MASS FRUSTRATIONS

Massachusetts is difficult for most truck drivers. Add repeated false directions to the mix, and a driver's composure will endure maximum testing. I called my customer 4 times asking for directions to their location, describing where I was and which landmarks I could see (including their own building!). It amazed me that they were even able to get to work each morning.  I circled the depraved ghetto of Springfield, Massachusetts, for about an hour, desperately trying to follow their convoluted directions - which led me back to my original vicinity. Several businesses occupied a large brick complex that is commonly called "The Castle". Finding a label or anywhere remotely accessible to a semi was tremendously difficult. When I did find their corner of the building, the manager told me that I would have to turn around to approach their obscure/awkward loading dock from the other direction. Her directions for the turnaround spot almost got me into very deep trouble. Only my determination and nearly 12 years of experience prevented disaster. Once I finally did get back into their loading dock, it turned out that their load wasn't ready for me yet. After a few calls to Schneider and my customer scurrying around, I finally did get to leave with at least part of the originally intended load. Leaving was a lot easier than arriving.