Northeast Regional

Just did the trailer shuffle at a tiny store. Don't remember which one. There was nowhere to park it, and there was already a trailer sitting in the truck turn around, which was LOVELY. I lost 2 hours at that store, then the very next stop was Leominster. It took them so long I had to skip them to go to the next one because of noise ordinance, then come back, then end in Worcester. By that time I had 15 minutes left on my clock and Worcester said I couldn't park overnight. I went an hour into the hole on hours just to find another Walmart to park where I saw other trucks. That night sucked, but I still love what I'm doing there.

Try to keep notes on stores that allow truck parking, by the four digit store number and their address. Not sure if your Qualcomm is programmed the way ours are, but you can search for a specific store by entering the word Walmart followed by * and the store number, gets me right where I need to be, every time. I have "bail-out" stores all up and down the corridors I run in the event I run out of hours. This is especially important when I am doubled-up because it increases the chance of exhausting the 14 hour on-duty clock.

I also keep notes on stores that are slow, problematic in answer their door, and any that require something special, out of the ordinary for either entry/exiting or docking. Like if I need to enter on the "W" or "T" side of the store in order to get to the grocery dock.

Good idea. And no, I can't search things like that on our QC. But I'm going to use your idea of making a list of bailout places. That will come in super handy. So far this has only happened once. Every other time I've had enough time to get back to Lewiston. But I also don't take a break during these runs. I just go until I get back to the DC.

Miss Miyoshi wrote:

I just go until I get back to the DC.

Yes, that is always the objective, "make it back". Exactly what I do,...and if I can't make it back, I get as close as possible so I am wasting less time dead-heading on a fresh 11/14 the next day.

Yup! Getting ready to pick up my load that will take me back today. Can't wait to be back.

And, in case it got lost in the comment thread, if I stay on this route permanently I'm considering moving to Lewiston or nearby. Can anyone give me anyour insight or info?

Miss Miyoshi not sure if you saw this? A Day in the Life of a Walmart Dedicated Driver. Now that you have been doing this for a couple of weeks,...this topic should ring true for you.

Good luck and by all means I'll try to help with any questions if need be. Sounds like you are on your way.

Yup! Getting ready to pick up my load that will take me back today. Can't wait to be back.

And, in case it got lost in the comment thread, if I stay on this route permanently I'm considering moving to Lewiston or nearby. Can anyone give me anyour insight or info?

I am a Philly Guy...cannot help you with that. What DC is your domicile?

I'm dispatched out of Lewiston, but I live in Manassas, VA. There are a couple oUT of Virginia.

Go Iggles !!!

No, no, no. Go Stillers.

I am a Philly Guy...

I'm sorry.

I am a Philly Guy...

I'm sorry.

Good grief,... both barrels. I'm hurt.