Truck Stop Setup Help !!!!!!

[CPR]

I have been practicing for a couple of months now and feel my repairs are good enough for the real world. I have been looking for a spot to setup in on weekends, and found a large truck stop near me that will let me in there for free. Was pretty shocked on how easy it was to get in there.

Anyway I would like to hear from everyone who has any experence or advice with working in this environment. This place has a 2500 truck count per day going by and anytime I have been there seen at least 100 trucks parked with over 50 % damaged windshields.

Almost all bullseyes and many with 2-3 per vehicle, I have a ladder and a friend to help on the first day ( he does not know anything about wsr ). I know I will be shaking doing the first few but know all the great people here can make the first day a breeze. I'll be printing out this post to take with me for reference.

Want to thank the ladies and gentlemen and Delta for all the help on these boards, I have basically learned the wsr biz just from reading and using all the posts here.

[Repair1]

Hey CPR,

I did a flying J last summer only tried it a few times I wasn

[glassdoctor]

I haven't done this before, but I would think you want to target the independent driver-owned rigs. These are the guys who should want you to fix em up. It's their rig and their money.

The big trucking companies will already have someone back at the shop to do wsr, and the driver is just an employee and may not be authorized to fix it.

This is only my guess and certainly there are always exceptions. I don't think insurance even enters the picture with trucks.

You will learn pretty quick how things work once to talk to a few truckers. Just act like an old pro, completely confident and you will be fine. They don't need to know you are bluffing.

[CPR]

The Flying J here in Fort Pierce is where I am going, they seem to have alot of trucks parked and waiting around. The problem I have is this is the only place I find windshield damage, just dont see many chips on your everyday cars here.

[CPR]

Cash only here, dont expect any company trucks to do. Funny on how these work, have a friend who works for RL Carriers and they allways replace no repairs period. Also know people with another large trucking company who wants everything fixed. This is why I want to get live practice before I become their second string wsr tech.

[the big welshman]

How about going after the some fleet accounts, Truck Companys ie Coca -Budwiser. Ryder Rentals--Penske Rental( they pay with a credit card you will have to get a credit card set up, you get paid in 48 hours) etc etc also bus coach companys the windshield on the Van hoole coach top windshield is approx $1000.00 they are all looking to save some money All these companys are self insured ie they have to pay the first few thousand out there own pocket. all you need to buy is a 6ft fiber glass ladder from home debot. I have metel plate that I bolt on the top of mine because I use a Vac- pressure system to put on top of the ladder when I am doing coach.You may have to get $500.00 LIABILITY INSURANCE try the Hartford it may run you about $300.00 for the year.Just go after anything with Wheels .when it is raining and you cannot work do some COLD CALLING on fleet accounts, you may have to offer them a demo.--YOU HAVE TO ADVISE THESE FLEET ACCOUNTS THAT THIS A 30 DAYS PAYMENT. PRICE--the big welsh man

[Ridge Runner]

Hello CPR, If you can get authorization (from the store manager) to work a "Flying J" for free, definitely go for it! Usually Flying J & Petro managers want a perk or two for the privilige of doing WSR repairs on the lot. Kinda makes you wonder about the relationship they have with the LOT LIZARDS. Strangely,even though Glass Doctor hasn't done this B4, he hits the mark. Target owner/operators. That's what I do. It's a cash market. These folks are usually very easy to get along with (as compared to your so called "free repair insurance customers"). I'm sorry Repair 1's experience @ a FJ didn't meet his expectations! Why would you go to a TRUCK STOP & solicit people "getting gas" when the people the place was built for was truckers? Truckers are usually there to take a break, do a tire check, have a meal, get some sleep (all these things are required by DOT). They aren't in a hurry to get to Granny's house or worrying about getting mugged. When approached, you'll get a go ahead or a big FO. That's what I like, honesty. As for the knee thing, I'm 57 yrs old,have arthritis & am a major woose; I use a ladder. Trucks are easy! Dude you really need to go after independent truckers if there is a lot of truck traffic in your area! JUST MY EXPERIENCE!

[DaveC]

Don't forget, the big diesel powered RV's will frequent some of these truck stops:)

[desertstars]

I agree with Ridge Runner. Go for it!

The owner-operator will be interested, especially those with nice rigs. Additionally, many of the fleet drivers can get authorization for repairs by simply calling them in.

Don't be looking for insurance monies on those 18 wheelers; more like $25 or $30 bucks. But, ten jobs per day is not unreasonable at a Flying J and that converts to $250 to $300 with no travel expenses between jobs.

Stay away from w/s's with multiple hits. You won't get enough money to make the effort worthwhile and they will probably be no's anyway.

Curved windshields are better prospects than flat-glass but that should not obviate chasing the latter for a job. RV's are terrific prospects and those are usually insurance jobs. You'll need at least a four our six foot ladder to work on those unless your name is Kareem.

Either carry liability insurance or give Flying J a waiver of liability. (Do NOT initiate the latter; wait until they bring up the subject if and when they do!)

After a few weeks, you will make many friends and the word will get around among the road jockeys. In most cases, they are great people to shoot the breeze with.

[GlassStarz]

I do a couple small truck fleets practice up on your flat glass also my limited experience with truckers is a $50 reciept for a $30 repair will get you alot of buisness They all get stopped by DOT and breaks are a sitable offence so even the company drivers will get a repair done if its attractive enough. I would sujest some type of uniform shirt to identify yourself.