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Improving the industry

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Jan 31, 2009
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Dock delay
by: Jimmy

Hervy, this has been going on since the horse and buggy days. I honestly don't know the current rules, if there are official rules. I know when I unloaded at Wal-Mart distribution, they said they had 2 hours to get me unloaded, assuming I was on time for my appointment. Is 2 hours their rule or an agreement between carrier, or a federal rule? Don't know.

Same with Costco distribution. I know I have been to places where I was being jacked around by the shipper/consignee and was told by dispatch to have warehouse sign BOL and would get detention time but rarely did. Something about shipper has to agree to pay before driver gets it. Same with brokers.

I always wondered why the shipper/consignee did not have to honor the appointment, but the driver did. But then again, you have situations where the driver is late, or an expected 1 hour unload turns into a 4 hour unload because product was on floor instead of pallets. The intenttion may be honorable, but in reality, a little gremlin botched everything up.

I much prefer "first come, first served" situations. I do recommend driver contact with the warehouse directly,to feel them out and they do appreciate a heads up. You can discuss options and see if in case you're late, will they still unload you. Produce shippers are absolutely the worst place to load. 8-10 hour delays are common. Jimmy

Jan 30, 2009
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Improving the industry: win win for all
by: Hervy

I agree Jimmy, so much has changed for the better as it should along with the advancement and application of technology.

The single most powerful changes that could be made next is low tech but high reward.

It's so simple to see yet companies are resistant to making real serious moves to address it.

Fair pay and treatment to drivers. (as opposed to squeezing as much out of them as possible )

The other would be to start a movement to force shippers and receivers to stop wasting the trucks time at the docks. (Well actually, I haven't done the research maybe there is a movement, all I know is that right now I can't tell)

Anyone, this would result in less log book violations, less stress, higher paychecks from more efficient work weeks not running illegally.
I mean the benefits go on and on for drivers, the trucking company and the customer if everyone would just work together to achieve this.

It could be a deal like: If you get to the company on time they will get you out the door in an hour if it take longer they pay x dollars, but if the trucking company is late for the appointment driver waits or company will be fined x dollars, with these exceptions, etc.

My point is . . .

If the whole problem (wasted time at the dock) is engaged with a win win attitude for the purpose of finding a solution instead of each party trying to get the most out of a solution to benefit themselves then a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached. Seems to me anyway.

Does anyone know if this being addressed right now or ever?

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