A trucker has been accused of holding a load for ransom after asking for the company who hired him to pay for trailer repairs. According to the company, the trailer was never actually brought in to be serviced.
The Owner-Operator of Great American Transport, Michael Fisher, was hired by R&R Oilfield Services to move a loaded flatbed trailer worth around $75,000 from North Dakota to Texas. Just one day after he picked up the trailer, Fisher called R&R to notify them that it had broken down in Bismarck and was currently in the shop for repairs.
According to the charges filed against him, two days later, Fisher called the company and asked to be reimbursed for the $1,900 that the repairs had cost. The only problem is that police say that the shop where Fisher claimed the repairs took place doesn’t actually exist. Instead, he was in a different shop getting work done on his truck, not his trailer.
Court records show that Fisher called R&R back multiple times that day, changing the price of the repairs several times – asking for anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 dollars.
When R&R finally became fed up with Fisher, they asked him to tell them where the trailer was so that they could have someone else come and pick it up. Fisher replied that he was in Grand Junction, Colorado, but said he wouldn’t give them an exact location until he got paid.
Finally, it appears that Fisher gave up on trying to get the company to pay him and told them where the trailer could be found. It was recovered in Minot, ND. Police pulled the GPS tracking data for the trailer and found that it had never even made it out of the state.
Fisher has been charged with Class A Felony Theft. If convicted, he could serve a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Source: willistonherald
Haha says
O.p) what an idiot. I sware the blatant stupidity of some people………. vampires…….0.0….. ))
RT says
Should get yes in jail…
Balbir Singh says
He should have not done it
Nathan says
Idk, I think jail time is a bit much… At least not that much jail time. Give him a year, sure, but 20 years just for being stupid? I mean, they recovered the load, there was plenty of evidence etc. The guy is an idiot, not a murderer. Give him a big enough fine that he’s forced to sell his rig, and a few years probation. That ought to be enough.
Charles J. Stein says
They won’t just slap his wrist. They instead will send a message to all the owner operators or there who think they are more important than they really are. The days of owner ops is done. Yes about 70 percent is moved by truck. Most is done by company owned trucks. It’s, About time this small insignificant class of people were put in their place. Everyone I see one of them trying to bully their way around traffic our cut of another truck or frighten another motorist I turn them in. Both to authorities and to their company. There are still some good guys but this new breed needs to be put down like the rabid dogs they sometimes are.
Alan says
Agreed. New drivers especially are stupid. Thinking they are driving a car. But this guy will probably lose his cdl for life and get a big fine. if he doesn’t pay it they will take his truck for it and add up to a year of jail time. That would be fair. He is not a murderer after all. Just stupid
Robert says
Hey, Hey, Hey be careful not to classify all owner ops in the same group! Sure there are some that fit the ticket but the most of us are good people! My wife and I have been O/O’s for 12 years and all of my O/O’er friends are all excellent courteous drivers so don’t be so short minded about O/O’s. Most of us are family oriented, god fearing human’s willing to give you the shirt off our backs! We deal with the same amount of crap out here as you do, probably even more so since we are a team and run 24-7 sometimes for months on end!
James says
You couldn’t be more wrong. The majority if freight moved is still moved by independents and small companies. Company drivers are the problem. A few days of training and turn them loose.
Shogun says
Yeah, megas only make up less than 10 percent. Small companies of twenty trucks or less make up over 90 percent.
Christine Cook says
Well how did they become mega company’s then.. Making billions, and owner operated barely get by..
Scott Sanders says
I agree no road manners period nor cb or a real idea it makes me nervous honestly
Hammer Head says
New breed? The so called bullies are the newbies working as company drivers, hogging up the road at 55mph side by side with another truck, with no intentions of passing. How’s that for bullies? Everyone on the freeway had to sit behind me for miles and wait until I’m good and ready to let you pass!
Company drivers have never had any respect for other drivers coming up behind them with eneough professionalism to move over. If we speed by you and were doing something wrong then the highway patrol will get us, but this BS about you calling PD and or the company is falling on deaf ears because no one cares about your gripes. It’s not our fault company drivers are only a number and an ass in that seat, that’s all you are to them. Safety is a money making machine that puts more money in the company’s pocket, not yours. Have fun with that driver of the year jacket. Lol!!
HeavensHell says
Unfortunately for him it’s becomes a Federal offense so a slap on the wrist won’t do at this level. Any time you mess w big rigs or their loads it is federal.
JAFO says
True that, however if it is true that he asked for the trailer to be serviced and the company didn’t schedule a time for the trailer to be serviced. Then the company us responsible for the foul up. As for the story that the trailer was never brought in for service that’s a lie that should be thoroughly investigated. But the feds will never investigate those claims of company misconduct unless the feds are making some money. I’ve been a company driver and I know the lies that are perpetrated. People are shiferbrains and intelligence is wasted on bed sheets.
