Terminal manager jumping on me about the truck interior being too dirty.

Posted by bentstrider83@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 45 comments

My tractor was sidelined due to check engine light and derating. I mop and vacuum that thing as often as I can and I still get that treatment. Heading to out tomorrow again. But it just made me go off on him and now I'm seriously over my mentality. Gonna just pack even lighter than before and keep as little things in the truck as possible. Even food. Just water and a couple bags of nuts a day. The managers right. And now I'm desperately resorting to cutting back on as many possessions as possible. Better to be able to pack up and go at the drop of a hat. I wouldn't say I'm a hoarder. But that order really set me off. It angered me. But also galvanized me into just wanting to go hard on the decluttering mission. Some of us are allowed to have things. The rest of us just need to get used to minimalist living.

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firemarshalbill316@reddit

Everything in my truck is replaceable. I use to carry a lot of stuff but not anymore. My microwave, is my only real throw away item. The rest fit in my near empty duffle bag. Everything else is work clothes and toiletries that all fit in the duffle. Easy to pack and get an Uber to an airport and say bye Felicia.

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

I'm really going to have to do a proper inventory and see how bad I am. I got a Kobalt tool set, cordless drill and shop vac, both of which are also kobalt. Changes of clothes that fit entirely into a school backpack. Bed material, and mopping/wiping supplies. Then there's cooking implements, frozen veggies, green apples and meat. And my 5 gal water tank. Then there's my folding fat tire ebike that sits in the passengers seat. It's essentially my "car". To and from the yard to the house and also road recreation. Definitely going to see where I can trim the fat. I don't do "super over the road". I'm primarily regional running out of Hartley TX. But maybe I don't need to be fitted out like I'm going across the Australian outback🤣🤣🤣🤣

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firemarshalbill316@reddit

That's a good setup. I just keep enough food for a day or so like some veggies and other light foods. Blankets and sheets are expendable. I have some knives that are grooming appliances not weapons 😉. I just try to stay light in case I have to switch trucks it doesn't take as long to move stuff or if I bail on the company or easier to buy sheets and other expendable again. I knew a guy who cooked full meals in his truck he grilled eggs, bacon and made waffles or pancakes every morning. His setup was insane. Another guy who baked bread and pastries in his truck. Just be ok with departing with it if you have to is the key point. Otherwise, enjoy the mobile camping trip that pays you. 😂

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Environmental-Pear40@reddit

Yeah I just had that happen with Crete. Smooth pissed me off, since my truck isn't dirty, it's cluttered. And that was literally only because while waiting for the shop I was reorganizing shit so I threw a lot of stuff on my mattress. All of that was kind of a whatever really what really pissed me off is they can't tell me what standards they want the truck to be cleaned to. "Clean truck" isn't a standard That's a goal. Like tell me the criteria you are judging with apparently no one can do that. Lady calls me say the truck's too dirty doesn't me company standards I say okay what are the company standards she says clean truck. If I had the money I would have just gotten a U-Haul on the spot. I mean I'm still putting out applications but since I don't have the money I have to wait until home time before I can clean out their truck.

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

I didn't know I was going to be off for 6-7 days. Was preparing for just 1-2 nights. But I guess they decided to replace the windshield as well since I wrote it up a few times. There was probably too much clutter(not even that much) on the dashboard and the terminal manager told me about it. I'd just wished he straight up said: "Truck's a little dirty, clean it." As opposed to opening with some corny ass, "could you do me a favor". I'm still heated over the whole thing and am back on the road. But definitely using this as an excuse to finally jump. Whether it be to another company. Or relying on temp/gig apps like everyone else. Trucking is pretty much all I got right now. But the primary reason for wanting to jump now is how much these maintenance woes can put you on the sidelines. I mean if I was at an LTL, I could switch to dock and do that. And being tidy is something I'm at least trying to get better at it in my 40s. Reducing the amount of excess just so I don't end up looking like some hoarder.

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Riiakess@reddit

He would've haaaaated my truck. I set up the bottom bunk to be my living/storage space, with the top as my bed. Had a small table to create a second tier of space for my microwave and some totes. Cushions in the corner by the window for a "living room" place to sit to get out of the seat but not have to sit in bed. Had cooking instruments since I rarely eat out. Etc. I also have two cats, so there was a pet food bin in the bottom bunk as well. Is it a pain if I have to switch trucks? Absolutely. Would I be able to be happy with just clothes? Hell no. I want to have things to do, good food to eat, and my creature comforts. Fuck your manager. Take photos for records of how you keep it, and if he fires you for having the bare necessities, you have proof it wasn't nasty.

