Another expediting first, for me anyway. This afternoon I did a recovery. A Sprinter broke down while under load and was towed to an ABF terminal where the freight, 1 pallet at 555 lbs. was loaded on to my van. The delivery time was tight but my gps showed I would arrive 30 minutes early. Major traffic congestion resulted in my arriving 30 minutes later than the scheduled delivery time but 90 minutes past receiving hours.
The door into receiving was accessible due to a piece of sheet metal placed between the latch and the jamb. I entered and found a guy next to a forklift just inside by the dock doors. I did the who, what, where and sometimes why thing with him. He told me receiving was closed and to come back in the morning. I explained that this was an expedite load and someone was expecting it. Again I got the come back in the morning reply. I pulled out pen and paper and politely asked for his name an a phone number he could be reached at. He said he didn't think that was necessary. I explained that I needed proof of contact and my arrival and that the shipment was refused until the next day. This line always works! I have had receivers save face by saying as long its only one pallet or this one time only and then they unload me. Not this guy.
I asked one more time for his name. He refused so I took his picture. I called dispatch and while I was on hold for 10 minutes he told me I would have to leave or he would call security. I agreed he should get security involved. At least guards have name tags and I would have another witness.
Dispatch finally answered and said he would call the customer and I should hold. Whilst on hold the forklift dude informed me that security told him to call the cops and that they were on the way. I told him I would hang around and wait for them. 10 minutes into my hold time I was disconnected so I called back and listened to the crappy music some more. Finally I got the same dispatcher. He had e-mailed the customer and then blew me off. He did admit that customer said come back in the morning. So I got $75 layover pay and will return in the morning. I told the forklift stooge I had permission to leave and did so. He wanted me to delete his picture but I declined.
As I walked to my van a police car pulled up followed by two others. I assumed the position without being commanded and turning slowly told the cops I was harmless. I explained the situation and all I needed was the guys name. I told them I had permission to leave and would return in the morning. The dork came out as I was leaving telling the cops I took his picture with my phone. I waited a few minutes to see if this was going to be a problem and left. So did the cops. I hope to have a discussion with someone in the receiving department in the morning. I'm looking forward to mentioning the sheet metal in the door.
.
View attachment 16621
