When Things Go Wrong.

Came off of home time on 7-18-18 and had a load from Concord, NC to Monkena, Ill. The load is due to deliver at 09:00. That's not going to happen. On 7-5-18, I got 4 new batteries. Shut the truck off for a few minutes on the 18th. When I tried to start it back up, the battery voltage was low and had difficulty starting the truck. I assumed it was the alternator. The next day, I drove to the T/A in Gary Indiana. This put me about 25 miles from my delivery. I figured a quick fix, sleep, and deliver. Changing an alternator is fairly easy. Well, I'm told the nearest alternator is in Atlanta, Ga. and will take 5 - 7 days to get it here.

I called dispatch to let them know what the deal was. Then called road service, to see if they could get it overnighted and to get me a hotel. They said they would work on it and let me know. I called dispatch to give them this news and to see if I could get an ETA on the re-power. They told me they didn't have anyone available to get it and they were going to have it towed to a secure location. I had about 32,000 pounds of Dunkin Donuts coffee. I wonder what the street value of that is. haha.

So, I got a text with the hotel info, road squad called to apologize for taking so long. I didn't think it took to long. It was after hours road service and they were busy. CFI took care of everything and took all my stress away. The truck should be fixed by this afternoon and I should be able to roll at whatever time is needed to pick up my next load.

Working for a larger company with the resources to keep you rolling is a very good reason to work for a bigger company.

So, the short story update. Problem is not fixed. I can't shut the truck off. I in Springfield, Mo getting unloaded and waiting on a load from dispatch to Joplin. I feel our shop has a vested interest in fixing our trucks correctly.

Scott

WOW, your still having issues, well I guess it is better than not being able to start...glass is always half full, not half empty.....

Safe Travels, Chris

Gary, IN and Freightliner there are a horrible place to get truck repairs. We're almost to springmo now to deliver last 2 forklifts to a toyotalift dealer. Then we head to Columbia MO to get our load for cedar rapids so this trainee can attempt to test ouut. I say attempt because his head is not in the game and he's not done so well. May have to get a little more training, but we'll see. He's certainly capable, just not seemilngy motivated enough to get it.

Thanks. I'm at the terminal now. Waiting for the shop to look at the truck. Went to Golden Corral for lunch. At least the truck is running and the A/C works. Susan, I hope your student does well.

Truck is fixed. It was a loose wire. And they fixed my other minor issues.