Can you refuse a truck assignment?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by MSWS, Jul 20, 2022.

  1. MSWS

    MSWS Light Load Member

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    I know it's different at each carrier, and even within a single carrier, but as a general rule, can a driver refuse a truck assignment? I ask because I hate Internationals and I'm seeing more and more of them on the road. I've heard of other drivers refusing to take Internationals when assigned, but I'm not sure how common it is.
     
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  3. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Medium Load Member

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    Are you a new driver and this is your first truck? If so then you should say thank you and get trucking. If you've been around awhile then maybe you should ask whoever assigned it to you. I only drove an International for a short time but I don't remember having any gripes with it.
     
  4. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Depends on the company. If that is all they have. Then you might be refusing yourself right out of a job.
     
  5. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    I refused assignments for only 3 valid reasons:
    1. It's flat out illegal what I was asked to do.
    Like interstate as a Canadian driver working in USA.
    All assignments has to have a border crossing, Period.
    2. Unsafe freight relocation. I explain to my carrier why I consider an unsafe move following their own policies and FMCSA and DOT and MTO rules and regulations. Include equipment and weather in this category.
    3. I'm unable to physically or mentally to do it due to lack of experience / training / health. It may be safe/ legal in another driver charge but not mine. Reasons are following.
    If any experienced driver want to complete this please jump in.
    The water is warm and warming up.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2022
    Reason for edit: Typo
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  6. MSWS

    MSWS Light Load Member

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    Agreed. Definitely not a good idea for a new driver. I'm looking down the line. Most companies seem to own multiple makes of trucks, but the Internationals appear to be getting more common. I've had other drivers tell me that they were initially offered Internationals that they refused. I know they could be lying, but the guy who assigned me an International at my last job definitely acted like he was expecting pushback. When I took it without complaint, he looked relieved.
     
  7. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    yes, yes you CAN REFUSE anything you want to refuse.

    hope you find a job that fits your special needs.
     
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  8. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Outside of a union CBA, a driver has no job protections if they refuse a truck assignment. If you refuse a truck what happens next really depends on so many different variables this question is actually impossible to answer. My answer is, well it just depends!
     
  9. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    Everything is negotiable. Everything.
    Be ready to walk away, anytime.
    Remember you are replaceable.
    Also valuable.
    Because you have something to offer.
    Your precious time. It's irreplaceable.
    Your precious skills. If you have them.
    If them are not valued, then just walk away.
     
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  10. Another Canadian driver

    Another Canadian driver Road Train Member

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    if this post is deleted because 'insert reason', it's flat out censorship.
    But, it's your web site and you can do whatever you want.
    It's not vulgar, offensive or hateful.
    If you think it's not welcomed here, oh well...
    It's just a personal opinion expressed in a civilized manner.
    Nothing more, nothing less.
     
    GreenPete359 Thanks this.
  11. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    Did you get duped by the recruiting brochure?
    They showed a shiny new W-900L but only have an International Pro-Junk fleet :)
     
    Coffey, Ffx95, tscottme and 2 others Thank this.
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