The Benefits Of Punctuality

Yesterday I finished a 2,000 mile run with a tight time frame and a hard appointment time. I managed to finish the run and arrive thirty minutes early. It was a small distributor of insulation products and there were only two docks, one was occupied and the other had a driver making futile efforts at doing the necessary 90 degree blind-side back into the door. Since I'm pulling a flat-bed I don't usually bump a dock but I wasn't sure where to go and the driver who was going back and forth without ever even getting close to being in the hole was blocking me from even entering the gate so I sat in the street and waited for about fifteen minutes watching the entertaining show. Finally I decided I better just step into the office and let them know that I'm here.

They had already noticed me, and smugly said "well, when-ever this guy figures out how to get his truck backed in here I want you to back in perpendicular to him, and park right in front of his truck. So I did what they said and then they start unloading me just as soon as I can get it ready for them. The other guy comes boiling out of his truck raising sand about them unloading me, because he was there first.

They let him know real quick that he was two hours late and didn't even bother to call and I was there thirty minutes early. I share this not only because it is amusing, but it's also educational for any new drivers just getting started in this business. If you are going to be late, let somebody know, and give them a firm ETA. If you can get there on time then hopefully you will get to enjoy the same treatment as I got on this load.

You don't want to let these receivers give you a "public spanking" like they did to this poor guy.

Yesterday I finished a 2,000 mile run with a tight time frame and a hard appointment time. I managed to finish the run and arrive thirty minutes early. It was a small distributor of insulation products and there were only two docks, one was occupied and the other had a driver making futile efforts at doing the necessary 90 degree blind-side back into the door. Since I'm pulling a flat-bed I don't usually bump a dock but I wasn't sure where to go and the driver who was going back and forth without ever even getting close to being in the hole was blocking me from even entering the gate so I sat in the street and waited for about fifteen minutes watching the entertaining show. Finally I decided I better just step into the office and let them know that I'm here.

They had already noticed me, and smugly said "well, when-ever this guy figures out how to get his truck backed in here I want you to back in perpendicular to him, and park right in front of his truck. So I did what they said and then they start unloading me just as soon as I can get it ready for them. The other guy comes boiling out of his truck raising sand about them unloading me, because he was there first.

They let him know real quick that he was two hours late and didn't even bother to call and I was there thirty minutes early. I share this not only because it is amusing, but it's also educational for any new drivers just getting started in this business. If you are going to be late, let somebody know, and give them a firm ETA. If you can get there on time then hopefully you will get to enjoy the same treatment as I got on this load.

You don't want to let these receivers give you a "public spanking" like they did to this poor guy.

It's always a good feeling when you are rewarded for your Good Efforts but I can honestly say I've never been late due to my own mistake. I'm often hours ahead of schedule if not half a day, my dispatcher was shocked I delivered a load so fast just the other day and he then told me the guy that showed up behind you for that same deliver picked up his load way before I did.

Old School; I find it odd (neat) that the receiver treated one driver poorly, and you well, and at the same time. The respected your time, but not his.

Would they have asked you to wait if he'd called ahead, or still honored your on time arrival over his?

I think they might have if as they said he was two hours late. It seems that although they have a small dock they schedule deliveries to fit what they can handle. Of course, all I'm going on is your experience, but maybe, just maybe, this is a dock that aims to work efficiently and well with the drivers.

Michael, I think the whole reason behind their response was too make a lasting impression on the driver of how important it is to be on time. Much of my flat-bed work has large windows of time on my delivery schedule, but when I get one with a hard appointment I know it is because the receiver usually has to schedule things that way so that they don't have a bunch of trucks waiting in line to get unloaded - they don't have the capacity to handle too many trucks at one time so they make a schedule that will hopefully make things efficient. When someone shows up late and doesn't even bother to call and let them know, it can really upset the rest of their day. So, instead of ruining everyone's day they just try and let it ruin the guys day that started this whole snow ball effect.

I'm often hours ahead of schedule if not half a day

Yes sir Driver, that is the way to make a dollar in this business. You will get more and better loads if you build a reputation like that.

I'm often hours ahead of schedule if not half a day

Yes sir Driver, that is the way to make a dollar in this business. You will get more and better loads if you build a reputation like that.

I've noticed, believe me.. I know people say you get what you get but I often ask for particular loads that give good miles and they don't have a problem giving it to me. My planners all know my truck and they've said on numerous occasions how timely I get the loads done or I how hard I will drive to deliver the load on time.

Great job Old School. I make it a point to let everyone know as hiccups occur and updated eta's. They seem to appreciate it. The other day i showed up 12 hrs early and the guard gave me my door assignment . Appt wasnt till 1100 in the morning. At 0600 I noticed most all the trucks were in doors and mine was empty. I went in and spoke with the lady in receiving. She told me to back in and come back in 45 minutes later . I was outta there and ready to roll at. 0700 hrs. Definetly paid off.

It definitely pays to show up early... most of the time. There are some that I have ran into that will not take you 30 min before your appointment time. Always a bummer, but, it can`t be easy all the time. It does still reflect well on the planners and dispatch.

It definitely pays to show up early... most of the time. There are some that I have ran into that will not take you 30 min before your appointment time. Always a bummer, but, it can`t be easy all the time. It does still reflect well on the planners and dispatch.

Yup, them places that don't take you early are called. Costco and Walmart but if you show up late you better plan to sit there all day.