Was/is seasonal this summer on a training route. Dont want to get too much into detail for obvious reasons. Been told I'm the front runner for a 22.4 bid seniority wise but still need to qualify. have had opportunity all summer, but assuming I haven't, or my center manager and steward wouldn't say that.
They said they will train me for it after labor day but still need to qualify.
Supe said my goal should be 130 stops a day( toughest route in center, lot of pick ups/peices)
I have gotten close to the 130 mark(most was 128, but I had to have someone take air off me so it could make shuttle, bad bad pre loader. 126 or 127 was the most I think I've done without going to the air wing/coming later than 7ish.
Been asking for a lot of advice from drivers that qualified(while back I assume) on the route which has helped. But still feel like I'm not quite fast enough.
Any lesser heard advice that anyone can offer?
I qualified on a tough route. If I had followed Orion, it would've been demoralizing. You gotta get the bulk stops off early as possible, open space to work. It's tempting to do the same with irregs, but I'd say work around them as much as possible unless it's convenient to get 'em off your package car. Once the bulk comes off, you can usually stash irregs on the floor.
If you're allowed (or, in my case, encouraged) to sort before start time, customize your load ASAP. Most of the time you won't need EDD released -- sort your air first, then you'll be able to move the ground to the 1000 shelf. Obviously, be careful and don't have late air. And don't work off the clock once you've qualified.
Don't waste much time digging for packages ... if you know you'll be coming back by a commercial stop before it closes, it will usually save time to swing by later.
Ask for more resi stops if you're not getting them.