***** Now before I get into my experience, I had a hiccup with my other pilot car. A friend of mine was driving the car (not on an escort, thank god) and the lower control arm broke sending him into the center median. My buddy wasnt hurt but the car was totaled. So I have to convert my grocery getter on the fly into an escort vehicle. Now doing this myself is no challenge. On my downtime, I customize cars on the side. So I called a buddy of mine to have my decals made for my mustang. No problem he says!! There was a problem... he got busy!!! And couldn't make mine ASAP. So I had to get chalk pens and place all of my information on the windows. UGH!! So tacky to me!! *****
I was excited to receive my second job. One thing that I have to remind myself is to remember the full details of accepting an escort. Meaning, I am so excited I have a tendency of forgetting to ask, "IS THIS AN OVER NIGHT?", "WILL YOU BE PAYING HALF NOW AND 15 DAY WAIT PAY?", "WOULD YOU LIKE A QUOTE FOR MY SERVICES?"
This time out, I took the job without asking questions. (Lesson learned) As I arrive on scene, the driver was just finishing up his inspection and said that we will be driving as far as we can before nightfall. I said "OH THIS IS AN OVERNIGHT?" He said yes and asked if I had talked to his wife. I stated that I asked several questions but never received an answer. So, we load up and drive to our first destination in Comanche,Tx at an Allsups. Slept in the car until 7am and we drove out to Pecos, Tx.
As we were driving, he asked if I could get up front and lead for a bit on the roads since it turned out to be a two lane road with many bridges. I obliged and got up front and did my job as a lead. Then there were a few times I needed to jump back to as chase to get on the major highway.
Now some old heads would have a fit having to do this without getting paid and I get that. But as for me and my business, I want to accommodate my driver with not only good service but for him to understand that I dont want to try and make my first million on this run either.
As we get to our drop off, I still havent discussed the payment. Yep, I forgot again. I know, I know... silly me. Fast forward to today... February 13th... this run was on February 6th and 7th.
Am I hurting for the money? No, I have capital to carry me. But I am learning some of these businesses are going from check to check. Running a business like that is just INSANE!!!
So in the future, first thing coming out of my mouth is "I REQUIRE HALF DOWN AND CAN PROVIDE A 15 DAY WAIT FOR FINAL PAYMENT."
It was still a learning experience and gained knowledge in the LEAD position. OJT BABY IS THE WAY!!!
Well until next time. Same bat channel, same bat station.
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