Sneaky Company!!!

A company cuts back the top speed of THEIR Big truck, which restricts the number of miles a driver can potentially cover legally, and cuts into said driver's earning potential -- and doesn't bother to inform their drivers -- and you don't think that's sneaky and underhanded?

Most drivers are paid by the mile, not hourly.
I bet you'd think differently if the company you drive for cut back the truck you drive, and not inform you, thereby limiting your potential daily mileage and the bottom line of your paycheck.

When folks hire on, they're usually told they can expect "X" number of miles. If that figure is going to change due to the powers that be that company and the decisions they make, wouldn't that be like lying to their employee drivers? Bait and switch.

I CAN understand a decision to cut THEIR trucks back. What I DON'T understand is, why try to keep it a secret?

The point here isn't so much that the company cut THEIR trucks back as it is they don't think it's necessary to inform THEIR drivers.
Why not?
What are they trying to hide?
It's not like the drivers aren't going to find out sooner or later.
Probably on their paychecks if not on the speedo.

Eight MPH difference could potentially equate to over $100 a week less if they run in 70 MPH states a lot. Four hundred bucks a month, four thousand eight hundred bucks a year is a lot to lose while consumer prices continue to rise.

Should a company inform their drivers if the company decides to cut their mileage pay? Or, keep that a guarded secret too?
Maybe the drivers won't notice.
Ya reckon.

 

No, no, no. don't the companies charge out by the mile too????

What my understanding is they're trying to govern down the rigs to save on fuel because human nature being what it is, people will behave while being watched and once they're around the corner that goes out the window with the company memo that asked them to slow down a little.

I know that more miles means more money, but what's the *&^% point of ram-rodding the truck by going 75 mph or more. I can't run faster than 55 mph in CA so that means I can get 500 miles in legally. Even when I go out of state, I'm not going past 70 even if the speed limit is 75. Unless you pay for fuel yourself, you have little concept or concern of the impact. Company drivers just figure well it's their money *&^%$# them, blah, blah, blah...They owe me anyways......

Maybe it's because I'm an O/O and have to pay my own way that's my perspective anyways...

 

I agree with your assessment about how many (most?) company drivers have little to no concern about the company's bottom line. Excessive idling and running at top speed when it's not necessary without a thought. But they want a raise, as the profits go up the stack.

I mentioned it before, that I drove a triple-digit company truck that topped out around 113 MPH, but most often, you'd find me in line behind the governed company trucks running 65 MPH, or slower -- catching their draft from a safe distance. Every little bit helps. I liked the speed potential for passing, then reduce my speed upon completing my pass.

About the only time I ran 75 MPH (where it was legal) is when I had a load that HAD to be at a trade show in time to get the product (motorcycles and/or personal watercraft) unloaded and on the convention center floors on time, or they wouldn't make the show. Trade shows are funny that way. Gotta be there on time or the union thugs wouldn't get 'er done.

I held the best MPG average in a fleet of about 25 Big trucks -- by a long-shot. So much so that the O/O's wanted me to drive for them, leased to the same company. Which I did, and my right foot was in demand as a result. As a result, I bumped elbows mostly with the O/O's, rather than the other company drivers. I learned a LOT from them on how the industry REALLY works. Or doesn't, as the case may be. I'd venture to say MOST company drivers haven't a clue.

 

I hear you loud and clear my brutha' since I've been through

S pecial
H igh
I ntensity
T raining
S essions for just such emergencies.

"To use a feather is kinky...To use the whole chicken is perverted!"

 

From 70mph to 62mph is a $2.40 an hour pay cut. Would anyone here tell me they wouldn't complain if they had a $2.40 an hour pay cut?

 

as usual we cant all agree on even this subject.but ill throw in my 2 cents worth,well now i guess its probably only worth -4.anyway i agree with the original poster,its not that theyre cutting back,who can blame them but to keep it a secret that is wrong

 

So very true.Maybe if they quit in droves ,the company might take that into account before screwing any of their new drivers

 

My experience when times get tight like they are now.
There was a company meeting of employees, and rank and file union members. The situation was explained that if xy and z couldn't be accomplished that there would be cutbacks. Next thing you know, some guys are yelling "STRIKE".

Some people think it is their right to have a job at a company. I have news for them...every single one of them are "AT WILL EMPLOYEES", even the union hands.

Many of them choose to point fingers at companies saying they "rip them off".
Again, did you buy the fleet? Did you set up the authority? Did you buy the insurance???? Do you have to pay the fines because one of your drivers forgot to report or repair that broken tail-light?

If employees would be reasonable when procedures are changed to meet the current conditions, most employers would not mind sharing and including you in the plan. They want to continue making profit with your help. The problem is there is always one in the crowd who will "GO POSTAL".

Yes, I know what it's like to have to take a pay-cut. Been there and done that several times in my life. That's when you cut-back and not go out and buy that big screen TV or that 3 axle toy box to haul your seados and your sand rails. I have had to sell stocks (at a loss) that I had set aside for my retirement 15 years ago when things were slow in Recession in the early 90's. You have to use your heads and go to plan 'B'.

I guess this is a sign that I am getting older because instead of worrying about the things I can't change, I 'll find a way to adapt and survive, and to move on.