Spartan-Phoenix Driver Manual

Welcome to Our Team!

Here at Spartan-Phoenix, we pride ourselves on safety, teamwork, and a bit of fun along the way. Here’s your go-to guide for getting things rolling.

Tractor Pre-Trip

Tap today’s log → ‘Inspection’ (upper-right) → tap Blue Button (lower-right) → tap “Vehicle Inspection” → enter/select truck number → select Inspection Type “pre-trip” → scroll down and approve each item → Save.

Pre-Trip trailer(s):

Access today’s logs (tap the current log graph) → Tap “Inspection” → Blue Button → Asset Inspection → Enter/Select Vehicle Number → Select Inspection Type “Pre-Trip” → approve each item → Save.

Location

Navigate to the “Form” tab → enter Origin & Destination ID’s → Save.

Be sure that it says “FedExParcels” under ‘Shipping Documents’.

Tap ‘Back-arrow’ → OnDuty → Yard Move → type ‘Drop & Hook’ → Save.

Dispatching

FedEx Trip Buddy

Navigate your web browser to Trip Buddy log-in page.

Enter your creds and start a new check-in. If it’s your first time logging in, you must call 1-855-639-7793 to retrieve your password.

Tap “Begin New Check In”.

Tap “Check In”. It must be done in this sequence, always

No trip details right away? Ring up Linehaul Goodyear within 5 minutes.

Tech Troubles?

If Trip Buddy’s being finicky, hit ‘Refresh’ → ‘Home’ 🏡, then initiate “Begin New Check-In” again, as outlined above. You can do this as often as needed.

When faced with any dispatching issues whatsoever, call Linehaul Goodyear. If no one answers, call Linehaul Phoenix.

Work apps & Phone Numbers

Here is a list of all the required work apps and app store downloads. Here is a list of important phone numbers.

Don’t forget to check out the white binder for registration and docs and be sure to inspect safety triangles, fire extinguisher, and spare fuses.

Safety First!

Unsafe Trailer?

Call Linehaul stat. The same also goes for road issues (ie. major delays due to road closures), let Linehaul know right away.

Tractor issues?

Call Derrick ASAP. Never call Linehaul if it’s a tractor issue.

Completing Doubles Hookup

Enter Load Info in ELD: see ELD section above.

Spotting a Good Dolly

Generally, the best dollys are the ‘newer’ lightweight ones with the first 3 numbers starting with ‘611’ or higher. This will save you some headaches (especially in yards with gravel!).

Dolly Pre-Trip

Safety chains (and functioning clips), air lines, tires, mudflaps, and dolly brake—check them all.

Pro Tip:

Enter the dolly number into Trip Buddy BEFORE taking it. Sometimes they’re red-tagged in the system but not physically tagged.

Setting up Dolly to Trailer #2

Back dolly up to (but NOT under) trailer #2 by leaving about a foot of space between dolly frame and edge of trailer (as long as the kingpin is lined up with the jaws, within about 6 inches on either side, you can hook from any angle).

Pro Tip:

If you are in a very tight yard and trailers are parked close together, and you want to set up in that particular location, be sure you have enough forward space to maneuver trailer #2 out of its space without hitting the other trailers. Sometimes it’s just best to take the time and pull the trailer out beforehand and set it up in a spot where you have ample space.

Set dolly brakes so that it doesn’t roll away.

Ensure trailer #2 is low enough (about one or two inches above dolly tires) but not so low that it rests on the dolly. This will create pressure on the dolly and make the dolly pop up when the brake is released.

⚠ Warning:

CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS HAPPEN WHEN THE DOLLY IS UNDER PRESSURE.

Be sure pintle latch is closed on tractor prior to backing under the lead trailer. The kingpin could rip it right off otherwise. It’s happened!

Grab lead trailer and do pre-trip (tires, all lights, mudflaps, air leaks, etc)

If the trailer is safe to run, back it in front of dolly making its rear wheels parallel to the dolly wheels.

Back up lead trailer to the dolly so that you’re close enough to where you don’t lose your angle with the dolly’s setup to trailer #2.

Make sure pintle hook is open prior to lifting the dolly. Put pintle eye and safety chains (with clips properly secured) on trailer #1, close hook, and make sure to double check and verify it’s latched. Keep hands away from ALL pinch and crush points, ESPECIALLY PINTLE EYE.

