Fuel for Thought

Frustration 2

By Dale
Posted Nov 24th 2009 3:21AM

 

 

            I just had a short run last night, from Columbus down to Ironton, Ohio.   Since it’s Thanksgiving week I’m hoping for a couple good runs, possibly one picking up on Wednesday, delivering on Friday… a nice long run guaranteeing me home time. However, it was not to be. I had another VERY frustrating night.   I was set to deliver about 7 pm. On my way there, I was dispatched to pick up a transfer load in WV about 3 am, and run a nice load up into Michigan.  Since I was delivering around 100 miles from home, I had figured to run back home, so I figured it was a good deal to drive 60 miles away and wait for the transfer.  

           

            Of course, since my luck has not been running so well lately, you know it had to be another screwy load. I got to the transfer location about 8 and napped til the transfer driver arrived in the area in his Sprinter Van.   Before the forklift driver headed over, it became apparent there was a BIG problem.   The freight fit fine in his Sprinter van… filled almost to the top… yep… about 6 inches too tall for my van.   Yep, I waited almost 6 hours for another load to big for my van.   I was pretty ticked. I called in to dispatch, and the dispatcher told me it was the second time it had happened to her lately. She was saying that the Sprinter driver should have told them it was too big to be a normal van load… as if it’s over 48 inches tall, it’s supposed to be a C Unit Load.   I could see both sides. Yes, technically, it’s not a van load. Per FedEx specs, a B load is 2 skids, no more than 48 inches wide, 48 inches tall. But, then again, when the Sprinter driver got there, as long as it fit, why would he call in and dock his own wallet?   I mean, isn’t that why people buy Sprinters, for the extra room, and extra loads?   I was very frustrated again.. this is the 4th ‘dry run’ load I’ve had in 2 weeks or so… 2 of them being loads too large for my van.   I’m not sure whether the case is being made that the customer is not giving the correct specs, or the Sprinter drivers got it right… the taller van would have saved me 2 loads… maybe 3.   The way I see it, I lost over $1000 because I had a regular van.