unpaid down time ??

Im always amazed that drivers think this is exclusive to them. When it fact it happens in every industry. Truck drivers want paid for every minute they are away from their house and think that no one else would ever tolerate it.
Take airline pilots for example. They are paid by how many flight hours they get. You think we got it bad by not being paid for a ten minute pretrip? Try doing a preflight on a 747 sometime.

 

But are pilots exspected to takeca flight, then not know when or where the next flight will go? Or when they will be home? I actualy dont know. Real question.

 

That's my whole mindset Driver, are you honestly "stuck" there... or do you choose to stay there? Does the company force you to sit there & wait...or are you free to leave and do as you please while your truck is being worked on?

 

?

 

How is this even up for debate? I'm starting to think the only possibility is that some of these posters are owners of OTR trucking companies. Why would any driver defend the actions of an employer that cheats them?

 

A "Driver" (this is imperative here that you understand what the word driver means)
driv·er
[ˈdrīvər]
NOUN

1. a person who drives a vehicle

is not driving, all the while the employer is not making any money cause the freights not moving, but also paying for parts & labor to get the driver back to being able to make money & now must also pay a driver
(who isn't driving) & the employer is the one you labeled a cheater?


If I pay you to rake my lawn & you're not raking my lawn because my rake broke...would you expect to be paid?

 

YES

Now to elaborate. If the rake broke and you called me before I got there then I agree no payment. But if I'm expected to be there I'll want money for my time to get there. In reality this is how every on-site company I've ever worked for or hired works too. There is a charge just to show up, then the normally hourly charge, etc... Most companies simplify that as a minimum 30 minutes type of deal, but it's all the same. As for the rake I'll charge the minimum time, then be on my merry way.
And while you talk of other industries not getting paid for every minute you are correct for some industries, trucking is the only one I've seen the the employees seem to be happy to let the company get all th profit of running a business, but pushing all the risk to the employees.

-Steven

 

Very good points Steven. At my current company (for example) if an employee is getting sacked, they are paid for 2 hours that day even if they are only present for 10 minutes.

 

How is it possible you ask? It's because many drivers as this thread has shown will accept it and feel honored to work for free.

 

I punch in and move freight around the city all day, I'm paid for every thing I do, M thru F , 45 to 65 hrs a week OT after 40 paid vacations and quarterly safety bonuses,

I will NEVER drive a semi for flat rates or milage "EVER AGAIN" !

I punch out and live a normal life with my family
Don't sell yourself short but if you're new to this industry you will have to be a sport for alittle while
There's a balance you will learn if haven't already
Seems pretty chicken @#)& about your company can't pay you...
you're time is just as valuable as anyone else involved
ever heard of : TIME IS MONEY
If you are paid by the mile that broke down equipment is costing you money right? I think You're boss should come to the carpet alittle more