901 Hauler says
he definitely won’t get 20yrs that’s just the max. he might get a yr,some probation and maybe license suspended for a 1 or 2 yrs and a BIG FINE..but WHO in their right or wrong mind is gonna let this clown haul their loads? the guy must be a complete Dummy but that’s Karma for lying and trying to steal.. Keep Karma on your side because she is one BAD B!+€h.. Happy Hauling keep it rubber side down between the mayonnaise and mustard
Rick says
What an idiot. Probably doesn’t deserve 20 years but should spend 6 mo and lose his cdl permanently
David says
20 years is a bit much but if they can calculate lost revenue he should have to pay that and some kind of fine.
Trucker's Wife says
Was he on drugs? Everyone knows that companies put GPS trackers on their trailers. 20 years sounds too long. I’ve heard of people getting less time for murder.
Tim Weber says
I wonder if he did this to other companies in the past and got away with it? Pretty bold an stupid thing to do.
One Bad Apple says
“Back in the day” you could do this sort of thing when a broker or trucking company didn’t pay as long as the load didn’t leave the state where it was loaded. Nowadays there are laws in place to even stop that. But this guy is a liar and a thief!!! Let the chips fall where they may!
Jerry says
What an idiot !!!!
Trucking Popeye says
1) Pull his CDL for life.
2) Big fine $$$$
3) 3 -6 months behind bars
This is not the first time a driver has tried this. You can see stories like this pop up from time to time.
Hammer Head says
Maybe the company deserved it. We need to hear both sides of the story b4 you pass judgment.
901 Hauler says
he went about it the wrong way even if they did “Deserve ” it… there is a right way and then his way.. I would say his way is gonna really cost him.
John J says
Was this worth him getting 20 years in prison for? Extremely stupid of him.
Jefg says
If you can’t afford the cost of being an owner operator or you have poor skills on how to manage your cash flow, you need to sell your truck ASAP and just drive a company truck
JDMACK says
The Idea way to do Business is to CONTRACT DIRECTLY WITH THE SHIPPERS.. And? Try Your Best To Separate Shippers From Middlemen…
Personally? I find it hard to ACTUALLY TRUST Shippers who exclusively use Middlemen.. Because The Middlemen? Will Screw you every time… Like what occurred in this case..
Drivers/Owner Operators are REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW TO CARRY INSURANCE.. If Something Happens to A Load? A Shipper BY FEDERAL LAW Has A Right To File A Claim against The OWNER OPERATORS INSURANCE COMPANY…
So There was No Case Here where as The Shipper would have lost ANYTHING.. However, They Pull The Old “How do I know your going to deliver” Nonsense.. Which starts the dogs barking.. (So To Speak)…
Be that as it may? However, I think this OWNER OPERATOR Will be released.. Because Believe it or not? The Law Is On His Side… (IF) The Shipper DID NOT PAY FOR ANY PART OF THE SERVICE For Transporting The Shipment…
(IF) The Shipper pays AT LEAST 2/3RD’s Of The Shipping Cost PRIOR TO DELIVERY? The Carrier/Owner Operator MUST MAKE THE DELIVERY.. And, Settle The Rest In Civil Court.. (IF) The Shipper Refuses To Pay The Remaining Amount…
One Bad Apple says
“Back in the day” you could do this sort of thing when a broker or trucking company didn’t pay as long as the load didn’t leave the state where it was loaded. Nowadays there laws in place to even stop that. Clearly what this guy was doing had some criminal intent!!! Let the chips fall where they may!
jreal says
Damn he was going to make money for the load!! He was just lazy as hell he wasn’t even going to take the load
Archie silva says
Companies do stupid , and I guess drivers do stupid!!! Thx Mr. Fisher for making us all look stupid!
Douglas Kirk says
He only made himself look stupid, because he obviously is
Jose' says
Those Trucking companies have the government in their back pockets, they do what ever they want with the ” Drivers monies” you cannot collect what they owes you for your hard sacrifices and keep America businesses going. Maybe “This guy” went the wrong way to get his pay and ended in jail.
Tom Stiles says
Only takes one to bring down what the rest of us have spent years developing; a good reputation.
ramon a blandon says
Yes, they go after drivers, for any thing, how about going after, all brokers, motor carriers, and mega companys, steeling , from all, drivers millions a day, think about it.
Butch says
I can think of the few trucking companies and dispatchers that should be sitting in jail right next to him !!!
