There is some merit to what you say perhaps. Terminal Consolidation in kansas city Missouri is represented by teamsters union. and they are in the intermodal industry. I have never heard of any complaints about management, although I'm sure there are some. This industry needs a big hefty dose of teamsters, quick ,fast and in a hurry. You're also correct about the drivers having less than a lack luster reputation. I know Midcities hired to excons, not that they don't need employment, they do. It's just their attitudes acting so arrogant and egotistical. I pray unions become strong again before labor rights are gone. Folks have to realize. I know a guy that drove for Vitran Express for ten years had one accident last year in Iowa during winter weather conditions and the company fired him with no hesitation. If a the company had union representation he would still be driving for Vitran if he desired. It's that way at every non union job in the country. Make a mistake and you're gone. I'll take a union job over a non union job in a New York Second. Wake Up Labor! While there is still time.

regarding the accident -

not necessarily...

I know that if I scratch a fender I am fired... - and the grievance procedure begins...

being a Teamster does not mean you get a free or easy ride.

That is an absurd argument... how can you blame the union an entire group belongs to because an EMPLOYEE of the company doing the work is a screwoff??? lol You people seem to forget that the particular dock workers you are ######## about are employees and if they are screwing off, it is the company and the dock foreman to blame...employees... not the union.

Sorry, but that argument doesn't wash... I see people standing around and screwing off at every job, every business I have been to... whether suits and ties, construction workers, grocery workers... union or not...

And regarding the statement of no CB's, no heat or AC, etc... in union drivers trucks. Again, those trucks are purchased by the company, not the union. How many companies, union or not, provide cb's for the drivers? None that I have ever heard of... is Swift now providing all their driver mill wheel holders cb's? Don't think so. I have never, even 40 years ago when I first drove trucks... been in a truck that did not have heat... AC yes... for local guys... but all had heat. lol

Please be realistic about your arguments... BTW.. I am NOT a union driver, but sure as hell wish I were.

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I'm not implying you get a free ride. Initially if you scratch a fender as you say, and don't report it, you should get fired. It's written in the FMCSR, report all accidents or incidents regardless how minor. They don't set disiplinary actions, but you are required to report it. That's why some employees get fired. Now to address the other. At a union job depending on your history, if you get fired you may receive some time off, but the chance of returing to work is great. Non union jobs there isn't a debate you'll be gone unless you wear chapstick often and kiss a lot of butts, then you may get by, I've seen that happen at Fed x Freight.

UPS is union Teamsters, and those employees do what the company wants. It's a strong company still. Unions aren't the cause of people being inefficient on the job. It's management. Yes it happens at non union jobs too. employees malingering.

Heat is required by law. Read the FMCSR. Airconditioning is not required.

AC is required in the National Master Freight Agreement (NMFA) contract and other contracts, thank god.

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I totally agree.

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AC is only required in road units - city trucks do not require ac...

Thanks to the Teamsters city Drivers now may have airconditioning in their trucks, under the NMFA. FMCSR doen't require tractors to have airconditioning, city units or linehaul units. If you have air in your units it's a blessed aminity. Again Teamsters bargained to have Roadway, Yellow, ABF UPS to have ac units in tractors. Although it would be rather impractical to have AC units in UPS's residential delivery units. I would imagine.