.

I appreciate the well wishes guys. I thought about it long and hard. If it doesn’t work out I will switch. I’ll try my best to update the training process and my solo adventures. Stay tuned!!

You can't switch after you have two preventable accidents, say in the first three months. Invisible cars, walls jump out, ditches grab the trailer tandems , etc.

You were warned by several experienced drivers.

SMH....

I know rat pack , I have never been accused of being the brightest tool in the socket. I mean the sharpest bulb in the shed...😀 Truly I appreciate the concern, so we will find out. What happened to the Crete diary? I was looking forward to reading. I really enjoyed your daily log.

Wow Papa Pig; as OS has already stated; “you are a brave man”. I will never understand why the large carriers allow rookies on the Dollar Accounts. These assignments have prematurely ended many careers. There are other options...

Although I cannot comment on the physicality of the account, I can suggest a several things to limit the driving risk:

- know where you are going and DO NOT rely on any GPS to get you safely to a $$$ Store. Use the Truckers Atlas. Write down your route especially entering and exiting a store location. Review it before turning the key. Make notes for each store you deliver to so you can refer back to it. Preparation on an account like this is critical and cannot be underestimated.

- G.O.A.L before you actually setup for your back. Try to figure out the best setup path before you attempt it (if possible). Use a satellite view of the store including ground level so that you have a general idea of what to expect before arriving and know where obstructions exist.

- Ask for help from other drivers experienced on the account based out of your assigned DC. Build a support system, you may need it. Pick their brains when time permits.

- Take your time at all times. It’s likely you will be faced with close quarter maneuvering unlike anything you have experienced or can even comprehend from a truckers perspective.

Although I’ve never run a Dollar account, the above is exactly how I have approached running Walmart in the North East.

Good luck, safe travels and always watch your wagon.

G-town that is some solid advice. I truly appreciate that Also I commend your bravery for running the NE. I have no desire to run there. I also hear that Walmart can be a pain to deal with as well.

I am fortunate that I know my trainer is a solid dude. He’s been on the account for 2 years and loves it. I know he doesn’t take half measures Nd takes training seriously. That being said I know that when I’m solo it’s all on me.

G-town that is some solid advice. I truly appreciate that Also I commend your bravery for running the NE. I have no desire to run there. I also hear that Walmart can be a pain to deal with as well.

I am fortunate that I know my trainer is a solid dude. He’s been on the account for 2 years and loves it. I know he doesn’t take half measures Nd takes training seriously. That being said I know that when I’m solo it’s all on me.

I’m really glad you are actually training on the account and that your trainer is experienced and loves running Dollar. That is pure gold my friend.

BTW...like your trainer, I too love what I do.

Best wishes for a safe and successful start to your career. Try to keep us posted.

Peace.

Made it through my first day of training. Got a little over 400 miles and 5 total backs. After the first few minutes of being nervous and getting used to the truck I had fun driving most of the time. One thing that is gonna take some getting used too is backing in an automatic. I had only used manual before and i will say it’s a bit different.

My trainer had to get a full service done so I got to experience that first thing, then got to do a truck wash.

Once we got to the DG Dc and dropped off the empty , we got our new assignment and hooked up to a new trailer. Thank goodness for a thorough pretrip. 2 severely leaking hubs and top front corner marker out. Would have been nice if the Last driver would have taken the time to red tag it. Would have only taken him 5 additional minutes. Instead we got to wait on it to get fixed.

So day 1 is in the books. Ready to see what tomorrow has in store!

You just learned a biggie. There are alot of lazy drivers out here that don’t even look at the trailers and just write off the paperwork. I always do my pretrips by the book. It really sucks when you find stuff like you just did, but be prepared for it to occur more than once.