My driver ran out of fuel

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by afterburn25, Apr 13, 2015.

  1. afterburn25

    afterburn25 Medium Load Member

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    Jul 7, 2012
    Lafayette, LA
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    I have a driver I pay on percentage he has 38 years experience driving a truck and seems to be an idiot. He ran out of fuel then called me up and acted like the truck just died on him for no reason. so I asked what the fuel levels were and he said it was on empty but added there should be plenty of fuel in the tanks. i asked him when he last filled up and he said about 600 miles ago. then I asked if the red light indicator was on and he said yeah it was but it comes on at a half a tank which i knew was bs cause ive driven that truck I know when that red light comes on i can get 30 maybe 40 miles out of it at that point but no more. So I had to get petro to go out there prime it and fuel it cost over $300 I don't think I should have to eat that for his own stupidity and just take it out of his check. what do you guys think how would you handle the situation.
     
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  3. dannythetrucker

    dannythetrucker Road Train Member

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    everywhere, man
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    maybe he won't be able to tell if his check is half full or empty either
     
  4. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    If it was one in a row, just pay it and put it behind you both. If this happens often, might want to think about his long term future with you. Future as-in the earliest you can route him back in. Either way, you own the truck, not him. Pay your bills and don't screw with his pay.
     
  5. joseph1135

    joseph1135 Papa Murphy

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    That's a situation I would charge the driver for. No reason for that kind of stupidity.
     
  6. marineman227

    marineman227 Dock Waterer

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    I am a company driver so take my management opinion with a grain of salt but that sort of thing is a cost of doing business. If it were me I would eat the cost and fire him. On a side note if he only made it 600 miles I would look into bigger tanks, that would suck to not even drive a full day on a tank.
     
  7. OriginalBigfoot

    OriginalBigfoot Light Load Member

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    New Orleans, LA
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    You can charge him for the road service, but not the fuel. If a driver creates a problem, they pay for it, like if they park somewhere illegal and the truck gets towed. Sounds like you need a new driver...
     
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  8. Vilhiem

    Vilhiem Road Train Member

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    Even the newbie with a mega will tell you this...

    Company pays for your fuel.
    Driver drives, and is therefore responsible for that rig. Unless he expects the company to come out and pump fuel for him, then that means it's his job to make sure he's got fuel.

    If I did that while working for SNI, I would expect one of two outcomes. I would pay for the tow truck, or be fired. There is no excuse to run out of fuel.
     
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  9. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    Sioux City,ia
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    Nuts to that one time leads to another and another,he should pay.
     
  10. DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

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    Jacksonville, FL
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    I agree with Joseph. You shouldn't have to flip the bill for someone like that. I'd charge him for it. No excuse for running out of fuel
     
  11. scottied67

    scottied67 Road Train Member

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    The fuel you were going to have to buy anyway whether he got it back 300 miles ago or road service bringing it out. It just costs more for road service to come out for $5 bucks a mile out and back plus the 1 hour minimum charge for time etc.

    Yes the driver is an idiot #1 for running out of fuel and #2 for calling you and bothering you about it. I think you're going to be responsible for paying all this, this time. Make it clear -- next time it's his round.
     
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