Shippers that don't clear snow ice
- Thread starter redytrk
- Start date
It has never happened to us that we could not get in or out of a dock with our straight truck because of snow or ice.
If snow or ice was an issue, I might suggest to dispatch that we can get in and out if I chain up but would need to to have a labor charge added. Would that be reasonable?
If snow or ice was an issue, I might suggest to dispatch that we can get in and out if I chain up but would need to to have a labor charge added. Would that be reasonable?
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
3 yras ago,I did a load that picked up during a snow storm,customer was near the TA truck stop in Brookville Pa
We got stuck in customers drive way,trying to back into the dock.Custome got us a wrecker,but first they plowed the area we needed to back into,then the wrecked got us to where we could back into the dock.Of course there was no charge to me for this,but if the driveway had been plowed in the first place this never would have happened.In the winter time,a TT can be difficult to some of these docks,as under normal circumstances the area you have is tight,in the winter when they push the snow into your back area,makes it really tight,not so bad in a straight truck
We got stuck in customers drive way,trying to back into the dock.Custome got us a wrecker,but first they plowed the area we needed to back into,then the wrecked got us to where we could back into the dock.Of course there was no charge to me for this,but if the driveway had been plowed in the first place this never would have happened.In the winter time,a TT can be difficult to some of these docks,as under normal circumstances the area you have is tight,in the winter when they push the snow into your back area,makes it really tight,not so bad in a straight truck
ChrisGa23
Expert Expediter
Was in Michigan and the shipper's roll up door was on a incline and it was ice and snow and I couldnt make it up in the van. He then wanted me to hand load 2 pallets over 1400lbs. I told him I couldnt and he got out there and salted and shoveled everything out.
Came back a few weeks ago and same problem. This time it was a lite load under a 100lbs I just hand loaded and went on. Most shippers could care less if you get stuck as long as the truck is loaded .
The place I picked up at today a truck nor van couldnt make to the docks or ramp due to the snow so packed up in the docks. The docks went down in a incline and there was no telling how deep it was at the end. They had me come around the back of the building and drive inbetween 2 buildings and come in the building to get loaded.
Came back a few weeks ago and same problem. This time it was a lite load under a 100lbs I just hand loaded and went on. Most shippers could care less if you get stuck as long as the truck is loaded .
The place I picked up at today a truck nor van couldnt make to the docks or ramp due to the snow so packed up in the docks. The docks went down in a incline and there was no telling how deep it was at the end. They had me come around the back of the building and drive inbetween 2 buildings and come in the building to get loaded.
Refer Hauler
Expert Expediter
On Wednesday following the storm that went thru the midwest I attempted to deliver in the Dayton area. Could not get into the building due to ice, needed to swing wide and go up an incline but tractor would not turn or make any headway on the incline. They needed this shipment so they got a wrecker and winched me into the building. at no charge to me.
I agree with A-Team if I have to chain-up to get into your building / dock, I want some extra $$$.
If I have to chain-up to get to your location due to road conditions, it's on me.
I agree with A-Team if I have to chain-up to get into your building / dock, I want some extra $$$.
If I have to chain-up to get to your location due to road conditions, it's on me.
AMonger
Veteran Expediter
That used to annoy me, too. But then I worked in a warehouse and everybody had a job to do. Stopping the process to shovel wasn't an option. We contracted with a plowing company, so we had to wait for them to get to us and do it. Just no way we could send a few guys out there to shovel.
That is exactly the problem. Most companies contract this out, and make sure it is done in a timely manner.
(By the way...Not getting the Critical shipment picked up is not an option either)
zero3nine
Veteran Expediter
I can't believe what I'm reading. Snow chains are mandatory equipment. Use them when needed or just forget working in heavy weather.
Hell.... I've used them in a wet summer to get across a construction site that was covered in deep mud. Of course my locking rear differential is a huge help in both icy and muddy conditions alike.
I will throw chains in a heartbeat. Do it fast with a smile on my face, make the pickup or delivery and get out of there. It's really not hard at all.
fired at you from my Droideka
Hell.... I've used them in a wet summer to get across a construction site that was covered in deep mud. Of course my locking rear differential is a huge help in both icy and muddy conditions alike.
