Truck Procedures

In 2008, Free Geek was awarded a grant from the Meyer Foundation to purchase a box truck for pickups and deliveries. It was purchased on April 3rd, 2008.

Truck Specs

• Year: 2004
• Make: GMC
• Model: W45
• VIN: J8DC4B14647007318
• Plate Number: CN02974
• Fuel Type: (Bio)Diesel

Pre-Pickup Inspection

Before getting in to the vehicle, walk around the perimeter and look for anything odd or out of place. The back of the truck should be locked, as well as both doors. Windows should be rolled up completely. Look under the truck and check for loose wires or sliced lines (it's happened before). Observe the tire pressure visually; in warm weather especially, tire pressure will decrease.

Starting the Truck

Begin by putting the key in the ignition and turning it forward three clicks until all of the lights on the dash turn on. Hold it here until the lights shut off. Turn the key back toward you again, then forward all the way to start.

On cold days, the engine can take up to 15 minutes to warm up. Be sure to give yourself adequate time to start the truck before your pickup shift.

The smell of biodiesel may be like roses to the environmentally conscious, but it is not particularly pleasant for the people working in the warehouse. If you start the truck and plan to leave it running in the lot for a while, be sure the warehouse doors are closed unless the coordinator in the warehouse directs you otherwise.

Equipment for Pickups

The driver should ask donors whether they will require a pallet jack or not. If so, use one of the jacks located in the warehouse.

Other items to bring include:

• Hand carts (one for each person on the pickup)
• Gloves
• Tally slips
• Uncovered stickers (normally located in the glove box or the metal binder in the cab)
• Pencil
• Water & energy bars

Leaving Free Geek

The warehouse keeps traffic cones by the inside of the garage door. Place four cones to the right of the truck, with the last cone placed in the parking space closest to the truck.

Ensure that the back of the truck is closed and locked before driving.