Walmart Journey, Take 2

That said, your DC will have its own particular schedules available. You could possibly be stuck on nights, depending on what they have. I got lucky and jumped right into an optimal schedule for me.

I believe the recruiter said the dispatch times were around 15:00

That said, your DC will have its own particular schedules available. You could possibly be stuck on nights, depending on what they have. I got lucky and jumped right into an optimal schedule for me.

Turtle my point on “same runs” was the stores and backhauls; same territory as WMPF. Dispatch played the card game every day based on driver availability of their fleet and ours. I tended to take medium range runs with more stops which many times enabled a second run. My typical day was flipped compared to yours; running out my 14 before the 11. One New England run per week is the only time I encroached the 11 hour clock. My mileage during blackouts (holidays) was more in line with your averages. Procedurally the jobs are about the same.

Considering the relative high value of a Reefer load (Reefer equipment and product combined) and the required oversight, greater responsibility, it’s interesting that WM predominantly assigns these to the partners. I always thought Reefer runs should command higher stop pay since there was more work involved and invariably more time. I also believed they should be assigned to more experienced hands…my attitude on reefers was I conducted my business like I owned the load. Not everyone does that. That said I usually chose a dry run (preferably last stop drop and hook) over reefer for my dispatch; second dispatch frequently included a Sam’s Club so I gladly took a Reefer run. The unloaders at Sam’s fly…able to unload 24 pallets in less than 30 minutes…optimizing stop pay.

I don’t doubt WM’s desire to shed themselves of contracted carriers like Swift, Schneider, USX, etc. In fact it makes sense in most regards. I saw first hand what Swift was hiring…and the costly mistakes that occurred. At least 50% of the 100+ drivers at Pottsville (when I was there), were rookies. Turnover was high… likely still is. Most of the new drivers have no idea what they are committing to. When I started the account required 3 months of safe, reliable performance before being considered. No longer the case… I am not a fan of this relaxed standard. But demand seems to drive the extent of qualification process.

I can only share what I know about Pottsville… Swift continues to hire new drivers at a very high rate. WMPF has also hired many of the Pottsville Swifties.

In my opinion, the reality of executing and achieving that mandate is going to be extremely challenging. You and I both know this type of work is not for everyone; that coupled with WMPFs high entry standards, are going to make it difficult to completely in-source their DC to store moves. I think (not to be argumentative) there will always be a percentage of Dedicated carriers partnering with WM on the retail store deliveries. It may actually be higher in DCs like Pottsville. It’s a balancing act with operating cost at the root of it all.

It will be interesting to see how this eventually shakes out. One thing is for sure, in Corporate America any mandate is subject to change on short notice.

In the mean time? You’ve got a primo job…that fits you line a glove. You will continue to thrive. I look forward to the future, seeing a truck with your million mile plaque adorning the side of the sleeper.

Peace.

I believe the recruiter said the dispatch times were around 15:00

That said, your DC will have its own particular schedules available. You could possibly be stuck on nights, depending on what they have. I got lucky and jumped right into an optimal schedule for me.

What area are your stores going to be in....which states?

*Asking for a friend*

I’ll be coming out of Gordonsville VA, so I’m assuming that and surrounding states. Just a guess. I’m new. Lol

I believe the recruiter said the dispatch times were around 15:00

That said, your DC will have its own particular schedules available. You could possibly be stuck on nights, depending on what they have. I got lucky and jumped right into an optimal schedule for me.

What area are your stores going to be in....which states?

*Asking for a friend*

Finished orientation, heading out with a mentor on Saturday! Excited and ready to get started.

Finished orientation, heading out with a mentor on Saturday! Excited and ready to get started.

OMIGAWSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know, I'm such a 'trucker's wife hick' deep down, can't help it!

SO. DANG. HAPPY. FOR. YOU.

Best going forward, good sir. No emojis/emoticons on here would show my happiness for you & the missus, enough!

Super psyched for you'sn's!

~ Anne (& Tom!) ~

Thanks Anne! I do appreciate it. This has been a stressful change but I’ve been having fun too. I’m happy to be with a good company.

Finished orientation, heading out with a mentor on Saturday! Excited and ready to get started.

OMIGAWSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know, I'm such a 'trucker's wife hick' deep down, can't help it!

SO. DANG. HAPPY. FOR. YOU.

Best going forward, good sir. No emojis/emoticons on here would show my happiness for you & the missus, enough!

Super psyched for you'sn's!

~ Anne (& Tom!) ~

One more week of mentorship and you're off to the races. Good luck!

Our ranges will overlap from time to time. Who knows, we may end up meeting at some point.

Thanks for the help and support. I look forward to possibly meeting up somewhere! Stay safe!

One more week of mentorship and you're off to the races. Good luck!

Our ranges will overlap from time to time. Who knows, we may end up meeting at some point.