clink (computer) vs pager

oldtimer · May 16, 2004

I know some drivers out there that use a pager instead of the company computers that they give you at 100.00 a month rental. A pager cost 50.00 a month with nation wide coverage. plus when you
check in to a city or express center you can check 100 miles out instead of 25 miles zone. this way you will check in soon then other
trucks and get a load faster. Another way is to use both personal
pager and computer but put a cut off switch on the computer so when you check out of a city after 6pm. you still show in that city but
you are moving .The company can still get a hold of you on your pager.
The bonus of this is most loads after 6 pm . pick up the following
morning or very late that night.You can still check load status in that city .A good example of this is detroit or chicago you can move
from area to another being in both at once!YOU MUST USE A CUT OFF
SWITCH ON THE COMPUTER TO SEE THE PLUSES. In the winter you don't have
to run your truck or van thus saving gas!!!
good luck

davekc · May 16, 2004

Would it not be easier to use a cell phone with paging capabilities?
50 or 60 bucks would provide you with nationwide coverage.
Depending on your C-link; you can turn your ignition switch on and then off quickly, and that will turn the power off except for the dome tracking. I do this and don't start my truck for two weeks and it starts fine. If yours does not, it is time for new batteries.
On most units, if there is a loss of signal or power it will track on your last position. I don't see any advantage of cutting power to it. Yes you can be on two boards at once depending on what the search radius is.(50,100,300 miles). Turning it off won't change any of those perameters.

Tony · May 19, 2004

This is off subject, but I need to say it. The rental fees are income generaters for the companies nothing more(the install fees at some places are way out of line too), look at the cut of each load some companies take then start adding all the extra stuff we must pay for. I am blaming the larger companies for the current pay (remember a few years ago it was better,when my dad had his own tractors in the early 70's the pay was great for regular freight, of course the Gov. screwed that up). Yes, a company must make a profit but why succumb to pressure from shippers to cut freight costs. The first company to say yes to lower rates started this, if no one agreed what then would happen, shippers would pass along the rates to the consumer. This is in the name of higher corporate profit, corporate America makes more and the little guy gets the shaft. I could go on for a long time about this but I am off subject and I think you see my point. If you are a oldtimer like your name suggests, then you know what I mean.

Glen Rice · May 19, 2004

I think sometimes playing by the rules is better for everyone. You don't want to get yourself in a position to have a service failure because you where too far away for timely pickup. I tried beating the system and the system usually beat me! We all know the rules, and even if we don't like them, they are usually in our best interest.

oldtimer · May 19, 2004

Hi all, youn ever have to worry about (service failures) the secret
word for running late messages or too far out is TRAFFIC! always, always, answer dipatch with that word they will bump the pick time .
After do this for so may years it always works! don't forget this is
road work season and there is always traffic anyways! When you get a msg just answer you are stuck in traffic. It is amazing how far you can get with an extra 45mins ! Don't forget most companies base 90min
pick up time for 30 miles out.

davekc · May 20, 2004

That is a new one. I have never typed the words "TRAFFIC" in to get a pick-up time changed?
I don't know Oldtimer? Between "ghost drivers", pagers, and turning off the qual-comm, I bet you company is so glad you are one of their drivers.

I would think if you have the experience you say you do, you would lead with positive examples, not a bunch of foolish ones.
Then again, maybe you are just trying to be funny!

redytrk · May 20, 2004

Well Oldtimer I sure hope you know what you are doing by talking about all your little tricks on this open forum.I wouldnt for a moment think that your company does not moniter these postings.Your installation of a on/off switch could be a violation of your contract. The co may look the other way about your tactics while they are strugling to find enoughf trucks.But look out when it is time to trim the fleet.

RichM · May 20, 2004

Why do you feel it necesary to lie and cheat your company? It!s obvious that it is you that has the so called Ghost driver.You do a dis service to all of us that run and operate legal.