Popular Post j_martell Posted November 20, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 20, 2014 @gearhead204: I know what you mean, that's why I get the little work I do in the slow months. Much more than just a driver....and the boss mans knows that. I'm not an expert at anything by any means, but I can and will do what ever he asked of me....and it will be done right. But after three years, I also feel it's time for a change. new adventures await. I'm still worried that Im making a huge mistake, but every time I have changed jobs I have worried.....I'm a creature of habit, and do not like change, but I think this will help me more than just solid year round work. @thomastractorsvc: Thing is, work or not that day, I'm required to show up Mon-Fri.....and often give up Saturday or Sunday or both to get hours if the weather will be good....and there is a bit of yard/shop stuff to do, but not enough to fill the day, and certainly not enough for the 30 or so guys that are all needing hours. Got a call this morning that I'm good to go....giving notice tomorrow. Looking forward to a change... 4 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-267408 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 7, 2014 Author Share Posted December 7, 2014 So, Friday (dec 05) was my last day.....kinda sad to have to clean out my truck after all this time.....Had a chat with the bossman when I handed in my phone etc.....said he knew why I was quitting, and wished me luck......told me I was a pleasure to work with and should **** hit the fan, "call me, I've got a spot for you here"......always nice to have a backup plan....My buddy Nick is ******....lol.....now he's all by himself doing everything me and him used to split.....he bought a jetta so I was over there tonight checking it out.....next week hasn't even started and he's already behind....Training starts Monday @ 0800....here we go Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269417 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BAD DOG Posted December 7, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted December 7, 2014 Congrats, good luck with the new job. I was talking a while back about jumping ship too and last Friday I closed another page in my career scrapbook. The construction company I've been at for almost 8 years now got to the point with me that I just couldn't prolong my agony anymore. This year started late and ended early with only about 20 full weeks of work in this year and a lot of thought at how I could make things work I decided to leave the construction business and go back trucking full time 52 weeks a year, I started with some refresher training this week at the new place doing all flatbed work mainly (steel) coils, pipe ,tubing, plate and beams. And lots of oversized loads. Most of the stuff I've done before but it's been a while and going to take a bit of getting re acquainted with things. Hopefully staying local like they promised. Hauled a few loads of 75' long pipe this week with a trombone trailer, kinda new but similar to pulling a long float with a long piece of Equiptment in a lot of ways, going to be doing lots of it and unfortunately a lot of tapping too depending on weather. Pays percentage so days can be bad or really great but they are really busy and doing the math things should never get much less that one of my better paying weeks at the old job, plus they have a full benefit plan uniforms an boot allowance. All adds up to potentially be much better.hopefully things work out for the better. I miss the old job a bit and the guys I worked with there, but in the long run it just wasn't paying the bills and I've found myself falling farther behind each year. Old boss never said much the last week never wished me well thanked me or anything and I felt I was fair with them by waiting till the slow season to bail on them and giving a fair notice, and I know he's going to have trouble finding drivers let alone good drivers for next year because he does every year and this year he lost both myself and my brother who were in the three of 10 drivers and I think before spring he's going to loose 2 more guys for the same reason. But the bottom line is a guy has to bs e able to make a living. Hopefully the change will allow me to and start getting caught up on everything I've gotten behind on. I hope I made the right choice. 5 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269432 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 j_martell and BAD DOG, I want to wish you both lots of luck with your new endeavours . Keith 1 Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269587 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 8, 2014 Author Share Posted December 8, 2014 Thanks Keith. Sitting here now waiting for the boss to get here..... 1 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269589 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted December 8, 2014 Share Posted December 8, 2014 ...........and? 1 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269637 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post j_martell Posted December 9, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted December 9, 2014 I hate to sound cocky....but this shits gravy!!!! Other than the paperwork (which is only tricky because it's new) this is easy....machine is simple to understand....just follow the hook up/setup procedure, and watch the the truck do the work....And due to my years in a different area, I'm not so good at getting around, but that's will come....More training with the same guy tomorrow, who has been really helpfully and understanding....and more than willing to answer any question. Oh yeah....he's been working there for OVER 30 YEARS.....the last 17 in the same truck, 1.7million km cat powered western star.....and even at 30 years, he's only #4 on the seniority list.....Boss man offered to let me go alone tomorrow, Vaughn (trainer) thinks I'm good, but I want one full day to work out the paper trail....boss man said that will work, as my rig is in the company owned full service shop being checked out, and will be ready Wednesday ish..... I hope it's a star....lol 5 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269659 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 10, 2014 Author Share Posted December 10, 2014 Today was less frustrating....did most of the driving (nearly the only thing I knew coming in) and loading unloading (getting easier with a few loads and a bit of a rhythm).....Vaughan was just riding along, and helping with the paper work and continuously answering questions.....plans changed, my *shudder* Volvo is still in the shop, and Vaughan is off tomorrow (his ws needs a new compressor) so ill be riding with "Jim".....similar box/blower truck, but slightly different setup....we'll see how that goes. And tomorrow I don't have to be there till 0630....BAD DOG: How's your new gig?! Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269855 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezrider Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 good luck at the new job.I left a extremely good company driver job before i became a o/o. when i left they told me if things don't work out to give them a call and they would give me my old job back. It defiantly eased the mind a bit knowing that you are leaving on good terms and the worst you can do is end up back where you started. glad your previous employer is understanding and that your leaving on good terms.on a side not sorry to hear about the volvo 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-269856 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 26, 2014 Author Share Posted December 26, 2014 so, should update....started on my own two weeks tomorrow.....was assinged a truck....guess which one ?as much as i dislike Volvo for what they have done to mack.....its not too bad, mostly due to the d12 and 18 speed.....but i still miss that mutt i cut my chops on.....so far all is going welll.....long days, but thats what i wanted. got my first pay this week and made about the same as the old gig despite the 10$/hr cut.....figured the payperwork out and now that i have a routine,, its easy as pie.....taking some getting used to a new area, but slowly picking it up.....still get bored unloading, because all i do is hook up and wait.....but i get time to call the family, do the papeerwork and have a bite to eat, all while getting paid and sitting still heres a pic...set up blowing off hog feed outside of sebringville, ontario......set up the pipe, start the blower and hydraulics, open and start the airlock, then go do something else for 15-60 mins.......2002 Volvo VHD D12 465(?) and Eaton-Fuller 18speed, 46,000lbs meritor rears (ratio unknown at the moment), self steering lift axle, Wallinga Classic bulk/bag box with transfer unit......edit:yes those are hog carcasses next to the fuel tank near the barn.......almost tripped on one when running off the ladder as the bin filled up to "overflow"....not as bad as the pile of chickens i stepped in monday night in the dark 2 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271925 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted December 26, 2014 Share Posted December 26, 2014 Good to hear things are working out. 1 Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271927 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 26, 2014 Author Share Posted December 26, 2014 thanks keith 1 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271928 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted December 26, 2014 Share Posted December 26, 2014 Still hope the Star is in your future versus the rookie truck.Oh, watch where you step! 1 Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271929 Share on other sites More sharing options...