Back dolly under trailer #2.

If upon visual inspection the dolly is properly coupled (5th wheel bolt flush, arm in, and jaws closed), hook your air lines, and trailer lights, and lift trailer #2 landing gear.

Complete ‘Doubles Hookup Inspection’ in Whip Around app, while inputting dolly number and seals. This is a required procedure.

Check rear glad hands (trailer #2) before leaving.

Complete Trip Buddy procedure and hit ‘Dispatch’. If prompted to refresh, tap “Refresh” ➡️ tap “Home” ➡️ “Begin Check-In” (starting all over again).

View ‘Trip & Routing’ in Trip Buddy shows location info like drop address, preferred directions, terminal number, weights, etc. It acts as your bill of lading.

Pro Tip:

Screenshot your routing info so that you may reference it later. It shows the trip (paid) mileage, origin, and destination. Trip Buddy does not retain this info for you once you have received your next trip assignment.

Completing Single Hookup

Completing a single hookup is basically the same procedure as setting up doubles but without the 2nd trailer.

Every coupling needs to be recorded in Whip Around (even if you’re Bobtailing).

Select ‘Single Trailer Hook Up Pre-Trip’, ‘Single Trailer with Dolly Hook Up Pre-Trip’, or ‘Dock Door Pull-Off’ accordingly.

Arriving

5-step Procedure

  1. ELD: switch status to ‘On Duty > Yard Move > enter: “Drop & Hook”. Hit ‘save’.

  2. Trip Buddy: Tap on ‘Arrive’. Be sure top banner turns green.

  3. Flashers: Turn on your 4-ways

  4. Complete Stops: Be sure to stop completely at all stop signs inside the yard (your Motive camera is watching and doesn’t discern whether you’re on public or private roads).

  5. Windows Down: It’s important to be able to hear all yard sounds and also the sounds associated with setting up and breaking down sets. Honk your city horn when doing pull-thru’s so that others hear you.

Important Note Regarding Timely Updates for Efficient Load Transitions

To ensure efficient scheduling and preparation for your next trip, it’s crucial to use the Trip Buddy app effectively during load transitions:

Immediate Arrival Update: As soon as you reach the gate of your destination, promptly tap the ‘Arrive’ button in the Trip Buddy app. This action notifies the linehaul team of your arrival, allowing them to start planning your next load assignment.

Initiate New Check-In Process: Immediately after you stop to drop off your first trailer, begin the check-in process for your next load in the app. This early check-in gives the linehaul team ample time to prepare your next trip assignment while you are unloading.

By following these steps, you help streamline the transition between loads, ensuring that the linehaul team can efficiently manage and prepare your next set of trailers which also helps minimize your dwell time in the yard.

Breaking Down a Set

Ensure both tractor & trailer brakes are set (if only tractor brakes are set, you won’t get the dolly off).

Start from the rear of the lead trailer by removing gladhands and capping the ends.

Remove gladhands from trailer #2.

Press in (release) the dolly brake.

Pull dolly release arm.

Lower landing gear LAST on trailer #2.

Pull up and drop dolly by making sure the pintle hook is open and remove safety chains.

Drop trailer #1.

Fueling

Fuel Card

Use Loves Travel Stop ONLY for your refueling stops. Update: try to avoid Kingman Loves if possible due to high cost of fuel.

Each truck is equipped with an RFID chip. Just pull up to the pump and the sensor will register you.

Swipe your Love’s points rewards card (if you have one).

Enter the required info into the pump.

If there is a sensor error and your truck didn’t get registered, just swipe the blue “Q” credit card. Every truck should have one (check for it on your pre-trip).

For miscellaneous truck purchases (ie. washer fluid, etc), use your “Q” card inside store.

End of Shift

Post-Trip Inspection

Complete Whip Around post-trip by selecting ‘End of Shift Post-Trip Truck Inspection’.

Report any issues to Derrick ASAP.

Leave the truck clean, fueled, and free of bugs on the windshield, with a dolly if there was one to start with.

Additional Instructions

In any situation involving a Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) inspection, roadside inspections, or accidents (regardless of fault), it is crucial to adhere to the following guidelines:

Remain in the Vehicle: Always stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise by an authority figure or for safety reasons.

Communication Protocol: In the event of any of these occurrences:

These steps are vital to ensure proper handling of the situation and to maintain compliance with our protocols and legal requirements.

