Papa Pigs Zainy Rookie Solo Adventures

Some of these places treat their loading areas like they are defending the beaches at Normandy. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

Now THAT is funny!

You can count me in!

Waiting to pick up my home load for the week.its been hot and muggy but not too bad. I got my first critical event this week. Was driving 2 my second drop of the day on a country rd. Bee or something flew in my window and started buzzing around my sunglasses, i shewed it off and when I looked down I was on a stop sign. Luckily i was going slow , anyways I hit the brakes and didn’t feel like I was gonna stop but could see nothing was coming, kinda made a California rolling stop and kept going. That’s when I saw the critical event warning “sh@t!” Came back to the dc for a new load and let my fleet manager know. He said it should be no problem so off I go with the new trailer. When I wake up in the morning I have 3 qual messages to please call corporate safety.🤦🏻‍♂️ Those dudes don’t play around. Dude made me feel about 2 inches tall (rightly so I will admit) so yesterday I had to talk to my dc’s safety rep who was waaaay more understanding . I had to do a few strainers before I could pick up my next load. Told me how I could have handled it better and to get my butt back to work. While waiting I was able to talk to my fleet manager face to face for a bit and asked if there was anything I needed to do to be more productive and he said I was performing very well for a new driver and they had no complaints! I’ll take it! After being here and pulling loads and not complaining I can tell the difference in how I’m treated. At first I was just a her new guy, now everyone is friendly and everyone calls me by my name. Werner is a huge company, but besides for the unpleasant call with safety(my fault) everyone has been very professional and helpful. That whole mega companies treat you like crap hasn’t happened to me. I don’t know if it’s from being dedicated or not but I like it here. They understand it’s a hard job and try to make it easier for us.

If y’all remember a few weeks ago I talked about the load from Hell that I complained about. They said to take pictures and they would see about getting me extra money for that unload. I never expected to get a dime but when I checked this weeks paystub they got me an extra $200!!!! For a messed up load. They made good on their word.

With my past 4 paychecks my weekly avg gross has been 1470! Not bad for a shave tail rookie driver! At least not in my eyes!

I didn’t have many opportunities to take videos this week but got a few pics of some crappy loading areas

I will say I don’t know how ppl come to this account without training on it first. A one day here is your job session is not enough and is irresponsible and dangerous. Just my 2 cents. I was able to train on it for a month and was still terrified when I went solo. I am starting to enjoy it now though. If anyone ever decides to do this account let me know and I will offer as much help and advice as possible. If you somehow decide to do it as a rookie, (like my dumb a$$) demand a trainer that’s actually on the account. Don’t go with an otr guy and then come to work. 2 different types of driving and backing completely!

Hope this all doesn’t seem like a big old ramble lol

I'm LOVIN' IT, Ray~! :)

You look beat, though. Glad you are doing well, and enjoying the gig, for sure!

Take care; we will await the vids, then~!

Thanks Anne, I appreciate it. That was a pre coffee morning delivery. That’s why I look so tired lol

Welcome to the finger wagged club.

Although mine was more disconcerting for me than it was for safety

So, I have had a few breakdowns this week due to bad filters apparently. Setting here waiting to get serviced so probably won’t get a load today. Honestly I’m ok with that, it’s been a long week and I am tired.

Learned a few cool tricks though. 1. The roadside service guy taught me how to prime the fuel filter to get the truck started if I ever have the issue again.

2. While talking to an experienced driver on the account about crappy stores and trying to unload with a trailer lean he told me to carry some chunks of boards with me or find some big rocks to put under one of the trailer tires to get it to level out and not lean as bad .(mind blown) I wish I had thought of that earlier. I would like to say I can’t wait to try it but honestly would just prefer a level parking lot lmao.

3. Never using windex again. There is this foam spray cleaner from dollar general that I have been using for the insides of my windshield. No streaks and seems to be anti fog. Also I spray it on the outside before i start fueling, so by the time I Wash it the bugs come off so much easier with minimal elbow grease.

It’s been a long week, but I gained some knowledge and more experience. Fleet managers and Dm are doing their best to keep me rolling and happy. I’ll take it. Werner as a whole has been good to me. I have yet to experience (big evil mega company) vibe from them. Got a call earlier from the guy over all the distributions centers in my region and he wanted to know if I was happy, and if I was being treated right. It might have been a check the block or not , but I believe it’s the right way to do business and appreciated it. Hope y’all are well.

Found out there is a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant in walking distance to the shop. Winning!

Al Pastor with cilantro and lime on corn tortillas!? Yer Killin' Me! Keep posting, I am enjoying the read. It's kind of my vicarious trucking experience.

Mr. Curmudgeon it was really good. Also much better setting there for awhile than in a noisy shop or service waiting area. Way I see it is ya gotta enjoy the little things out here and get away from the cab when ya can.