What Changes Are Needed in trucking?

I haven't read this entire thread but i have read the original post and most of this thread so if this is already mentioned here somewhere its my bad.

Instead of doing the 70 hr in 8 day rule wouldn't it make more sense to just have a daily limit to save all the work and frustration of calculating hrs.

How about 10 hrs Driving time MAX every day with a 15 hr MAX work day. This way instead of having 70hrs in 8 days we'd have 80hrs in 8 days. and because we could only drive 10hrs instead 11hrs it would give drivers an argument for making it safer

other variations could obviously work as well 10/15 or 10/14 or 11/14 or 11/15

Just an idea.......anyone have any thoughts on this??


American Trucker

 

Has any company driver ever contacted the DOL regarding labor law violations like minimum wage and overtime? I know some up the start up drivers arent making either when they are logging 60-70 hrs week and only paid for maybe 40 of it. Its not hard to calculate hourly wage when you have logs showing your on duty time and how much cpm you made for all that time.

 

You're a piece worker.

Those pieces are miles.

Minimum wage laws do not apply to you.

 

Please read my whole post next time. As i stated you won't be fired for refusing to break the law, they will create a reason. Or they will just starve you out on the road. I agree with you that we need to cover our rear, but my point is the companies have ways to do whatever they want.

 

Rick name me one company who considers their drivers more than a tool to use. Every one will use you and hang you out to dry. I've been in the industry since January 1989, and between my personal experience (which includes over 1.5 million miles of no preventable accidents or tickets) and the numerous other drivers I've met in my travels, the only difference is the name on the side of the truck and trailer. My driving record is meaningless to them. I'm done with OTR, and hopefully the whole driving side of the industry. God bless you guys and keep the shiny side up.

 

I read your post.Now read mine.


Demand the respect to do your job.Drivers that are too scared to demand that respect are why companies feel like they can "starve a driver out".


But as I said maybe they will be removed by this new program,and the companies that would employ them.


Run compliant for a profit every mile, every load.You do yourself and others a diservice when you do not!

People that run "outlaw" only hurt those that do not and I look forward to their removal from the highway!

 

One company is the one I'm driving for now . The boss's office is in the same building as the shop and he keeps the door open . If anybody has family emergency that gets priority . Drivers are told if they are too tired to drive to stop and rest . Nobody has ever been in trouble when they were late because they took a needed break .
I had my truck blow a turbo and it was going to be in the shop overnight . They called a motel and made all the arrangements before I left the shop . No money out of my pocket . No forced dispatch . They e-mail drivers load offers and ask it they want to accept them . I'm paid a minimum of $.40 a mile every mile the truck moves but loaded miles are more . Too much more to list .

 

My Father drove for a company that driver came first. When he needed rest, he rested, needed time off, he got it. Open door to the owner, a former driver. He drove for 40 years before he hung it up for a Motorhome 2 years ago. It took him 13 years to find a great place like that to work for. I would love to work there, problem is noone quits and you better have at least 10 years under your belt before you even try.

As for the logs, i like the way it is, but one change, split breaks. I think a 5-5 would be better then 8-2.

 

I did read yours also Tazz, but you are still missing the point. Any company, especially now with freight at very low levels, quite bluntly can starve anybody out that they wish. I never risked my or others lives out there, it's not worth it. That and the fact I need to be home for my little girl is why I am trying to change careers. I agree we should be paid for everything we do, but the sad reality is that is most likely not going to happen. As far as being afraid, I ran legal for the last 9 years, and NEVER drove when I was overtired. I'll put my driving record up against anybody's, as well as my on time record. Reality is until EVERY driver says it needs to change it never will. God bless

 

Ok, sounds wonderful. Now how many times are they going to be so forgiving? Most of us rarely are late for reasons within our control. I never was. How often will they accept you being tired? How do you know the loads they offer you are really all they have, or maybe they have more for their pets? Most companies are going to put you in a motel if you can't stay in your truck, so that's not unusual. Have you ever fudged your hours (ie. going off duty at a shipper or receiver to save your hours for driving, which is where you make your money?) Most companies require you to donate at least the first 2 hours at a customer before you start collecting detention. Does yours? Most companies require at least 24 hours free before you collect layover. Does yours? What if you're late due to weather or other things beyond your control, and you now have to wait till monday to get loaded or unloaded? Do you get paid for waiting? Are you driving for a dedicated customer, or just normal otr where you go all over? If this is really the utopia you describe, where do we go to get in lol? I am glad you're happy my friend. God bless you and yours