Bob says
Always two sides to a story. I’d like to hear his before I pass judgement. I’m sure glad I’m not an owner-operator in todays world. I’d be in jail for sure for some of the stunts we pulled back in the 70’s and 80’s. I remember a load of tires I pulled for a broker out of Akron Ohio. He didn’t pay me for the load. I stopped in his office a few times and each time he’d give me a bad Comdata code for payment. The last time he did I went down the road and found out it was a bad code again. I turned right around and went back. He was gone but he had a young lady at the front desk. He was typing some work on an IBM electric typewriter. I just walked in, unplugged the typewriter and carried it out to my truck. I told her to tell her boss I was paid in full. I guess the days of men being men are long over. Todays trucking is full of little boy steering wheel holders who do as they’re told, for peanuts. My two cents.
Steve Bell says
You sound like a typical keyboard commando…Jails and Prisons are full because of clowns like you…And idiots who actually believe you and follow your BS advice…
Wayne Dearman says
Doubt he should’ve got 20years but at least a yr only if 1st offense or few yrs if this happened more than once n take cdl away plus authority if he has that
R. H. says
I can only imagine his excuse for this behavior. I would’ve just quit and found a new job if I found serious enough issues and the company wouldn’t pay to fix. I can see some getting fired up I’ve this stuff and once you’re in it “YOU’RE IN IT!”
If it’s not his first trouble then jail is well deserved, but if there’s more to the story maybe a slap on wrist?
Kelly says
A closer read, was nothing wrong with trailer. He was lying to extort money to pay for repairs on his truck. A desperate act, and a criminal one regardless. *
Groo says
These types of people are trash and will always be trash.
Joe2boltz says
Moron. Evedently he’s not much of a business man. Sounds like he didnt have the cash or credit to fix his tractor problems.
Must mot have been in the job very long if thats his best.
steve says
The days of the renegade independent owner operator are fast ending. If you can survive trucks going up in price 600% in the last 40 years, fuel up 1000%, food up 500%, emission systems, electronic logs, driverless vehicles(immigrants) and new technologies, modern scales, DOT, etc., and still haul for the same rates as 1980 you have to be doing something special. Take away the “black beauties” and lot lizards and there just is no appeal left in the industry.
Mighty Thor says
Good bye Fisher.
Michael Grossman says
Bet he is thinking should have just asked for a loan to get his truck fixed oh well
Slim says
I wonder if that is the whole story
Yung FL says
Now this truly was dumb. He should go to jail just his ignorance Alone smh. 1600? You could make that in a week running teams. Like was it really worth going to jail?
Thomas says
A lot of scumbag drivers out here this day and time!
John says
He loses in the long run. Reckless. You gotta earn a honest living.
tom c says
to all those bad mouthing him… the company owes him 20K in updaid freight bills. lets see what ur thoughts are now about him….
Chad says
Hey Tom is that a fact about the 20k or a hypothetical idea to make people think twice. Anyhow you make a good point!
Robert says
He’s still stupid for letting the company not pay him.
daniel says
did the company not call the garage immediately?. to find out the deal with the trailor?.
I think someone better find out if this driver may need medication?.
hey it happens, stress affects certain medical conditions, all of a sudden it hits, you live a normal life then one day the guy could be BIPOLAR, its a manic condition. look it up, happens to people every day.
20 year’s? really and they think this driver has the problem, calling all freight drivers, remember the name of that company. all the drivers fault? SURE IT WAS I aint buying it.
Kmul says
Chalk that up to the stupid criminal list. This is a good example of why many of us have working, honest drivers get undeserved bad names. So sick of Idiots like this.
Mary Hernandez6 says
We get what this driver tried to do. And he sucked at it too. But the company got back their trailer and load. What’s the charge then? Conspiracy to commit ….. delaying a load?
Steve Bell says
Criminal Fraud and Extortion come to mind…
jim tomblin says
This guy was not a representive of all the honest, hard working owner ops……no more than all these negative company drivers being reps for company drivers…double diamond
JDMACK says
I’d have to see the contract before I make A Clear Call On This.. However, From What I read in This Article? The Owner Operator was WRONG BIG TIME… It’s NOT The Responsibility of The Shipper to Maintain Maintenance on an Owner Operators Vehicle UNLESS It’s in The Contract…
Drivers Can’t just throw tantrums when they run out of money… If you can’t afford the load? DO NOT TAKE THE LOAD… Or? If your Vehicle Needs Repairs? (Ask) for partial Payment on your settlement to get the repairs done…
Some Shippers May Accommodate? Some wont… But holding A shipment/Load Hostage to get your Equipment Repaired? Is A Felony… However? The Law DOES Give Leeway (IF) The Shipper DOES NOT PAY FOR THE SERVICE PRIOR TO DELIVERY…
According The FMCSA and DOT? A OWNER OF A TRUCKING COMPANY HAS A LIEN ON A SHIPMENT (IF) THE SHIPMENT IS NOT PAID FOR ((PRIOR)) TO DELIVERY… That’s Federal Law… Unless The Owner WAVES His Lien In Contract..
