Tuesday, May 15, 2012 ...part one

Work ...
...Dispatch did not give Rick a run into the Pacific Northwest. Instead, gave him a load of orange juice to take to Coca Cola in Waco, TX.
Made it safely to Waco ... pulled up to gate, Rick talked to another driver for a minute. Other driver told him "good luck with the load" ??? Seems that it is a nightmare to be dispatched to Coca Cola. It is a "drop and hook" location - which can be good. Except there! Dropping just takes a few minutes. Hooking - well, that is the story! Other driver said that the one truck just coming out on Thursday had been sitting since Monday waiting on a trailer. He said that he had been there for 2 days, and the driver in front of him had been there for 3.
Rick dropped his trailer. We went to the Flying J in Waco. He called dispatch. Was told to WAIT ... call back.
So, we ate ... took showers ... straightened the truck some ... watched some TV ... waited ... he called back - "call me in the morning. if I don't have you a trailer by 10 a.m., then we will just dispatch you home for some home-time."
Spend the night ... next morning - no trailer. Bob-tail to the house.

Rick has reached his limit with Indian River. While at the house, we completely unload the truck. He goes in to talk with Ballard. Is hired back with Ballard. We leave early Sunday - driving bob-tailed to Clovis, NM to leave the truck at the shop and pick up the car.

I can understand Rick's frustrations with Indian River. We were told many "good" things about the company. But little to none had panned out. Most were empty claims and promises ... all making Rick feel lied to. cheated. taken advantage of.

I can't say that I completely understand nor agree with his decision to go back to work for Ballard. There were definite issues when he worked the 14 months for them before.
So, there are definite questions in my mind now.
But, he has made the decision ... and so, here we are -
Rick is working for Ballard ... and it is a "don't ask, don't tell" policy for me to ride with him. sigh