Running On Cretes Walmart Dedicated Fleet

Also it seems they ship more reefer loads out of here then dry loads. If you're willing to haul both dry and reefers loads like me, you'll stay real busy. But if you're only willing to haul dryvan , you might be waiting around longer. Also being able to run days and nights help out a lot.

You will need to run both types of freight.

I had to "chuckle" when you stated "this is easy"... first week was easy for me too. They are breaking-you-in. So far, looks like you are doing fine.

Once you are required to deliver a 4-5 stop consolidated reefer load (with same-store pallets positioned in up-to 3 different, isolated temperature zones, you'll possibly adjust your assessment. I highly suggest you ask someone at the DC to instruct you on how-to handle a load like that before you take take it out.

Google my name and Walmart. I have written at least 2 detailed threads on WM reefer operation.

Good luck.

Once you are required to deliver a 4-5 stop consolidated reefer load (with same-store pallets positioned in up-to 3 different, isolated temperature zones, you'll possibly adjust your assessment. I highly suggest you ask someone at the DC to instruct you on how-to handle a load like that before you take take it out.

Are you the one repositioning the pallets to get into the different zones? I ask because when I was doing WM overnights grocery, I was always the one doing the unloading and repositioning, so I'm just curious if that was unique to our store, or if if ever falls to the driver to do it.

Midnight Fox inquires:

Are you the one repositioning the pallets to get into the different zones? I ask because when I was doing WM overnights grocery, I was always the one doing the unloading and repositioning, so I'm just curious if that was unique to our store, or if if ever falls to the driver to do it.

Great question! The short answer is no. Walmart personnel unloads, reloads and positions the released pallets.

However the driver is responsible for directing this process. Making sure the correct pallets are delivered to the store currently stopped at and also making sure pallets that were removed, destined for the next stops, are reloaded and positioned in the correct temperature zone.

The driver is also responsible for securing the remaining pallets once the delivery is completed at the first stop. I use up to four straps, each rated at 2500 lbs and designed to clip-into the two logistics tracks running the length of the reefer interior. Thus securing step also requires the split bulkheads that isolate each zone are also clipped-into the logistics tracks.

Do you earn a different CPM and stop pay amount while you're helping on this account or are you at your regular OTR rate?

Once you are required to deliver a 4-5 stop consolidated reefer load (with same-store pallets positioned in up-to 3 different, isolated temperature zones, you'll possibly adjust your assessment. I highly suggest you ask someone at the DC to instruct you on how-to handle a load like that before you take take it out.

I have only ran the multi zone reefers, middle is usually the frozen it seems. But the most stops I've done is 3. Oh I'm sure they're breaking me in, but over all I'm enjoying the account.

Since they said I can stay longer than the one week commit I have here, I'm considering asking about possibly coming over to this account. I talked to one driver who has driven for Crete for 35 years, he said he has seen people from all over the country come drive on this account and anytime they need home time, they just get them national loads getting home and back. Might be worth me asking, worse they can say is no way.

Rob T wrote:

Do you earn a different CPM and stop pay amount while you're helping on this account or are you at your regular OTR rate?

Varies for each Walmart DC. Although Jamie can vouch for how his DC issues stop pay, 7030 pays $15 for each stop.

Once you are required to deliver a 4-5 stop consolidated reefer load (with same-store pallets positioned in up-to 3 different, isolated temperature zones, you'll possibly adjust your assessment. I highly suggest you ask someone at the DC to instruct you on how-to handle a load like that before you take take it out.

I have only ran the multi zone reefers, middle is usually the frozen it seems. But the most stops I've done is 3. Oh I'm sure they're breaking me in, but over all I'm enjoying the account.

Since they said I can stay longer than the one week commit I have here, I'm considering asking about possibly coming over to this account. I talked to one driver who has driven for Crete for 35 years, he said he has seen people from all over the country come drive on this account and anytime they need home time, they just get them national loads getting home and back. Might be worth me asking, worse they can say is no way.

That’s awesome Jamie. Running WM Grocery Dedicated is love-hate; rarely is there a middle ground. I encourage you to follow-through on a full time commitment with Crete. You will rarely sit and are constantly moving. Also very lucrative once you become proficient.

Yes, zone 2, middle of the trailer is the freezer section. -20’f is the typical setting. I’ve run solid loads of frozen for delivery...always destined for Sams Club.

Looking forward to hearing how this works out for you. If WMPF is something you desire, this is a great path to prove qualification for their driver requirements and enables your chances of consideration.

Good luck!

Great question! The short answer is no. Walmart personnel unloads, reloads and positions the released pallets.

However the driver is responsible for directing this process. Making sure the correct pallets are delivered to the store currently stopped at and also making sure pallets that were removed, destined for the next stops, are reloaded and positioned in the correct temperature zone.

The driver is also responsible for securing the remaining pallets once the delivery is completed at the first stop. I use up to four straps, each rated at 2500 lbs and designed to clip-into the two logistics tracks running the length of the reefer interior. Thus securing step also requires the split bulkheads that isolate each zone are also clipped-into the logistics tracks.

Thanks, yep, that's how I remember it. And being on the GM side drove home just how much is riding on a driver being on-time, nothing worse than having to send half the overnight stockers in to unload a truck because the 4 to 10 crew has already left, while the rest of the stockers stand around doing nothing waiting for freight. lol

It's definitely interesting to see how you are taking to the WM account, Jamie. Some days are remarkably simple, others will test your efficiency.

Midnight Fox replies:

Thanks, yep, that's how I remember it. And being on the GM side drove home just how much is riding on a driver being on-time, nothing worse than having to send half the overnight stockers in to unload a truck because the 4 to 10 crew has already left, while the rest of the stockers stand around doing nothing waiting for freight. lol

Great point! Performance...

One little courtesy I exercise; I call the next stop once I’m ready to depart the current stop, providing an ETA and the mix of perishable freight being delivered. This helps them align the correct personnel with their delivery and make sure they have available space in their refrigeration and freezer storage.

In the end it helps elevate their efficiency and also mine.

Details!