Smithfield Plant — Local services in Crete

I really wish that I could leave no stars as a driver this is yet another shipper I would put on my don’t pick up list. I arrived at 2:39pm my appointment was at 5pm however they did check me in. I was allowed to park on the property while I waited for my appointment window. Around 7:50pm I decided to reach out to my company dispatcher to info them of my arrival time and the appointment time and I had not been give a door. Normally as drivers we have a 2hr window for shippers and receivers for loading and unloading. Lately I’ve been told that we are to give at least 3 hours instead. So as I notice time was ticking I decided to reach out so that they were well aware of the situation. My company and dispatcher contacted the broker regarding the situation via email. We all know that at this late in the evening clearly brokers are not still in office. Shortly after 8pm I received a call to go to the dock door. Back in doors closed disconnect and pull a few feet from under the trailer and wait for loading. Shortly after o did this someone came knocking at my door to say my refer was not on. I advised them I was not given a set temp they gentleman stated he would let them know and get back to me. I decided to call and get this info myself since things seemed a bit off already. I did not receive a phone call until 2:20am to be advised my load was finally loaded (wow)! Normally after loading here your advised to connect to your trailer drive to the gate park and wait to be called when your paperwork is ready. Once your paperwork is ready walk back through the busy lot with trucks and trailers backing into their assigned doors to the flag pole and enter the office to collect the BOLs. I think this is ridiculous. Once your loaded everything should be ready seeing that no one is any hurry to do their jobs here loading and unloading. When we are drivers on the other side of that dock door burning up our clocks waiting. We all know as drivers we don’t get paid by the hour “if the wheels ain’t turning you ain’t earning”. Luckily I was advised after the timely wait and the temperature being 9 degrees and high winds I could just walk from my door and collect my BOLs. The office is fairly small so due to Covid it’s one driver at a time I waited a driver exited the office and k went in. The young man was very chatty with his co worker behind him versus handling me at the window and printing my BOLs so I could finally leave. I ended up staying at the shipper because I was out of hours to move. I was allowed to stay until they came back. I’m definitely not satisfied as a driver and just want to spread the word of what to expect when visiting this facility for pick ups...

1/10/25 - picking up a preloaded trailer.

First off, THEY MOVED THE TRUCK ENTRANCE TO THE FRONT OF THE STREET. I attached a photo. "X" marks where it used to be. (First photo)

Just get in line, wait till you get to to the guard shack. Hop out and go in to check in.

Lady was nice, she got me checked in but then i got sent down the road to their other lot to find my pick up. (2nd photo)

Pull up to that gate, hop out and go in and check in again over the phone. Yes you read that right.

Go in, drop the trailer, pull around to receiving office for paperwork and then go find your pick up trailer, go to gate and check out over the phone.

Plenty of space to maneuver in the 2nd lot. Don't have much to add about...

Got load that picked up on 4/30/22 appointmenttime was 1030. Called the shipper the day before on 4/29/22 to see if the load was ready or if we can come early and get loaded early. They said yes you can come whenever you want. Arrived at 1555 on 4/29/22 and finally got a door. Not sure what time my partner took over duty. I was sleeping. Woke up and was pulling out the dock. At 0200 went to get our paperwork and found out they only partially loaded us. At 1020 on 4/30/22 finally get another door to finish being loaded. We are still in the door at 1800. Almost 30hrs at this...