FedEx Terminal Codes

Know Your Stops: Here’s a list of terminals and their codes—memorize them, they’re your bread and butter:

Remember

Welcome aboard! Let’s hit this!

Addendum A: Yard-Specific Tips and Blue Beacon Truck Wash Procedure

Blue Beacon Truck Wash Procedure

Wash tractor ONLY (not trailer), select “classic wash”.

Approved for undercarriage, engine wash, and Rain-X add-ons.

Additional add-ons are at the driver’s expense (ie. hand drying, wheel dressing, etc).

Do NOT take loaded trailers to the Blue Beacon. FedEx does not like this.

We have a company account. Mention to the cashier that you are with Centurion Logistics of Kansas City, MO.

Cashier will ask for truck number and your first and last name to cashier.

Text Derrick a picture of the receipt. You’ll see an extra $10 bucks on your next paycheck.

Various Tips and Tricks for Different Yards

At Goodyear yard, NEVER do a ‘dock door pull-off’ from any dock on the south side of building. Call Linehaul and have them send a switcher to move it. North docks are okay for you to move trailers as long as the dock light is green and you do a proper Whip Around.

It’s okay to stage trailers in an open location for easier hookup (especially if you’re new).

Always verify first that empty trailers are indeed empty and close the door.

Ensure the pintle is closed and latched with both chains attached when a dolly is connected.

When backing a trailer with a dolly, turn the wheel in the direction you want the dolly to go. Make small adjustments in steering.

Use all senses to confirm the dolly is properly connected: listen for the click, feel the tug test, and visually check the jaws around the kingpin.

Aim to be in and out of yards within 30 minutes, including all safety checks and procedures. There are exceptions when things are out of your control.

Always verify bobtailing with linehaul, ensure mudflaps are on, and complete the Whip Around–‘Bobtail Pre-Trip’.

Use Google Maps satellite view or ask for directions when visiting a new yard.

Always have flashers on in yards, obey stop signs (complete stop) and speed limits, and wear a seat belt.

Never move trailers to access an empty one; inform linehaul if trailers are blocked. This goes for any and all yards.

Before building your set, validate the empty trailer on Trip Buddy and ensure you can close the door. This could save you a lot of time and trouble.

Be cautious of the turning radius to avoid equipment damage and safety bonus loss.

Specific Yard Instructions

Phoenix-850: Drop pups to the left after entering, and 53’ trailers past the inbound pup parking.

Chandler-858: Inbound trailer parking for both pups and 53’ is to the left after following the curve.

Goodyear-869: The primary row for dropping inbound trailers is closest to the building (south side).

Tempe-852: Be cautious of the sloped yard; drop trailers without blocking yard flow.

West Phoenix-5854: Drop trailers straight ahead after entering the southernmost gate.

North Phoenix-849: Drop trailers perpendicular and against trailers immediately to the right after entering. Empties are usually down past the dollies on the right.

Desert Center-8294: You will almost always grab an empty 53’ FedEx trailer with a ‘windskirt’ (a Cali requirement) unless linehaul requested different. These runs are consistently ‘butthead’ operations, which entails swapping trailers with another driver and hence, you’ll find yourself ‘butting heads’ in the process. The swap takes place in a dirt lot at an abandoned truck stop off I-10, exit 192. Be careful to not get stuck in the sand.

Las Vegas-891: Drop trailers in the inbound lanes. It’s easiest to find and set up empties on the west side of the north lot (north of the fuel island). It’s well-lit, has plenty of space to set up, and there’s always empties available there.

Safety Reminders

Always wear a hi-vis shirt or safety vest while in any FedEx yard.

Safety is always the top priority, followed by efficiency and adherence to procedures.

Enjoy the ride and be part of our great team.

Addendum B: Incident Management

What To Do - Driver

Gather Initial Information

Instructions for the Driver

Speak only to check on other party’s well-being.

Wait to speak to police until after contacting Derrick or the Spartan director of safety.

Use the term ‘incident’, not ‘accident’.

Gather other party’s details:

Take many pictures of all vehicles involved.

Weather conditions at the time

Traffic conditions and road state

Obtain Incident Report Number from police and promptly provide it to Derrick immediately.

Advise parties involved that we will report back details at another time.

This manual was assembled with the invaluable contributions of Kris & Josh. Compiled by Noah

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