Idle and safety!

If I was still over the road, if I wanted to idle, I would idle. Screw company policy. They can fire me if they want. If they fired me for that, I wouldnt want to work in the company in the first place

That being said, I would only idle if I really needed to. If it was very hot or very cold out, or I needed to charge the batteries.

 

Its all about profit !!! now if dogs and cats or small children where driving these trucks Im sure there wouldnt be a issue.

 

The companies are aware of the liability and safety issues around idling trucks, they're hiding behind state, county and municipal law. If there were no laws limiting idling, few companies would push the issue as far as they do today. Since it's on the books somewhere, that's a good excuse to match or exceed the written limits. If you think the companies are tough, look at the conflicting laws. You can be put out of service at any time for appearing fatigued or ill (how do YOU look right after you wake up in freezing or hot temps)- at the same time, you are NOT allowed to idle. Five minutes here, thirty minutes there, clean idle compliant (or not), not in a residential area, APU only, no APU... you get the idea?

I think the trucking industry as a whole has been cowardly to the Federal and State Governments when it comes to respecting driver's safety and comfort. Unfortunately, the same Government that opened our borders for international trade believes most truckers are smugglers and criminals. That's Uncle Slam for you- create a problem with regulation then solve the new problems with more regulation.

Well, now we're off the subject- but the fact is that as long as idle restrictions are on the books trucking companies will hide behind them. No truck company will ever have the courage to tell it's Uncle that their drivers, employees and contractors need a more comfortable work environment and no company cares to because of the cost of fuel.

Wait a minute, that's not right- a lot of trucking companies depend on the contractors- and even the office staff to use as much fuel as possible so they can get a good futures contract, it's more accurate to say that trucking itself has created an abundance of drivers and the plain truth is, if you don't do things the company way you get fired- they don't really care. There are young skinny NooB's pushing down the fences trying to get your job- if you can't stand the temps some of them will.

Oh- pets? If someone sees your dog panting hard in Houston in ninety degree weather in your truck and calls the Police, it's anyone's guess on how things will end. If that same officer sees you sweating in your truck he thinks you deserve the punishment.

 

It all started pretty innocently in the early 90's with the passing of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. The selling point was 'don't you want clean air and clean water?' Who's going to vote against that? Little did the sheeple know that once you give a politician an inch, he wants a mile.

 

the last time i checked, for a drivers time off in the sleeper berth to count as a break, the driver has to be comfortable. i have a fridge in my truck and i tell places that if my truck has to stay off while they take 5 hours to load me, and then it wont start, are they going to jump me off? that usually shuts them up right away.

or you can tell them you had to get jumped off that particular morning due to a bad battery and you have been told to keep it running until you get to a service terminal LOL

 

it was 10 below this morning where i'm at, just try and make me turn my engine off! go ahead try!