What Changes Are Needed in trucking?

So you run it legally. Why do drivers for these companies think violating HOS is a simple option ? Logbook falsification is easily found during an audit . CSA 2010 points will be tripled for violations within the last 6 months .
My carrier never gives a driver any trouble when a load is late because the shipper shipped it late . Get caught fudging your log book half an hour though and you're in serious problems .
I've told them several times I was taking my 10 hour break before delivery even though it would make the load 2 hours late . I'm not going to park at a consignee and be awakened 7 hours later to unload then spend 10 hours there after unloading because the 14 hour clock hasn't stopped .
When they offer me a load I tell them what time the load needs to be out the shipper's gate to be on time . They know if they put me or several of our other drivers on that load it'll be late if not shipped by the specified time .
As for calling the receiver I always do that myself . It's not hard to get a phone number .

 

There is a way.You or your company should have it as part of your contract for detention, and TONU charges.If they do not,or if they refuse to pay the driver that is between the driver and the company that employs him or her.If they do not respect you or your value enough leave.

Lumper fee's are back charged to the shipper.P=G put an end to their facing back charges by stating on their BOL's that driver will not sort and segregate.More shippers need to adopt this policy.I have taken P+G loads back to shipper because consignee refused to pay for unload.There is a 1-800 number on the bills for those cases.

 

They can not force you!Make sure there is a copy of all your communications with dispatch.Inform them in a timely manner that per 395.1 you will be unable to make scheduled delivery appointment due to shipper failing to meet loading schedule.And that you can either convey load to XXXXXX for repower or deliver at XXXXXXX.

They can not fire you for it.Man they keep these newbies uninformed.

 

Do all of your communication with dispatch concerning these issues on the Qualcomm....Don't let them con you into calling them on the phone.
That way there is a record of the communication and what was said.
Document everything, Take notes and put Time, Date, Who you spoke to and all other relevant information pertaining to the issue.

The nice thing about it is that all of the carriers that play these sort of games seem to be the ones that run Qualcomm systems, So you have a record!

 

If you do this do it over Qualcomm or record your phone calls. It is legal to record calls as long as you inform they are being recorded. Amazing how they change their tune when you tell them that lmao. But be aware they can and probably will fire you. It won't be for this but they will create a reason. But at least you will have proof for your next employer that you were trying to do things the "right" way. Not that they will be any better than your last employer. EVERY company has the same mindset, you are just a tool to get a job done, if you won't do it they will find someone who will. And if you won't do it long enough, you will either be sitting in a truck stop waiting for the next load that somehow never shows, or doing what I'm doing and looking for another career. God bless.

 

If someone fires you for refusing to violate HOS regulations find a labor attorney and file suit!There have been a few in recent years where the drivers stood their ground went to court and got judgments against companies.Back pay,punitive, etc.... As long as drivers remain afraid to defend themselves we will continue to be those "tools" you mention.We must demand the respect we deserve for completing our duties in a timely,professional manner. Thankfully I think CSA2010 is going to assist some in growing a spine.Now that it will be more than "just a ticket" when they get caught running illegal,the fact it can end a career, may make them follow the rules instead of fearing their company.

 

Many carriers are in "At Will " states . They can just say you are though and not give a reason . You'd have a hard time proving why you were terminated .

 

20 years and you believe every carrier is the same ? Do some reading here . More companies than you think take care of their drivers and make 100% compliance with HOS a priority .

 

Perhaps so.Documentation may help,and we are discussing a carrier violating a Federal Regulation.But talk to a lawyer not a driver. Still does not negate my premise that we as drivers need to demand the respect of not asking us to become criminals for doing our job.And the drivers that do just propagate the system.They are as much to blame as any company. Run it legal.If the company wants it done illegal tell 'em no.Stand your ground and grow a spine.Until drivers make the company follow the laws,they will not.Like I said CSA2010 may help as now the drivers will be held accountable as well.

 

You are right....It has taken many years but we (the drivers) are as much to blame as anyone!
For so long we have just ignored the law and done what had to be done to get the job done. Now they have figured out a way to force all of us (companies and drivers) to comply or be sent down the road.
I stopped running illegal a long time ago and now I am in pretty good shape for this new rule but I believe that it will still be a challenge for all of us.