I will throw chains in a heartbeat. Do it fast with a smile on my face, make the pickup or delivery and get out of there. It's really not hard at all.
fired at you from my Droideka
greg334
Veteran Expediter
... Really?
zero3nine
Veteran Expediter
Yes, really. Can you give me one good reason NOT to have them?
fired at you from my Droideka
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Yes because they are not mandatory.
nightcreacher
Veteran Expediter
I have chains in my truck,cause FDCC said we had to have them.Mine are 7 years old and have never been used.If the roads are bad enough I need to chain up,you will find me in a motel.I'm not going to be in an accident caused by some guy that thinks he's better than anyone else.and handles the weather like it isn't there.Another thing,those chains are very hard on your tires and equipment.To chain up in a customers yard,that a customer should have plowed is crazy.One way or another,if that customer wants his load picked up or delivered,his or her lot better have had the proper snow removel.Ther is another case to look at,that wasn't mentioned.How about those docks that you back down hill to,and when a heavy rain or bad snow melts ,flood the entrance to the dock,and the water is actually going over you axles.You ever thought of the damadge that water is doing to breaks and such?
greg334
Veteran Expediter
Night,
there is something to be said about refusing to service a neglectful customer. There is no forcing someone to make a pickup at a customer's location where there is a safety or equipment damaging issue unless the driver/owner doesn't care. The carrier and the customer isn't in charge, the driver is and always has to be.
If you have to chain up in a parking lot to get into a dock, then that load isn't worth it.
there is something to be said about refusing to service a neglectful customer. There is no forcing someone to make a pickup at a customer's location where there is a safety or equipment damaging issue unless the driver/owner doesn't care. The carrier and the customer isn't in charge, the driver is and always has to be.
If you have to chain up in a parking lot to get into a dock, then that load isn't worth it.
How to get these shippers in line. Slip and fall on the ice that they did NOT have cleaned up. (it matters not if they that clean up contracted out or not) Sue the living snot out of the offending company, retire and go ice fishing!! 
AMonger
Veteran Expediter
Well, that won't work for you now. Try it and the company's lawyer will find this post and convince a jury that you planned it that way, that you're a "slip and fall man."How to get these shippers in line. Slip and fall on the ice that they did NOT have cleaned up. (it matters not if they that clean up contracted out or not) Sue the living snot out of the offending company, retire and go ice fishing!!
zero3nine
Veteran Expediter
You go ahead and tell yourself that all you want, but my vehicles will never be hindered by snow or ice, and you will never get paid for a delivery you can't make.
You can sit around waiting for somebody to clear the way for you... I make my own way.
fired at you from my Droideka
You can sit around waiting for somebody to clear the way for you... I make my own way.
fired at you from my Droideka
zero3nine
Veteran Expediter
You won't catch me submerging my axles, that is deliberately damaging your own equipment.
But saying you wont throw chains because it's hard on tires is just a cop out.
The word "lazy" comes immediately to mind. Sorry but I call it like I see it.
If any driver of mine refuses to throw the chains down he will find himself looking for another set of pedals to mash on. It's in every one of their contracts and I've never heard any arguments.
fired at you from my Droideka
But saying you wont throw chains because it's hard on tires is just a cop out.
The word "lazy" comes immediately to mind. Sorry but I call it like I see it.
If any driver of mine refuses to throw the chains down he will find himself looking for another set of pedals to mash on. It's in every one of their contracts and I've never heard any arguments.
fired at you from my Droideka
Let's see, put on chains to drive into dangerous driving conditions?That is considered lazy? I can see putting them on to get OUT of bad conditions, but NEVER to go into them on purpose!! I wonder what insurance companies would say IF you put on chains, drove into dangerous conditions, and wrecked? Would that be considered an avoidable wreck by your carrier? By DOT? Seems like it just might not be the best idea in the world. To each his/her or it's own.
Tennesseahawk
Veteran Expediter
IMO, if it's necessary to put chains on, it's not worth chancing fate. Chains are for hazardous conditions. I, for one, like to stay out of hazardous conditions.