Road Unworthy - Page 2 - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Attitude:) · **^ Top** #11 10.03.2007

I forgot to add to my last post.... That works as long as you do know what you're looking for!

Scarecrow03 · **^ Top** #12 10.03.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Attitude:)

I forgot to add to my last post.... That works as long as you do know what you're looking for!

We all had to take a pre-trip test to get our CDL's and therefore should know what we're looking for. I suppose the trick is learning what's ok-for-now and what's "sound the alarms, we got a catastrophe!"

Attitude:) · **^ Top** #13 10.03.2007

No joke lol! It's fun working on the trucks and getting to know your way around too. Last year we had to install a new gear box, twin screw,etc. I sure can't name them all but know how it works now

Scarecrow03 · **^ Top** #14 10.03.2007

Shoot, you know more than me then.

leannamarie · **^ Top** #15 10.03.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by didntitellu

The topic brings up a god question. I am a new driver with a little bi of confusion on it as well. A recent experience showed me that company policy doesnt really mean anything.

A little background before I get into it. Before becoming a driver I managed tire stores. Goodyear (during the police pursuit tire recall), Firestone (during the ford issues), Fletchers tire, and a few others. My background is very heavy in tires and suspension.

We hook to a trailer and start our VI. I find a right front outer tire that has heavy damage from being run low on air. The sidewall looked like someone took a cheese grader to it. The inner tire on the same axle had entirely too many flat spots and low tread areas over its surface. Left side read outer tire had a 12 inch gash in it that was less than 1/4 inch from being a full puncture. I called these issues to my trainer, so we could send the qualcomm message in to request service. The respone I got?

"Those tires are safe, but you can send in a request if you want. I'll tell you now they wont replace them though!".

And he was right. They asked us to run them as is. I unhooked and refused the load. I am not going to put my life in danger for a load. I am not a seasoned driver by any means and I know I have a lot to learn yet. But I do know tires very well. I am confidant if I dont trust a tire that is enough cause for me to refuse to pull it. And like it or not I will continue to do exactly that.

Now I spent a couple hours in a debate with my dispatch over it. Why would he hound me so badly to pull an unsafe trailer? What if I gave in and someone got hurt? Bottom line is he let us sit there another day to 'punish' us for not taking an unsafe trailer. So we loose money for wanting to be safe? I ask you how exactly that makes sense? In most businesses thinking safety will usually get you some reward will it not? Yet as a driver it gets you parked, while a dispatcher wants you to think he controls your decisions? I guess your original question still remains.

Who really makes the calls?

You are lucky that your trainer allowed you to do this. Most trainees aren't given any decision-making duties.

Attitude:) · **^ Top** #16 10.03.2007

I highly doubt that. We're just expected to work on our own trucks and if we don't know then help and learn lol

didntitellu · **^ Top** #17 10.03.2007

Leanna, my trainer got fired within days of me geting off his truck. A variety of reasons led to that decision but mostly his lack of professionalism, his disregard for safety in general, his complete lack of decency and certainly his drinking habits came into play as well. He didnt let me make that decision.....he wasnt given a choice. With or without that drunk dangerous jerk's permission I will inspect whatever I drive and make certain I feel it is safe to operate. No offense to you there, but he didnt offer any training at all, therefore what his opinions were meant absolutely nothing to me.

prisonerofthehwy · **^ Top** #18 10.03.2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trooper One

After a few years in the Trooper business and dealing with truckers. Many drivers will operate a truck they know is not raodworthy or has an OOS defect. I know money is the motivator to get in and drive but here's my question . Just a hypothetical question-

What would your carrier say if you refused to drive or carry an unsafe rig or load? Is it a Catch 22 type thing- where they just say if you don't want to drive it then go away or are they willing to work you or on the truck?

I think this depends more on your dispatcher than on your company. Some dispatchers want to push you harder than others. Personally, I've found that by using any combination of words involving safety..... That get's them to listen better.
Sometimes getting your truck fixed is like pulling teeth, but if they think that the saftey department might get involved in any shape form, or fashion, and in effect their ### is going to get chewed out if you keep running before getting it fixed..... then they will comply.

rwings · **^ Top** #19 10.03.2007

I think the problem lies with the drivers and pay. When I worked for a major carrier most drivers didn't care. I watched many drivers hook a trailer and not even walk to the back of the trailer to inspect anything. When I first started I wanted to get everything fixed but I spent most of my time in the shop and not getting paid. After a while I would let stuff go if it could be safely hauled. With my current job I have an assigned tracker and TRAILER. We are also to small to have a safety lane, it is up to the driver to ensure his truck is in proper working order. I really prefer this because I can keep my equipment in proper condition and I don't have any worries when I pull into the scales. Since I am the only person who inspects my truck and trailer, if I do get cited they know exactly who to blame.

poppy · **^ Top** #20 10.03.2007

i work for a small company, the way i see it. they are going to let you drive anything, as long as you will scrape by. any safety problem, they will fix, if you will call about it. if you are unknowlegeble, a risk taker, or stupid, then you may drive on. they won't know if you don't call, and that is what they will tell the accident investigaters, he should have known better, we don't drive trucks with safety problems. i must say if i have a problem with my rig my dispatcher will get it fixed, she will also reem the shop manager if and when he needs it, and don't mind at all.she wants those trucks fit to haul.lol on the other hand she don't have a problem with putting a long day into short form if it will work and you will do it. that is the only thing i don't like about driving, they are a little reckless with my responcibilities as a driver. and they think as much of me or any other driver as they do a shovel or any tool. if it don't work or breaks, just get another one.

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