I just want to walk away,,, how do I do this?

Have you tried OSHA?

 

I am sorry you are goig through this... It sounds like you already know you are going to quit this company and that is probably a good idea with the problems you are experiencing...

The question is now, so you still want to drive a truck? Are you interested in working for another company? Because, if not, then it doesn't really matter how you handle this... But, if you do still want drive a truck and be hired by another company then how you handle this situation will be a reflection on you.

If it were me, I would be interested in driving for another company, so I would drive the 600 miles to the terminal and do all I could to quit in a professional and responsible manner. That way I could show the next company that I am a professional and do the responsible things even under poor conditions and unprofessional treatment.
Also, in the morning I would get up early and find an O/O would could possibly help me with the heater/defrost and all... I had my defrost go out when I was in sub zero weather and the windshield would ice over... Found an O/O who was able to help me and got it working... I can't describe exactly what he did.. so I won't try.. because you would be better off finding an O/O to help you.

Hopefully you already have been, but I would document everything!!!

I know it is tough... I went through a rough time with having to deal with a jerk of a driver, and all sorts of b-s... Was out west and it took weeks and dealing with allot more crap and all from him before I could get back. But, no matter what I handled myself as a professional and got through it... Now it is behind me, I am in my own truck, it is nice, clean, runs well and things are much better.
But I do remember how tough it was to even think about another day of it and wanting to just bail and catch a flight home.. I didn't want to ruin my career in the trucking industry, so I endured and got through it and now, as I said it is behind me and things are much better...


Anyway, I hope it all works out for you, and please keep us posted. I will say a prayer for you....

 

If you live in the Reading area you will most likely find something local. I personally would get that truck back to the terminal before I quit so you could leave on good terms. You might not want to be a driver anymore but I would not sell yourself short just in case. You don't wanna look back 6 months from now and kick yourself in the butt for some stupid emotional action. Some companies don't deserve you,roll with it and better yourself. Good luck with your decision.

 

Was I you, I'd be thinking about a couple of things:

1. You say things aren't working out for your family. I'm assuming here that you mean away time and/or money issues. I'm also assuming this is your first trucking job. Not being sarcastic here, but this (or some variation of it) happens to alot of new drivers. You're gonna have to face the fact that for the first year or so that part isn't likely to change much regardless of who you're with. We tell "newbies" this over and over but it doesn't become reality for most until they come face to face with it. You and they are going to have to talk seriously about being in this situation over a few years if you stay OTR.

2. Quit and let them come get it. NO!!! This is "abandonment" at the very least and one of the worst things you can have on your record. Also leaves you wide open to their claiming that you "destroyed" a perfectly fine truck (Qualicom isn't gonna help you here) because they are gonna have "records" that "prove" the truck was fine when you got it and that "problems" were "taken care of". After all, YOU kept taking the truck out and thereby signing off that the work was done.

3. Same deal with the "inspection". They may very well decide to place you "out of service" until the truck is fixed but it also might get you fined and/or fired because YOU took it out knowing it was not right. Y'see the driver always has final responsibility for the state of the equipment. That's the way the law is written.

You're going to have to return the truck to them. Now somewheres along the way I'd call in about the windshield issue and tell them "Windshield keeps icing over, I can't see to drive... almost wrecked it". That will get you patched up enough to get to the terminal at least.

Once there you're gonna have to see the terminal manager and tell him "I'm sorry, but I just can't keep limping this truck around this way. It's unsafe for me, the public and the company. I just can't do my job properly worried all the time that the truck is gonna quit on me or get me in a wreck". Do NOT complain about hours, dispatch or home time at this point. Be all about safety and job performance. Ask for a better truck or this one to be fixed properly. This puts the issue fairly in their lap.

If they still refuse or try to "patch" then you have justifiable reason to quit. If they say ok, do not go anyplace but the repair shop or directly to the location of a better truck. No "deliveries along the way". You've got an unsafe truck remember. Calmly say no..... this makes you the reasonable one. But this time stick to it regardless of what they say or promise.

At least this will give you the option of still bringing in a paycheck (no matter a meager one) while you look for a better job every day. Job applications always look better if you can say you're working but looking for better. This way too, you avoid having black marks on your DAC.

Hang in there. I know it's rough, but things will get better down the road a piece.

Hey, you wanna talk rough.... I changed countries as well as jobs. Wooooeeee, that ain't no fun atall.

 

Step 1 find new job while staying employed with the other guys.

Step 2 do what the hell ever ya want, within legal means of course. Tell the new company why you want to leave your current company. Of course when it shows on your DAC it wont matter as youll already be snug with your new company, and they will have already been informed on what to expect. Just make sure you cover the bases with the new guys.