Day Shift

by Rhonda
  • Blogs By Author

  • Blogs By Tag

This is my story that was published in the 1986-87 Winter issue of Bus World. My employer gave me pictures to send in and they were put with my article. It was given the title "Day Shift" by Bus World.

The garage is dark and quiet as the dispatcher enters to get things started for the day. The buses are silent and empty as they wait to be assigned to a driver. After checking for any notes and the status of the units on the vehicle board, he makes his way into the garage to write down what lane the buses are in, from the doors to the rear. He also looks for obvious body damage and checks the wash bay and maintenance and paint shop.

Units that go out first are to be next to office windows so the dispatcher can see in the garage and not feel blocked in. The newer units are together with the higher priority older units next to them. Buses for backups only are in the rear and next to the wall in lane 1 and in back of lane 2.

peterbuilt-sunset.jpg

When arriving in the office, one will find the dispatcher in deep concentration working on who gets what bus. Of the 35-footers only 6 have power steering and one driver has doctor's orders that he can only drive one of those. So that means the person he relieves after lunch will get one too. The other 4 don't get around to others very often. A bus could be in the shop with orders from the mechanic to be "used for rush only", "not at all", or "due for inspection" and needed at a certain time.

Drivers start showing up and kid each other and talk about the day before and some of what they expect today, especially when the weather is bad. Often the few minutes in the office is the only time you might see your fellow employees. After checking out our buses, we head for our starting points and enjoy our precious moments to ourselves before the passengers start boarding for the first trip of the day.

Driving to the starting points in the predawn darkness gives a tranquil feeling as the radio is quiet and you can be off your guard. For the moment there are no worries or concerns about passengers. The first half hour is quiet and slow as we get prepared for the rush that will be starting when we reach the other side of town.

Related Articles:

Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part V: Comparing Large Trucking Companies To Small Ones

In this article, learn about the pros and cons of working for a large trucking company, and the differences between a small and large company. Understand the importance of making smart decisions, and find out about different types of trucking jobs.

CDL Training - Confidence is Building and Another Pre-Hire Recieved!

TruckerMike takes his readers along on his journey to become a truck driver. From pre-trip quizzing to navigating the yard obstacle course, learn about TruckerMike's successes, challenges, and what it takes to become a truck driver.

CDL Test Day - What It Was Like Taking (and passing!) the CDL Test

This article follows a trucker's journey to get their CDL. Read about the nervousness, excitement, challenges, and lessons learned along the way!

CDL Training Week Two - Finding Out Which Of Us Will Make It Through

This informative article follows a student truck driver as they complete their second week of training. They share what they have learned, including advice on down shifting, parallel parking, and alley docking. They also offer insight into the experience of being a student driver, as well as tips for job-seekers.

Trucking Company Orientation - Day One

Day one of orientation with a trucking company was a hectic day. From paperwork to drug tests, this article outlines what truck drivers can expect during orientation day. Get the inside scoop on the trucking industry.

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training