Apr 18, 2013

Slow Boil

I am now to the point that I am ready to break my silence. You see, several months ago, I was informed that co-workers and upper management had started reading my blog. I was quietly cautioned to watch what I posted. I have since let several good posts slip from my fingers into oblivion because of the old saying "If you can't say something nice........."  Not every post would have been negative. Some were learning experiences, funny stories and updates on my life. But I have sincerely had no desire to share any of it because my job has taken a turn for the worst and I knew I couldn't share the good, with out the bad slipping out complete with an over abundance of expletives and exclamation points.

It's not the hauling of cars that has given me the blues. I love car-hauling!! It is the work load. Last year, I felt as if I hardly worked and was able to make a very comfortable living. I had plenty of home time and enjoyed learning as much as I could with each new load. This year.........  I am working twice as hard, but making less money. I can no longer plan my week in advance. I am suppose to follow new policies and guidelines, but in return, I can rarely get answers. If I work for a month and need several days off due to a major life event, the days are deducted from my paid vacation.  I have an extremely low damage ratio. I have a one year old piece of equipment to use with no damages to it. I have an incredible work ethic. I have desire. I have drive. And I have a dispatcher who couldn't really give a flying rat's ass if my truck is making any money. I have been receiving messages to remind me that my truck is not making money. You know, the irony is that I have not refused a single load. I have not left a single car. I do not let shit sit on my truck for days at a time. But yet, it is not the dispatchers fault, it is apparently mine...........

I had been asked a few months ago to let everyone get acclimated to the new structure. So I held my tongue and followed the protocol for the last few months. I think what really set me off is I have found out that 75% of what I am being told is bullshit. I do my best, and I played by the rules. What has it gotten me? A reduced check. No monthly bonuses. Very little home time. It has killed my desire. It has affected my focus and concentration. And, well, I seem to be pissed off at just about everything. SO......... I guess it is time for me to quit playing nice. I like to believe in a perfect world, hard workers are rewarded for their effort. Just one more fairy tale I have to let go of. I work just as hard, if not harder than others here and have enough experience to find another job should I chose to.

I made the first call this week, in order to get some changes made.... If I don't start seeing results soon, I will ask to transfer or be forced to find another job. No point in being away from home if I am going backwards in revenue.

13 comments:

Jeffro said...

You have added a valuable skill set to your repertoire.

If the situation is untenable, you should leave. You were looking for a job when you found this one, there are others, and you've done it before and landed on your feet running.

It yanks my crank in a negative way to find that your "superiors" are finding fault with your work. We all know better, as should they. If that's going to be your future, they should be damn happy if you do leave.

Todays Walk said...

Hey Lady, Don't let them push you out of the job you Love! That is what they want you to do. Don't do it!!! I'm sorry they forced you to quiet your voice, this is your out and most of your stuff is funny! They have no room to complain. It sounds like they only read a few entries, not all of them. Other wise they would see the funny they offer. We miss your posts, so keep them coming. You have a right to be silly here and make fun of yourself here!

Hey Bosses, You have one serious Driver working for you and she has earned her way by hard work and driving Clean! Appreciate what you have and what she has to offer your company. Terry is a Truck Driver and loves what she does. She's not a quitter on any level. Take good care of her and she will take care of you!!

Anonymous said...

Sounds exactly what I am going through with my company. I have even thought about getting my own rig so I can be in control. Good luck to you. -Snorelord

J.M. said...

Wow, you've hauled it all. Aluminum, vehicles, etc. Ever thought about hauling doubles or triples?

Anonymous said...

Mary is just a miserable hateful person She's not happy in her life so she takes great joy in making everyone else's miserable. Every terminal she goes to takes a turn for the worst, Driver start quitting driver start transferring they just have to get away from her.

Anonymous said...

I don't know who Mary is but but sounds like this place just got personal. For some people their Sword is a pen, tongue, or their lack of respect of others the ego becomes one too. Seems to me that this company could not last if it ran on ego. They have created one person who might have run out of steam or forgotten her roots. The real backbone of what put her there, relationships and desire for self improvement. She could have been a nice person once but created an ego from her advancements. I know this to be true, if your calls make them cringe then leave. I once knew a person whose calls made them cringe. A witness told him so.

Anonymous said...

I know her not a people person.

Anonymous said...

Goes out of her way to keep you away from your family and friends. I have to ask myself why do they keep her around?

Unknown said...

Sounds pretty unpleasant. My friend has just started working at a flatbed trucking company in Henderson CO, and really enjoys it. I'm sure he'll get some good perspective from your blog.

Todays Walk said...

Miss ya Terry! Been 5+ months now since your last post and hope all is well!

Todays Walk said...

Miss Ya Terry! Been 5+ months since your last post and hope all is well.

Todays Walk said...

We Miss You! Hope you are well!

Unknown said...

I just spent the last few days reading every post from the beginning to the end, I was enthralled by the riveting story you laid out for all of us. My only saddness is it ended in a way we may never know the outcome to.

I'm joining the ranks of the highway drivers soon, I don't want to be one of the new crowd that can't drive or understand common decency. I hope to bring back some of the oldschool ways.

Does anyone know what happened to our Little Trucker? Did she make it out and keep doing what she loves?