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

I got an animal(cat) on board. So that just means more frequent stopping and taking breaks to clean the place up. I got a covered litterbox on the floor by the passengers seat. But kitty still finds a way to launch litter all over. Keep a Lowe's brand(the blue color) shop vac and Swiffer mops on board. Along with a regular broom. There's some scuff and possibly grease marks from hand touching on the ceiling that could possibly need a mobile steam cleaning device to get rid of. Clutter wise, I'm trying cut it down to a simple cooking pan, and camping plate/utensils for cooking. A smaller air fryer that will more thoroughly and quickly cook food. And keeping only my folding bike on board for recreation. Enough, but not too much clothes for the 2-3 weeks I stay out. Hobby wise, I keep far too many cosplay projects on board and the associated tools with those. Looking at scaling that far back and even tossing more things out since I hardly ever get to showcase any of that at any events. Focus on fitness and continuing health instead of whatever, meth- induced pipe dream of a stupid hobby that was. Lots of associated garbage in storage that needs to go(if this sounds like a pseudo rant of a failed costume designer wannabe, it probably is). Ultimately I want to move into local, daycab driving again and possibly something maintenance related. More or less stepping away from driving(not giving up my CDL, just making it my least priority duty job wise) as I find more productive ways to use my time and manage my mental issues.

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Riiakess@reddit

Look into a top-entry litter box, they help a lot in small spaces! I've had this one from Tractor Supply for quite a few years now, and I swear by it. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/top-entry-litter-pan-22062-1167231?store=420&crmid=2154783116&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=tsc0_pet_tsc_cat_search_sch_us_cvr&utm_content=sku_na&adtype=pla&campaignid=22258948698&device=m&product_channel=local&product_id=1167231&store_code=420&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22265476739&gbraid=0AAAAADnTm231Vr9JKbh4pbZ-g01yf7gbn&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4a3OBhCHARIsAChaqJNR919vpyviYBXlbX7xXeHcnWh3_bGf6SK6Yk793iLMUFfY_LifKhUaAvgAEALw_wcB

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Me crying in wasted money in litter boxes 😭😭😭😭😭😭

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Riiakess@reddit

There, there, this will be the last one you ever need. *gentle shoulder pats*

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😻😻😻😻🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

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Riiakess@reddit

Hobbies that bring you happiness are never dumb, the entire point is that they relieve stress and make you feel better.

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truckinfarmer379@reddit

I guess I don’t see the issue manager is having as long as the truck isn’t dirty like dust and dirt. The truck is essentially your home for a majority of the year, you should be allowed to have stuff in the truck as long as it doesn’t create safety issues

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Never got this before. Of course this guy's a previous TM with this company. Guess it's just a cue to scram. Time to change tires at a Loves.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

>Time to change tires at a Loves. ?

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Loves tire tech, or something similar. A little bit of both.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

oh I thought you meant getting your tires changed lol! don't mind me ☺️ Man I expect that, for all the BS, there's probably a lot of rewarding times in that role i mean often you're saving somebody's world I cannot count the times I've been on a 1400miles/48hr tight schedule and had a tire failure only to find a loves that accommodates me in such a way I'm getting that tire *plus* 9hrs actual sleep there to make my 10hr break and not lose a second off my schedule, am usually so damn grateful for loves service stations

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Seems tempting. Just got to get near a place with a Loves shop. Got a Loves in town that used to have a tire shop. But all of that moved up to Amarillo. Hear mixed things about it, but it seems like a chill enough place to work. Even the TA tire shops seem alright. Keep my CDL and just work the other side of the coin.

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genocyde26008219@reddit

Show him your penis, then tell him to suck it. Or give you a “mouth hug” whatever your preferred verbiage. On another note: if I were you, I’d have options or start lining them up for said hat dropping.

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

In the process of trying to get moved to places with better jobs. Amarillo and Lubbock primarily since they're closer. Of course relocation for a better job has been an ass. Never realized how low vacancies were in those two Texas cities. It's not like they're Austin or DFW. Currently live on the NM/TX line and I'm done with this state. Lots of jobs in the interior towards Albuquerque. But that cities too young and hip for my grumpy self.

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genocyde26008219@reddit

Currently in Seminole. West TX is a shitpile imo. But I’m also based out of Vegas. Either way good luck to you and drive safe

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

I used to live in SoCal and got plenty of shit for leaving that area. But sometimes some of us aren't fit to live in sterile areas like that. I was 20 year old grumpy person in CA. So any mundane, not cool area would be good for me. Embracing the awkward.

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forkystabbyveggie@reddit

Mundane and not cool? You thought about Ohio or Kentucky? You can buy land relatively cheap, plenty of cdl work. Go be grumpy in moderate weather

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Nothing terribly wrong about those two states. I just like deserts and dry plains.

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raddrobb67@reddit

My top bunk is cramed with suitcases, duffle bags, shoe boxes, a large clothes basket, and a floor fan. I never get any grief. My truck is usually clean, though.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

top bunk = closet :)

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Kiklanisune@reddit

Its a working vehicle not a princess The amount of time ppl seem to have to clean is mind boggling. Its winter here. I got enough time to meet dispatches insane deadlines and sleep.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

lol right? I make sure that *clutter* isn't a problem but really nothing beyond that. Reorg my stuff when I change tractors lol, maybe wipe dust off the dash a few times a year...*not a princess*!!

