Capt._Chaos
August 27th, 2005, 21:27
This week, I'll give the newbies some advice on how to get in, around, & out of big cities safely, and with less stress!
(1) When preparing to make a delivery, do yourself a favor and call the consignee at least 24 Hrs. in advance to be sure an appointment has been scheduled. Fighting your way into a town only to be turned away because your company goofed and didn't have their act together is infuriating!
(2) While you have the consignee on the phone, ask for VERY DETAILED driving directions, and ask for the best truck route. Usually, the receiving clerk or shipping clerk is the best person to ask for such information.
(3) NEVER ask for directions over the C.B., as you sometimes never know who's on the other end- that person may have bad intentions, and can lead you into a bad area with no way out, resulting in possible freight theft, and worse yet, putting YOURSELF in danger of being mugged or killed!
(4) Remain calm, as your better judgement depends on it!
(5) Before you drive into that city you're delivering to, take a look at the map to familiarize yourself with where you're going. Try to find a company terminal or truck stop near the delivery point, so if your company doesn't have a load out for you right away, then you'll have a safe and legal place to park. If there's nowhere to park, then contact the dispatcher while you're getting unloaded and either get another load planned for you, or get the OK to deadhead out of the city to a safe and legal place to park. Finding a place to park & wait for a dispatch in New York, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, and Los Angeles is next to impossible.
(6) Be sure your cell phone is charged up, as you never know if and when you'll need it!
(7) Use common sense in protecting yourself, as many deliveries will be made to not-so-good areas of town! Keep your doors locked and windows up. If a "bum" approaches you asking for money, DO NOT pull your wallet out, as it can be gone in an instant!
(8) Be sure the trailer doors are padlocked ON BOTH SIDES!
(9) Last, but certainly not least, clean your windows and mirrors GOOD, as you will need to be able to see EVERYTHING around you, especially when backing into tight docks with the sun's glare from behind you.
(10) If you get lost, don't hesitate to call the shipper/receiver or the Police Department on their NON-EMERGENCY number.
Be safe!
(1) When preparing to make a delivery, do yourself a favor and call the consignee at least 24 Hrs. in advance to be sure an appointment has been scheduled. Fighting your way into a town only to be turned away because your company goofed and didn't have their act together is infuriating!
(2) While you have the consignee on the phone, ask for VERY DETAILED driving directions, and ask for the best truck route. Usually, the receiving clerk or shipping clerk is the best person to ask for such information.
(3) NEVER ask for directions over the C.B., as you sometimes never know who's on the other end- that person may have bad intentions, and can lead you into a bad area with no way out, resulting in possible freight theft, and worse yet, putting YOURSELF in danger of being mugged or killed!
(4) Remain calm, as your better judgement depends on it!
(5) Before you drive into that city you're delivering to, take a look at the map to familiarize yourself with where you're going. Try to find a company terminal or truck stop near the delivery point, so if your company doesn't have a load out for you right away, then you'll have a safe and legal place to park. If there's nowhere to park, then contact the dispatcher while you're getting unloaded and either get another load planned for you, or get the OK to deadhead out of the city to a safe and legal place to park. Finding a place to park & wait for a dispatch in New York, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, and Los Angeles is next to impossible.
(6) Be sure your cell phone is charged up, as you never know if and when you'll need it!
(7) Use common sense in protecting yourself, as many deliveries will be made to not-so-good areas of town! Keep your doors locked and windows up. If a "bum" approaches you asking for money, DO NOT pull your wallet out, as it can be gone in an instant!
(8) Be sure the trailer doors are padlocked ON BOTH SIDES!
(9) Last, but certainly not least, clean your windows and mirrors GOOD, as you will need to be able to see EVERYTHING around you, especially when backing into tight docks with the sun's glare from behind you.
(10) If you get lost, don't hesitate to call the shipper/receiver or the Police Department on their NON-EMERGENCY number.
Be safe!