Like I said earlier? I CAN NOT Make A Call On This Until? I see The Contract…
JDMACK says
Hijack or Lien?
By Henry E. Seaton
March 2003
LEGAL GUIDANCE:
Q We are a property broker that booked a load with a small carrier from Atlanta to Florida. The carrier’s truck broke down and missed a job site delivery appointment. To make matters worse, the carrier then asserted his possessory lien and refused to deliver the shipment unless he got paid. The carrier insisted that money be wired to him before delivery, but by then we did not trust him with the money and the load. What should we have done in this situation?
A The situation you describe occurs all too frequently. Because of late-discovered credit problems or fear of contested setoffs, small carriers are increasingly asserting their possessory lien right to demand payment upon delivery.
Although broader liens may be available to the carrier by contract or under state lien laws, under the Bill of Lading Act and the Uniform Commercial Code (Section 7-307) the carrier has the lien on goods covered by a bill of lading for freight charges. The usual language in the accepted bills of lading confirms the carrier’s lien rights with language noting that “nothing herein shall limit the right of the carrier to require at time of shipment the prepayment or guarantee of the charges.”
A carrier has the right to demand payment of freight charges, or at least a guarantee of payment prior to delivery. But it loses its lien on goods that it unjustifiably refuses to deliver and can even become liable for the resulting harm it causes.
The actions of a carrier in asserting its lien may appear to the shipper or broker to be “holding freight hostage.” But in the eyes of the carrier, the specter of nonpayment or unjustified setoff often appears to be “freight charges held hostage.” Unless cool heads prevail, the resulting standoff can quickly turn a bad situation into one that’s much worse.
If the carrier has lawful possession of the shipment under a bill of lading and asserts its lien rights, the carrier’s retention of the goods is a civil — not criminal — matter.
Assertions of “hijack” are inflammatory and unrewarding. The carrier often does not trust the shipper or broker enough to deliver the load without insisting upon payment. And the shipper or broker does not trust the trucking company enough to wire it money and then hope delivery is made.
To keep situations of this sort from mushrooming into cargo claims for the full value of shipments, the shipper or broker should offer — and the carrier should accept — a reasonable guarantee of payment. Simultaneous exchange of freight charges for freight at point of delivery should be acceptable to both parties. Likewise, a simple escrow where an attorney or trusted third party holds the shipper or broker’s payment that it is authorized to release once delivery is complete, can be easily arranged.
If you are a carrier asserting your possessory lien, demand in writing payment at time of delivery or through a simple escrow. If you are a shipper or carrier on the receiving end of a carrier’s demands, offer in writing to satisfy the lien in one of these two ways.
Unfortunately, one side or the other — and possibly both — often will not listen to reason. The flow of commerce is interrupted. The carrier is left with a shipment it cannot easily salvage. And the broker is left with a cargo claim and a dispute that results in a lawsuit.
Remember, a carrier may have a lien for payment of freight charges, but it cannot require a waiver of the right to file a claim as a precondition of delivery. Documentary proof that the shipper or broker offered to satisfy the lien by escrow or payment upon delivery should be sufficient to hold the carrier liable for wrongful refusal to make delivery…
In The Case Of The Article? The OWNER OPERATOR WAS ENTITLED TO BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE SHIPMENT AT ORIGIN… However, It All Depends on The Bill Of Lading, And/Or The Contract Signed..
Although? A Broker ‘LEGALLY” Has No ACTUALLY RIGHT TO A SHIPMENT Once The Shipment Is Placed in Possession of The Carrier.. ((No Matter What They Say..)) Because? Once The CARRIER TAKES POSSESSION OF THE SHIPMENT?
The Service Being Rendered become A Contract Between THE SHIPPER AND THE CARRIER.. The Broker, Freight Forwarder, Or ANY THIRD PARTY No Longer has any Claim To The Shipment… IE? The Fiduciaries Job Is Done.. Supposedly…
Jeff says
Sound like he needs to serve his time in a mental facility. Crack is whack.
Curt says
The more time he get’s the richer the corporation become’ as they own the private PRISON’S.
Theres no such thing as justice’ just profit.
Eddie Mayo says
The dude perpetrated a blatant fraud!! There are consequences for such actions. He gets what he gets, plains and simple. Stupidity is no excuse!!
Bryan Johnson says
When trying to scheme goes wrong…….