04-09-2007, 11:13 AM
I rode along with a food product OTR/Logistics guy. I loaded the trailer with product BY HAND, was passenger for hundreds of miles, unloaded the trailer BY HAND. I was surprised at the difference in ride quality of a full-load vs empty trailer. I could not breath normally when empty. The constant slamming of the trailer against the cab, coupled with the lousy seat dynamics, was like getting punched in the gut every 3 seconds. I literally could NOT hold a conversation with the driver, except grunting yes/no, etc. The driver's seat was on some funky pneumatic/spring shock absorber and mine was not.
This company's rigs were one of the first to implement some sort of computer/GPS system, circa 1988. The driver had a 'card' that would fit into the computer. It would know his route. They were not allowed to go above the THEN 55 MPH speed limit AT ALL. Anytime a driver exceeded 55 MPH for more than one minute, got BEEPED and logged for that driver's performance. THREE times in one day/trip was cause for disciplinary action.
If there was a DROP in speed, or they did not make it to their destination within the allowed tolerance (slow traffic, wreck, detour, etc) they had to log that instance and explain it. Even including the time allowed for unloading cargo.
It was interesting to experience that. I was most surprised how much the driver paid no attention to other traffic. That is, he stayed in the right lane, and drove to his destination. No verbal or non-verbal communication of any kind with any other traffic. It was very matter-of-fact, straight-up driving.
This company's rigs were one of the first to implement some sort of computer/GPS system, circa 1988. The driver had a 'card' that would fit into the computer. It would know his route. They were not allowed to go above the THEN 55 MPH speed limit AT ALL. Anytime a driver exceeded 55 MPH for more than one minute, got BEEPED and logged for that driver's performance. THREE times in one day/trip was cause for disciplinary action.
If there was a DROP in speed, or they did not make it to their destination within the allowed tolerance (slow traffic, wreck, detour, etc) they had to log that instance and explain it. Even including the time allowed for unloading cargo.
It was interesting to experience that. I was most surprised how much the driver paid no attention to other traffic. That is, he stayed in the right lane, and drove to his destination. No verbal or non-verbal communication of any kind with any other traffic. It was very matter-of-fact, straight-up driving.