hatcity Posted December 26, 2014 Share Posted December 26, 2014 So far-so good.Room for a camp chair (fold out style)?see guys with blower trucks carry them. Start process, take chair out 1 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271932 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 26, 2014 Author Share Posted December 26, 2014 So far-so good.Room for a camp chair (fold out style)?see guys with blower trucks carry them. Start process, take chair outtons of room, but why sit outside, just set up so you can see the pipe in the mirror and sit in the cab....should shit hit the fan and the pipe plug, just hit the clutch and everything stops....the "e-stop" button lolwhen its not so miserable out ill stand out and whatch, just out of curiosity sake..... Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271933 Share on other sites More sharing options...
slpwlker Posted December 26, 2014 Share Posted December 26, 2014 Steerable dual tire axle? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271934 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 26, 2014 Author Share Posted December 26, 2014 yep.....nice to be able to drop it and leave it.....but, placement as close to the drives as it is, heavy on steers and light on drives with it down leads to burning inside drive tires around corners.....need to load partials on the lift and drives, vs my force of habit load nose heavy..... Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271935 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post slpwlker Posted December 27, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted December 27, 2014 I've heard of them but never seen one just the single tired ones.. Hell if i would of moved mine up any farther I would of never gotten any weight on the steer. Just moving it from 4'6 to 4'9" changed how my weight went forward 3 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271941 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted December 27, 2014 Author Share Posted December 27, 2014 most (from what i've seen anyway) up here are 385 singles.....placement is usually the same, on dump etc, just behind the back of the cab, but im noticing feed and fuel trucks now with the lift a few feet behind the front of the body.....works fine when im loaded full....just a pain to adapt to half box load in the center of the box for the lift to be useful......just glad i still control the damn thing, and not some computer on the friggin frame rail....SPIF can f*** its hat......guys who have never driven souldn't be allowed to call the shots Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-271969 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post j_martell Posted January 12, 2015 Author Popular Post Share Posted January 12, 2015 Ha!! Here's my friggin' Friiday......Running out of hours for the week......pull into the farm to blow off, get set, but I'm on a bit of a side hill towards the barn with 9 tonne pinned in the nose, and most of the barn lots level out toward the entance, so i edge over. After punching through the snow drifts, i go to move ahead, and the drives burn and slide down the hill into the barn.....missed it by about 4" at the back of the box....front of the truck is a few feet from the edge.....F**K.....Go to the shop to get the farmer, "I'm stuck...." i said....."k, I'll get the tractor" he says....little Deere 5XXX 4wd.....tries, and nothing. His whole lot is ice, nothing for the tractor to bite....the he backs up and takes a run at it....F**K....drags the nose of the truck to 4" from the barn too....F**K!!!!4 weeks in and i need a wrecker......F**K!!!!!!!!!!5 F**KIN' MINS BEFORE THE WRECKER SHOWS UP HE COMES AND PLOWS THE DRIFTS!!!!!! Had it been pllowed before i got there, i wouldnt have tried to "forge a path" and ended up where i was......GFD!!!! 4 Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-274026 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Green Dash Posted January 12, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 12, 2015 Dayumm! I think you summed it up well when you said F**K!Don't beat yourself up too much, a lesser driver would've hit something under those circumstances. You got away with no property damage, gained some experience, and have a story to tell complete with pictures. Sounds like a win! 3 Quote Jim Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-274030 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I think green dash summed it up properly.Before I plowed snow, I used to drive a furnace oil delivery truck. I remember well what its like getting into residential and farm driveways in the winter. Some of them were very tough. I always had a shovel and a 2 pails of sand on my truck. You got out without wrecking anything . Good job, in my book!!!Keith 2 Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-274032 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Hopefully, your pictures will smooth things over with the boss. Everybody will have a better day if the path is kept clear. 1 Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-274051 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_martell Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share Posted January 12, 2015 when i called dispatch to inform him I was stuck, he said, thats ok, your #3 today....the tow truck will be there in about an hour, hes nearby pulling one of listowels trucks out too.....i chuckled and sent him the pics...replied thats not that bad, the other guy tried to use a "no winter maintenance road".....aka snowmobile trail Quote Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.... Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-274052 Share on other sites More sharing options...
j hancock Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 the other guy tried to use a "no winter maintenance road".....aka snowmobile trailOoops! Quote JimIt doesn't cost anything to pay attention. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/37759-jumping-ship-long-post/page/2/#findComment-274053 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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