Partially rebuilt JUNK...

[slowride4]

I didn't think I would miss it but it could definitely be worse. My current job we have used Volvo's and Internationals from Swift and USA. I will take even the oldest of those Macks any day. Although we do not have any Ford's. I think a lot of companies are holding out as long as possible for the manafacturers to get their act together. I see there is even $1,000 sign on bonus for mechanics now. If only corporate would understand older equipment reguires more manpower to maintain, I think I would come back. An additional mechanic at each terminal is cheaper than just one new truck per terminal..... hmmm.

[Jac]

JAC , if you are in BSD. I know there is a new Field Maintenance Manager for that area based out of Salt Lake City. I heard he was in WIL this week. Get with him on your equipment problems.

I

No I am not from BSD. A much bigger trm that will go un named due to possible retaliation by management. If I go above TM for anything I get retaliation. I am looking for new job even though I am #1 senior employee above TM at our location. I have worked at other LTL company's for much longer then here. Starting over may sound bad but, I have done it many times and I have to trust my gut and know when its time to move on. The only thing that has changed here at R&L in the last 6 years is the lies get bigger along with the broken promises. For instance, new tractor was promised to me for 1 month in advance. When it came in it did not have a pintle hook on the back. They gave it to another driver because they didn't want me to right it up! What ever makes Dispatch happy and look good is the policy here...

[just wondering]

well, i see things havent changed. first off, let me clarify. i quit(sort of retired )from R&L last year.i was a team driver. i will say that for 9 of the 10 years it was the best job i ever had.the last year (2009) was terrible, due to the yrc bunch, paramount, and the equiptment.I never had a problem getting a truck worked on anywhere in the system,IF they had the part or the time. sometimes my problem had to wait as it was less important than others,(unless safety related) but it did get fixed,unless there were no part for it. you know your company is in trouble when they start taking parts off a broken down tractor to fix yours.i never, and i repeat never, had a problem with the WIL shop. those guys are good as gold. besides being old and worn out, one of the biggest reasons i quit was the equiptment. breakdown after breakdown, no parts, using tractors no one had parts for(freightliners),and the general conditions of the spare tractors. the gentleman that spoke of the way the drivers take care of the companies equiptment was right on.Many spare tractors had trash,mud all over,spoiled food left in the bunk, dog hair in the bed, porno mags under the mattress,once even vomit on the floor. R&L always had a policy it was the drivers truck to take care of.we always thought at least the sleepers should be checked every now and then but they werent.and to have to switch trucks every 2-3 weeks for a team is terrible,especially having to clean on before putting you stuff in it. well i guess the purpose of this post is just to say i am sorry things havent changed,as you drivers deserve better than what you are getting to drive, but it appears it is not changing any time soon. and yes, i do miss the old R&L, but not the one now.this is not sour grapes,well maybe it is, but it is the truth.

[big cheese II]

There is only a few locations in the west pulling tripples without a shop ; RNO & BSD. The economy changed a lot of decisions for the Fleet. I know there is some upset employees & a lot of understanding employee's. A lot of companies had to make adjustments to secure the companies future. Going into major debt is not a solution. Without knowing both sides of the story on the "promises broken" , no comment. You'll have to make a decision for your future. A small percentage of employees leave & then re-fill an application out a month or so later. Not being rude or mean about it. But being with the company 20 years, I know this happens a lot.

Good luck.