What sort of autonomy do you have as the driver?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mstabosz, Aug 12, 2008.

  1. Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

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    In an other life I worked for contractors. One in particular had a very wise president who basically shut down all non-emergency operations during bad weather
    (which in SO-CAL, is when it drizzles:biggrin_2552:)
    and then would only send out those of us who had the experience. After a few trucks got smashed up, he figured it was more cost effective to shut down than run up the repair bills and insurance premiums.
     
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  3. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    There is a reason I won't haul mail. The load goes unless the road is closed by the DOT. :biggrin_25512: :biggrin_25512: :biggrin_25512:

    Not for this boy, even tho the money is tempting.
     
  4. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    You have that right. Watched Fedex chain up in New Mexico. Wasn't worth it to me. Just wait till later in the day and it melted.
     
  5. Socy Grad

    Socy Grad Medium Load Member

    Really? You mean for the USPS or for Big Brown, etc?
     
  6. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    USPS

    I would imagine that UPS is close to as bad.
     
  7. Socy Grad

    Socy Grad Medium Load Member

    Crazy.

    I guess they have to live up to their motto...
     
  8. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    You've always got the choice to drive or not. Fed DOT is a little vague on the subject but you can always fall back on §392.14 Hazardous conditions; extreme caution. You are the one out there in the mess and not the people back in the office. The rules say if it becomes sufficiently dangerous you shut down. But we all know you'll have some that will say it's not dangerous because so and so are still going. You'll need to stand your ground and tell them you're not so and so. Just because there's idiots out there doesn't make it right. If it gets too bad there's nothing any company can provide that takes the place of your safety. You drive the truck in your safe mode and no one elses. If you have problems with the company then it's time to move on. I don't think they could give you a bad report since they are the ones pushing the limits on safety. Just one big note here to CYA. Take notes,pictures, and weather reports to back your story up.
     
  9. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    With mail hauling your choices are drive or quit. Or thats what the guys I've called and phone interviewed have told me. When the road is open, the mail goes, end of story.

    In WY unsafe roads can be a big issue. WYDOT doesn't always close the roads soon enough.
     
  10. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    That is no different here. They drive no matter what and if you wreck, boy you are in the deep end. The driver has no say so. If you do not continue driving, you are probably jobless.
     
    Brickman Thanks this.
  11. Socy Grad

    Socy Grad Medium Load Member

    That's what seems so crazy...
     
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