Tough Call...What Would You Do?

I used to work at wallyworld in Frozen and dairy, we were supposed to check temp on every delivery and record it before accepting the load, DCs probably do the same thing.

I'd call my manager and follow orders, if its a bad decision, I can pass the buck onto him.

I agree with what most have said. Review company policy, contact DM.

Otherwise I would get the load to Walmart ASAP in hopes to preserve the load. If they reject then go from there. But I would let them make that decision.

I would tell my DM , "I quit!"

Then I'd make a quick little phone call and have me a job pulling a flat-bed!

Probably a really dumb question but I don't work in the industry yet so I can get away with it. What is the next load going to consist of? Do you know yet? If the temp of the next load can be maintained at 42 degrees I say drop off the first one, roll the second one and then get it fixed. Of course, that depends on if the temp in the trailer will maintain at 42 degrees the entire time or if it will just get warmer. Like I said....it's a dumb question.....just trying to think in advance.

I would tell my DM , "I quit!"

Then I'd make a quick little phone call and have me a job pulling a flat-bed!

I agree with you Old School. This seems to be a habit of his, breaking the water pumps on the refer units... Seem to remember this happening once before.

Maybe this is just regurgitated info for the newer and prospective drivers.

If the load is 5 degrees out - I'd call the DM and go from there.

Even if you rushed the load over before getting a repair - it could possibly be even MORE than the 5 out it already is (depending on ambient temps).

Wally is pretty strict about temp compliance - so I wouldn't try and "get one over on them".

Call the DM - go from there.

Rick

Not a driver yet, but i'll give it a shot. It's a company trailer. It would be irresponsible to screw over the next driver when you know the reefer has issues. I believe it would be best to bite the bullet and get it repaired. You have not started your 14 hour clock yet. Yes, you are only as good as your last load but I'm hoping your DM would be more understanding if you took the initiative to fix it. Call your DM and communicate what is going on. You may have to get creative with your hours. Maybe even take advantage of the Split Sleeper Berth provision. The next load is a tight load but as long as you can plan it correctly you should be able to make up for the delay.

First, (as others have mentioned) I'd inform my FM of the situation, so they can contact Sales to coordinate disposition of the load with the customer. Also your FM may need to take you off of your preplan.

Next, I'd contact Road Assist for instruction on how they would like to handle the trailer issue.

Most likely the customer is going to reject the load and want you to dump it (since it is dairy, and there may be safety concerns). RA will probably have you get the reefer repaired at the truck stop, or direct you to another repair facility. Once the trailer is fixed and product disposed of, get the trailer washed out and wait for the next load. Keep FM abreast of any updates to the situation, and prepare for a LONG day.

Daniel B- Load has required temp of 34-37 deg. How does that work on the reefer? What do you set reefer at? I would think Dispatch would have a prompt decision, because it has probably happened before. How long did the decision take?

t

Ok I got it:

Strap your student to the reefer with a makeshift harness, a toolbox and a new water pump. Proceed to drive as he works frantically to fix it. Check your mirrors constantly to ensure he doesn't fall or drop anything, and periodically yell at him out your window, "20 minutes left!" "10 more minutes!" Etc.

When you arrive, if your student is worth his salt, the pump should be fixed, with temp back to normal. Act as if nothing has happened and continue on with your day.