How did we get here? - Truckers' Trucking Forum

MCR6468 · **^ Top** #1 01.16.2009

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

This is my question to all the drivers,both seasoned and those that are new to the industry. What i am asking is how did we get to the point that we are letting the companies tell us that we cannot idle to keep warm in the
winter, and cool in the summer.
When i was otr 7 years ago not a word was mentioned about this,and i know that the cost of diesel has gone up
since then.
But this can and should be seen as a serious safety and
health issue. How can someone get rest if they are freezing or roasting in their truck?
On the SATELLITE RADIO show, a driver was told by his company that he would be fired if he did not shut off the truck....and he told them that he was in 30 degree weather.
How are we letting this happen? I have been charged $360 by my dispatcher for idleing, but got out of it due to a mechanical issue with the truck, but they still send us msgs telling us to cut down the idle time.
Are these people doing the same at home to be more consevative with heating fuel/electricity and money? Do
they tell their familly to bundle up and sleep in their clothes to stay warm? No, they don't... they do this to us
because we are letting them do this for the sole sake of a paycheck.
I personally will not drive after the winter is done, i will not roast in this tin can,and i will not go to California that is
waging war against truck drivers and the industry itself.
So please let me know how we got to this point, and how we will surpass this issue, i look forward to all your answers.
Thank You....
mcr6468.

rocknroll nik · **^ Top** #2 01.16.2009

we surpass the issue by buying our own trucks and not working for companies anymore or by every driver on the road company,union,and owner op shutting em down for a 34 restart at the same time. They might figure it out then. Also imagine all truck drivers getting a room at night during the winter and letting the truck sit for 12 hours in 40 below temps, fuel gelled, batteries dead. Think of the cost.

doubledragon5 · **^ Top** #3 01.16.2009

You know what might get their attention (the companies) is to tell this story to your local tv station. They in turn will do a in depth investigation, and then the whole world will know.. The local new just might be your best friend...

simpleinterest · **^ Top** #4 01.16.2009

Any chance you could tell us your company? If not understand my man.

rocknroll nik · **^ Top** #5 01.16.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubledragon5

You know what might get their attention (the companies) is to tell this story to your local tv station. They in turn will do a in depth investigation, and then the whole world will know.. The local new just might be your best friend...

As long as they use it. The big boys are really starting to stick it to the drivers badly. Something has got to give.

danc694u · **^ Top** #6 01.16.2009

.
The economy got us this way. That, and people who could not control their spending to begin with.

Now, we're paying the price in spades.

Wiseguywireless · **^ Top** #7 01.16.2009

Thing is, if you own your own truck, it don't make a difference when it becomes Law. Then what. I have already made up my mind that if the weather is inclimate in Wiss and they tell me to shut off my truck I will demand that I be arrested for the Crime that they made it and have a Lawyer on stand by to defend me in front of a Jury. Citizens forgot that you can even demand a Jury trial for a trafic ticket. so be it

rocknroll nik · **^ Top** #8 01.16.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by simpleinterest

Any chance you could tell us your company? If not understand my man.

Driver that is happening everywhere. I heard thru a friend at celadon that next month they are gonna let a bunch of drivers go if their idle time isn't below 12%. Now this is pure hearsay, but when I worked for them they DID fire a bunch of drivers for idle time over 40%. now the way I see it is the company was leaving drivers sitting for days on end in the heat and now the cold. The trucks don't have apu's and not all truck stops have idleaire and if you ain't running you can't afford it, even with celadon paying 1/2 the cost.
Catch 22 roast or freeze or save your job.

doubledragon5 · **^ Top** #9 01.16.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocknroll nik

As long as they use it. The big boys are really starting to stick it to the drivers badly. Something has got to give.

Your right, but actions speaks louder then "WORDS". Put it just amazes me that with all the #### going on in the industry, no one not even OOIDA gives a rats aers..

bduke · **^ Top** #10 01.16.2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocknroll nik

we surpass the issue by buying our own trucks and not working for companies anymore or by every driver on the road company,union,and owner op shutting em down for a 34 restart at the same time. They might figure it out then. Also imagine all truck drivers getting a room at night during the winter and letting the truck sit for 12 hours in 40 below temps, fuel gelled, batteries dead. Think of the cost.

Good suggestion. The only problem that I see is that you are not going to be paid for that down time unless you belong to a union. There are a few companies, mine included, that will pay for down time.

There is another problem of the cost of getting a room. Other than union drivers and a small handful of companies, the cost of the room is going to the driver.

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