FreightWaves posted a story yesterday profiling the Jubitz Travel Center, an iconic truck stop in Portland. In Part II we talk to drivers who stopped at Jubitz for fuel, a bite and a few hours rest. Here they weigh in on traffic, ELDs and more.
Where I’m going: Los Angeles to Portland and back home to Los Angeles
What I’m carrying: Mostly Frito-Lay
What I drive: Freightliner 2018, cost me $160,000
Employment: Lease to Schneider
Miles traveled: 8-10,000/month
Years on the job: 18
Why I like the work: I can do a job the average person can’t.
Pet peeve: Too numerous to mention.
Name one: Everyone has a hand in my pocket. Every government entity looks at trucking as a revenue generator. Oregon has a per mile fuel tax. It was 16 cents; now it’s 20. California raised its diesel fuel tax twenty cents last year.
Pay: Grossed $160,000 last year, on paper. I lost most of that.
ELD: I prefer them. It’s easier, a lot less to keep track of. The only drawback is parking.
Traffic: We don’t have rush hour traffic anymore. We have rush day.
Where I’m going: Home, to Longview, Washington
What I drive: We’re power only. We pull other trailers.
Years on the job: Since 1999. My wife and I teamed pulling freight coast to coast. I’ve been doing power-only for 14 years.
What I’m carrying: Military simulators
Before trucking: A logger, then a millworker.
Miles traveled: Getting less and less and less. Don’t have 80,000 miles this year. I’m getting to the point where things are winding down.
What I like: Always wanted to get out on the open road. I have total control. The independence. I don’t get along with people well.
Pet peeve: With freight, I hated the push, push. Doesn’t matter what it is — you have to have it delivered on time. Power – there is some time sensitivity, but less.
Pay: $150,000 gross. Net half of that.
ELD: It is what it is; you got to go with the flow. Before, on paper, there was always the ability to adjust things, you know.
Homebase: SeaTac, Washington
Where I’m going: Seattle to California, waiting for load
Years on the job: Four
What I like: Nice money: $10,000-$11,000 per month.
Pet peeve: Sometimes lonely. I have a one-month old.
ELDs: It’s good. While you’re driving, the log speaks to you.
Other jobs: Move things. Other jobs not much money. I don’t speak much English.
Where I’m going: Fixing to head home to Prosser, Oregon coming from the Midwest.
What I’m carrying: Refrigerated LTLs
What I like: The things I get to see. Left to my own devices. Can sing at top of my voice.
Pet peeve: They need to stop pushing ELDs. They don’t make drivers safer. Responsible drivers make drivers safer. You have a boss looking over your shoulder.
Where I’m going: Montreal to Seattle. Tomorrow, back to Montreal. I come here once a month.
What I’m hauling: Heating/cooling equipment.
What I like: The trucks are better than they used to be. I have a microwave, fridge. They are roomier.
Pet peeve: Nothing against the ELD machine, but it’s like having a gun to the head, from beginning to the end of day. During the day, no time to stop. I’d like more flexibility.
Parking: Everyone starts at 8 a.m., and everyone is done at same time. It becomes a lot harder to get a parking spot.
On the other hand: Before, with paper logs, you were able to cheat on paper.
