God's honest truth about all companies

TrashTrucker, You said: "but I finally came to the realization that I have to deal with the ups and downs of this industry no matter what they might be.

I absolutely agree I should have got out and looked before the accident happened, I take full responsibility for my actions, or inactions, and hold myself accountable. I also agree with your statement that 4 jobs in 5 years doesnt make me look very appealing to carriers.

The point I was trying to make was this: I simply want the company to tell me the truth before hiring me. Dont make the company seem like its the best thing since twinkies were invented just to get me behind the wheel. I want an honest representation of what the carrier is offering. If I got that, I wouldn't have had 4 jobs in 5 years. Further, I dont blame anyone else but me for my mistakes. Again, I take full responsibility for my actions.

Truly I want to work for a company that treats me with the dignity I deserve, and at the very least, the same amount of respect as I show them. As for taking a look inward to myself as a driver and as a man, I have done that. And I keep coming up with the same answer...Why should I lower my standards and be stepped on just to hold a job that doesnt get me what I need to provide for myself and my family?

Seems to me as though these larger carriers only look at the bottom line. Nothing wrong with that mind you. After all, they are in business to make money. But the bigger picture would include how you treat the employees. I am not bashing Marten either, they did what they thought was best for the company. I dont blame anyone there for what happened to me, I am just saying that I dont believe I was treated right when I was there. I could not in good conscience recommend them to anyone looking for a driving position based on my experience. I would however say that All companies are similiar, and that due diligence should be practiced before signing on with any company.

You also mentioned sticking it out through tough times. And again you are correct sir. I understand that these time we are living in is not very favorable, and I am willing to give up a fair amount of my life in order to assist others to keep afloat. I am not willing to drown in order to give rise to those drowning me. And that sir, is what I believe Marten did to me.

After giving notice that I was very overweight on the steer axle, they said, and I quote: "we're not going to do anything about that, since the truck is so old. It should have been done already." Does that sound like my mistake? I say Yes. I should have parked it until such time as they could make the adjustment. I instead chose to drive on. How about the lighting issue? Should I have stopped and delayed delivering until such time as they would accept the load during daylight hours for safety reasons, or did I do the right thing by driving on, for two full weeks without a headlight, to get the truck into their own shop in order to save them money on roadside repairs. What would you do? Drive on and earn that dollar that keeps your children from going homeless, and hungry, or stop, and say NO! I will not drive this truck until it is safe to do so? I did what I thought was best for my situation.

When all is said and done, I'll admit my mistakes, and I stand firm for what I believe was the right choice. The right choice for me now sir, is seeking employment with a carrier who will pay me a fair wage for a fair days work, and not lie to me about all the extras. Bottom line: I have a family to support, but I also have moral obligations to do the right thing. I promise you and everyone else who reads this, "I will no longer be coerced into doing what I know is wrong, legally, ethically, and morally.