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Content_Shoulder_635@reddit

Back when I was at Werner, I got comfy in a truck that I was eventually told to swap out of because of a busted fifth wheel. When it didn't take half an hour, my manager started spamming my phone. I answered the first call, and he asked if I was in the new truck yet and I said no, and from that point on I realized that these people have genuinely know idea what it's like to be in one of these. 4 hours after I was finished moving everything from my old to my new truck, I finally answered a call. Whilw they were more so mad that they weren't able to get a hold of me, when they pressed me about why it took so long, I explained to them that it's not just a simple grab a bag and go, and that I practically lived in the thing. I have amenities "the same way you have amenities at the house that you get to go home to every day". This isn't as insulting as an instance as yours, but the moral is fuck them and keep whatever you want in your truck. As long as you keep it free of dirt, whatever organization you have is supposed to work for you, not them. If it's anything like Werner or Western express, they may say some bullshit like that because they have new drivers lined up from recruiting waiting to jump in the truck so it can get back to making the company money.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

goddamn man it amazes me how many people report complete a-hole management/administrators, sorry that sucks i couldn't even imagine such levels of micromanagement + rudeness, this stuff can be stressful enough and yeah OTR is like living on wheels it's amazing how thoughtless some of these types seem to be (i know, people posting online are more likely to mention problems than smooth sailing so it's probably skewing impressions but really makes me thankful my outfit doesn't tend to act that way!)

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keytiri@reddit

I’ve always been allowed 34s for planned swaps; for unplanned, aka breakdowns, we get heads-ups like “we’re looking for a new truck” and “we’re figuring out how to get you to new truck,” which is cue for packing/organizing your stuff. They then route us back for swapping but since we’re usually under load, there’s a bit more urgency.

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Icedragon2017@reddit

Dirt and clutter are 2 different things. If you are OTR you have every right to have things in the truck. Pending they are relatively organized and you aren't cramped because you want all these extras.

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Just trying to control trash. I do have a cat on the truck and it's a pain in the ass keeping up with that clean up. I'm seriously wanting to go local again just so my cat has more space. Trying to reduce possessions so moving isn't a pain. The whole relocation thing is stressful enough. Be easier if I could find others who are just as negative about relocating as I am. Tired of young idealists who see it as an adventure. I'm just trying to get myself closer to better jobs and go to sleep at the end of the night. Yeah, ten years at the same job and nothing else local worth doing. No reason to stay here. Unmarried, no kids, no friends. Kind of pathetic to be sticking here for this job that's falling apart.

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ignoreme010101@reddit

damn so a decade and they're just now taking issue? Is it new management or...? And lol man a cat? Am jelly, lol I'm occasionally docked and realizing the cab next to me has a cat or two roaming around, looks so damn cool!!

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Alarming_Star_6549@reddit

My truck gets dirty too, ya can't help it. Everytime I gotta get service done i do stop before I get there and tidy up so I don't have to hear what you must've heard.

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DumatRising@reddit

Clean and tidy are two very different things. If you do regularly clean it's unlikely they were getting upset about the dirt. Most likely it's just too cluttered to work on. Even if the issue is in the engine there's still components that are accessed under the dash panels like the fuses and truck computers so a untidy vehicle can make work harder when they need to Access those things. And honestly I've seen maintenance guys put up with a lot dirty wise (dirty kinda comes with the job when you're a mechanic) as long as it's not hazardous like piss bottles and shit bags, but tidy is very low tolerance since it actually interferes with their job when truck is messy it's fine to have things in the truck but ideally you can put those things all in a place it won't interfere with the techs.

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Schmolan1@reddit

The amount of filth I have to deal with often as a fleet technician would drive some people mad. The fleet managers don’t give a fuck where I work, if I had any say in how things go, I’d make it mandatory for drivers to clean and air out their truck at least 2 times a month. And if they don’t they get penalized somehow. I get the vibe that if I had to work on OPs truck, I wouldn’t even be remotely upset, your truck is probably clean bro so I wouldn’t sweat it

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Financial-Prize9691@reddit

Sometimes my truck gets cluttered , sometimes it's just me being lazy or depressed. I always spend a couple of hours making sure my house is clean before I let someone, like a mechanic come for a visit.

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Exciting-Car-3516@reddit

I just have what I need to drive in the front. Just what I need to sleep in the back. Food and entertainment is out in the world. If I make myself too comfy I forget to go home. lol

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Sage set of advice to follow. I also need to tone down my neurodivergence and stop collecting things.

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RebelTvshka@reddit

Sounds like the manager is willing to reimburse your cleaning costs. I couldn't think of another reason why he'd open his mouth.

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Again, I'll get a deep clean and look at ways to reduce whatever is making it dirty. Even if it means sacrificing things.

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taconot69@reddit

Fuck 'em. He ain't living in there

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bentstrider83@reddit (OP)

Not sure what his beef is. Feel like it's just a push to leave. Bullying more or less.

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California_Panther@reddit

F*ck that guy

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