The last couple of weeks were a tough reminder to be prepared for the inevitable. Something I have been preaching for years in my books, on my groups, and on my blogs. The one thing that is for certain, is that you are going to eventually break down and it is going to be at the worst time. You may have a load, going to pick up a load, or out in the middle of nowhere.
My Story
My story, driving in Enid, Oklahoma, way off the beaten path. I had a sweet round trip load to pick up, $1,800 each way. I got there early, checked into a hotel and wanted some sleep before my load pickup at 7:30. Look, hook and book. The hotel was only 6 miles from the shipper.
I woke up the next morning ready to roll and excited to getter on the road and get back. So, I hit the remote start, errr, errr, errr, the engine turns but doesn’t start. WTH? It always starts right up. Hmmm, what can it be? The code reader on my Edge monitor says low fuel line pressure. The last time it was a fuel filter. My good friend drives almost two hours to come and help me change them. I didn’t have the tools or the filters (lesson learned).
He crawls up under the truck and jumps back out like he saw a rattlesnake. He says he isn’t going under there and that he saw a tail and something slithering between the rear dually tires. Then damn, if I don’t see a gray tail go whipping around between the tires too. Is it a possum, raccoon, snake, rat or squirrel? We beat the wheel with our winch bar and ended up taking the tires off. Whatever the rascal is, it has jumped up under the bed and out of sight.
The moral of the story, I lost almost six grand, including the loads I lost out plus a week of work.
We end up checking fuses, relays, listening for the fuel pump to engage, we notice nothing. Also, I am getting strange warnings on my dash. Airbags, etc., rear windows won’t roll up or down. I call the shipper and tell him I am running late. He is understanding. The broker is calling over and over. I must lie that I am almost there. Technically I was close lol. By 1:00 pm, we have run out of options and agree that the fuel pump is not coming on or getting fuel and the batteries are running down. All the time, I am Googling “Mobile diesel service, diesel shops, Dodge dealer.” Most do not even answer or are so backed up that they can’t get me in.
I end up calling the broker and breaking the news. Goodbye $3600 loads and relationship with this broker. He was really good about it but he makes it clear that I should of called him so he could find someone else. I can only say, I thought I would get rolling and still pick it up. I even go on all my groups and try to find someone to cover it.
I spend the rest of the day looking for shops. We drive to several in town with the same story. They are weeks behind and the Chrysler dealership is over a month behind. One shop tells me that he can get me in next week. I would have to leave my truck out on the street and my trailer at the hotel. That isn’t going to work. I weigh all my options, talk to all my friends and members of my Hotshot Trucking shows USA family.
I could hire a wrecker to put my truck on my trailer then get my partners to come and tow me back to DFW. Or I could stay in town and wait till I can find a shop. I call my trusted Diesel tech, he has been the top tech at Rockwall Dodge for 15 years. I tell him the story and the part about the rat and he says that it is the rat or creature and it ate the wires above the fuel tank. It will have to be dropped.
Long story short, I wake up the next morning, take a deep breath and start calling every shop I can. I end up finding the best people, shop and diesel tech. They tell me it will be Monday before they can look at it. So, I send it to the shop on a wrecker. Then they come and pick up my trailer and store it.
They kept their word. I was braced for the worst with part shortages having trucks stacked up at Diesel service shops for weeks and months. If I had needed a fuel pump there was no telling how long it would take them to get it. They find two key wires that have been gnawed that go to fuel tank, OBD port, and accessory fuses. By Tuesday, they call me and tell me it is ready. I am out about two grand for hotels, wreckers for my truck and trailer, repairs, and paying someone to come get me and take me home. I use my spare van to drive back to pick up my equipment and putting it on my trailer to get home.
The Moral Of The Story: Be Prepared For The Inevitable
The moral of the story… I lost almost six grand including the loads I lost out on, plus a week of work. However, I was ready for a break. God’s way of saying, “Chill bro, you are killing yourself. I am not ready for you yet.” I have other businesses that needed my attention, anyway. How about you? Could you afford to lose a few days or weeks should you break down? Do you have a nest egg for your bills and for your repairs?
Second point, you can have all the money in the world, but we are in strange times. Shops are backed up for weeks, months or longer. Parts are scarce. There are national backorders on so many parts.
Lastly, have a game plan to be prepared for the inevitable. Have someone you can call and people that you can count on. Post on the big groups. We have some great people that will help. Keep all the equipment you might need, bottle jacks, impact drivers, magnetic LED lights, tools, extra fuel filters, jumper cables or box, flashlights and LED portable spotlights, portable air compressor, circuit tester, code reader, extra power for your phone if you are without power for a while. I have written other blog posts on similar subjects. They might have more tools or gadgets. My eBook has a whole chapter on this.
Keep this in mind, everyone has a different opinion of what is wrong with your truck or trailer. Use your head, common sense and speak to someone you trust. The main thing is to stay safe and be able to drive another day. Get your finances in order and be prepared for anything.
