Schneider Georgia Pacific Dedicated

O/S your spot on with your comments. I enjoyed the predictable parts of that account, as you pointed out getting to know some of the folks and the small advantages you can get in your favor by that relationship. Also the miles were very predictable, which was nice at that stage of my career.

I guess with that particular company the hard part for me was they always used the term “those are the companies policy”. Then you go to different plants and find the company policies seem to vary greatly. Was very frustrating at times. I’ve also hauled chemicals to some of their plants these days. Seems not much has changed as a company culture with them.

Ahh I see. Thank you all for the comments. Nervous for sure because with only have been out for 3 months I still know I have tons to learn, backing still isn’t the strongest, but getting better. When I turned in my two weeks notice My DM here at western actually asked me to run a dry van during that time to see if I would like it more and consider staying. It’s not that I don’t like flatbed, I actually thoroughly enjoy being more active with the load but the dedicated accnt has a lot more perks that just hit more home with me. Home time of course is of high value and western caps you off at 4 days no matter how long you stay out and of course you end up having to leave the morning of your 3rd day anyway. And also I like the predictable mileage. they also have a minimum pay as well. But I took on the dry van side and I’ll continue that until my last say to get as much practice in as I can get. My problem is a get so anxious when I go to backing but I’m learning to go a lot slower and if ppl get mad then they just get mad. Tandems are something I had to learn as well they still get a little tricky but I’m getting there!

There is a world of difference between the two for sure. We all struggle with backing and you will at times in the future. Espically at the end of a long day. Most GP plants will not let you take breaks on property so you will need to do a good trip plan not to get caught out of hours. Alot of them should be drop/hook on your pickup and that helps. They tend to be located in remote areas.

Wish you all the best with it.

Hey PJ can you explain more about the heavy rolls of paper? Would the driver have to unload them?

Hey PJ can you explain more about the heavy rolls of paper? Would the driver have to unload them?

No, the rolls of paper tend to weight between 2000-6000 pounds. At least in my own experience hauling from GP or any paper company alike.

GP makes basically 2 sizes. Some are short and easier but the tall ones just barely stand up in a van trailer. They usually sit them on some black matting stuff. They are very top heavy. Either way the customer unloads them.

Oh ok. That's a relief anyway. So the load being top heavy does that mean that a driver would have to be more careful on turns so the load doesn't tip the trailer?

Oh ok. That's a relief anyway. So the load being top heavy does that mean that a driver would have to be more careful on turns so the load doesn't tip the trailer?

Yes, slow on the turns for sure.

Usually two sizes: Heavy, and Heavier.

The biggest rolls are maybe a foot shorter than the inside of the trailer, and about one foot of space on each side. VERY heavy, but we only have six on the trailer, so the unload is fast.

Wow! You're not kidding when you say BIG! Thanks PJ, PackRat and Jamie!

Hey guys realized I never updated you all. Schneider and GP was definitely a great move for me. Miles are there, home time is priority, pay is good. Perfect fit so far! Almost 2 months in and I don’t have any complaints.