P&D advice
Posted by i-c-u-c-me-c-u@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Located in the Midwest
Been driving for just about 10 years and have avoided p&d jobs like the plague. Been doing shuttling for a local company for a major chunk of that time but there was no future there . Currently doing linehaul but with a wife and trying to start a family 3rd shift isn’t for me anymore so here I am facing my fear… would appreciate some advice on your P&D experiences
FossMan21@reddit
Where in the Midwest are you?
i-c-u-c-me-c-u@reddit (OP)
Iowa. How you like it?
FossMan21@reddit
It’s been good. What terminal in Iowa? I’ve been to a few.
i-c-u-c-me-c-u@reddit (OP)
Pm you
ericthedisrespectful@reddit
what exactly are you afraid of? getting some free exercise (no gym membership needed)? backing into docks? dealing with other humans? it's not rocket surgery.
i-c-u-c-me-c-u@reddit (OP)
All the jobs I’ve had I’ve always had to go to the same places so I know the routes and what to expect. From what I’ve heard P&d is like that, you don’t always go to the same places , same routes. Guess you can just say I’m scared of the unexpected
PlastomaGaming@reddit
Most LTL companies will have you picking up or delivering to the same customers daily, if not the same people a very general same route or area. You’ll get to know the area after awhile but most companies do have board drivers which are guys with no bid route and that’ll suck but you’ll be OKAY! Just take your time and remember to G.O.A.L!!!
i-c-u-c-me-c-u@reddit (OP)
That doesn’t sound bad. RL doesn’t have anything at the moment but Saia is been debating on applying
FossMan21@reddit
What Saia terminal?
CMDR-L@reddit
LTL, I did linehaul 3 years, and P&D for 2. When I road say "no through trucks" just know that is only a suggestion. Use Google map street veiw, zoom. In on every right hand turn, take multiple lanes, and as you get closer to the destination, decide what street you want come in from. Ive been on gravel and dirt roads. Also, call EVERY customer in case they have any pertinent info, and check bridge heights with street veiw.
trucksarekewl@reddit
That shit sounds like absolute hell lol, im never leaving linehaul if I can help it
CMDR-L@reddit
I thought the same but I really enjoyed it. It'sa nice challenge for honing skills. That and it was good for networking and learning about the businesses around, from farms, to grave yards, small businesses and large. Even had a few customers get me Christmas presents! No 2 days were the same, even though I usually had a few repeat customers weekly, which if your dispatcher is good, they will send you to similar areas which lets you get a good feel of where you can and can't go, and new routing options depending on time of day. All in all, it kept things pretty fresh and interesting.
i-c-u-c-me-c-u@reddit (OP)
I’m usually the opposite I want to have the same route each day that’s why I’ve been putting it out for so long
jqmallah@reddit
The unexpected part is real, but P and D gets less random once you learn the regular commercial strips, schools, tight docks, and apartment zones. Biggest adjustment from shuttle is probably patience: more backing, more signatures, more people asking for weird stuff at the door. If you can stay calm and plan your first few stops before rolling, it is not as bad as it looks.