First Official Load Turned Down....

So, I coming to the end of my 10hr and I get a call from my dispatch asking if I would do a load to Bronx, NY. Immediately I can feel my heart speed up. I hate to turn down a load...I have only ever turned down our 'cookie' loads due to not being in that great of shape and those being loads that we unload as drivers. This time, I had to due to actual fear and nervousness. I don't feel confident in my in-city driving. Even in other cities and towns I get nervous. It being New York, and everything I've seen and heard(all of the horror stories), I feel like I'll do some actual damage to something. Coupled with my recent past as a driver(an accident that is still not fully resolved yet and almost ended my career as a driver 3weeks into training) compounded my anxiety. I know my dispatcher was a little disappointed, I could hear it in his voice even though he tried to hide it and didn't say as much, I do feel bad that I've let them down.

I don't know if there is a question here other than "Should I have taken it?". I guess I'm more nervous in the fact of having another incident that results in another black mark on my already tainted record for the time. Or did I do the right thing in turning it down? I'm in my 7th week solo and know I shouldn't turn down any loads being this new. I feel like the privilege of turning down loads and taking the more appeasing loads is a perk of experience that I just haven't earned yet. At the same time, I just didn't have a good feeling about this one due to lacking confidence in my own driving in cities.

I think you did the right thing.

I would touch base with your manager on why you would turn it down.

I think you did the right thing.

I would touch base with your manager on why you would turn it down.

I did let him know that it was mainly due to the lack of confidence in my own driving skill.

I think you did the right thing.

I would touch base with your manager on why you would turn it down.

I did let him know that it was mainly due to the lack of confidence in my own driving skill.

As someone that knows a bit about that family unit of a company.... you're in the right.

As said above; explain if so needed. If you were 'my husband' .. I'd have endorsed you to handle it exactly as you have.

Best wishes, Op man.

~ Just me~

You did what’s best for you. Another opportunity will come. Keep racking up weeks WITHOUT hitting anything, other than docks, and maybe you’ll be more confident in the future.

👍

There are a few geographical areas I will not go into (excluding the riots/protests areas): the 5 boroughs of NYC and DC. I've done them before, but not again.

Did you at least check out the receiver's location on Google satellite view? The area in the East Bronx near Co-op City is not so different from most suburban locations, while other neighborhoods have roads and buildings built to accommodate horse-draw freight movements, not 53-foot vans.

Absolutely did the right thing , The bronx is a NIGHTMARE for an OTR driver in a 53 with sleeper especially when new . If at all not very confident in your ability I would not attempt this . You don't need to mess up your driving record for load . I live in this area and transit buses. I see day crabbers struggle. Add in aggressive traffic and yeah .You made a sensible call .