Richway Transportation Services, Inc. - Houston, Tx.

What kind of tickets are you talking about? If they are equipment citations then it's the companies resposibility...

 

You're right...it is the responsibility of the company to pay for equipment violation citations, but the reality of the issue is that often time, the party issued the citation is the DRIVER, and the state has their EXACT information to follow up for collection, if the company defaults on their obligation. Thus...the states issue a warrant for the driver when a default situation comes into play.

This brings up another of those subjects that drivers run across every so often, when they align themselves with scummy companies.

It's been years since I was issued a citation that the company was responsible for, but I always handled it this way.

1.) Before submitting the inspection form, and/or citation to the company for them to follow up on, I always made a copy of all documents. On the citations or inspection forms, is the information you will need for later reference.

2.) When I submitted the originals to the carrier, I insisted on proof that the matter was taken care of. I wanted copies of the payment submitted to the appropriate court, in the case of a fine. If it was a mailing of a form to a State government, then I insisted it be handled one of two ways. I obtained a signature by the representative of the motor carrier, and copied it immediately, and mailed it myself by certified mail, and allowed the carrier a copy of the signed receipt, once it was returned to me, or insisted on the same form them, if they would not allow me to mail it.

3.) I always make it a practice to follow up with a call to the appropriate entity, to insure that the matter has been concluded to their satisfaction.

It's called "covering your hiney", and that is always a must. There's nothing more uncomfortable than to be pulled in for a routine inspection, or being pulled over for a minor traffic infraction, and discovering that you have a warrant for your arrest, or a driver's license suspension for an unpaid fine that was not your responsibility to begin with. It does and can happen, and in many states, there are no limitations of time on these things either.

I once had to bail out a driver of mine in Maryland, for an infraction that occured a decade earlier for an equipment violation. The state had got around to updating their computers from files that had been shelved for years that previously had been considered "uncollectible". They solicited the help of DAC Services, Inc. to match up their information to theirs, for current license numbers, and of course, they were more than willing to assist them, for a nominal fee of course, and one that was attached to the fine. The original fine was for $50.00. The new and improved fine was more than $1,000.

 

What I learned a long time before getting my CDL and driving a truck was that employers don't care if they are responsible for the ticket once you give it to them. I learned something else (after having to pay an equipment violation fine, plus bail and COC, plus License Re-Instatement fee) was to pay the ticket myself, and make copies of the ticket and receipt/cancelled check, money order or credit card statement for proof and turning the originals over to the company. Only once has an employer ever "forgotten" to re-imburse me, a quick trip to small claims refreshed his memory. (And YES, I will take them to court, it is a matter of principle...as well as a money issue)

 

About this company. I have worked with them for 1 year and i have found that the safety office is doing an excellent job of taken care of tickets. Out of that year, I have heard of only three warrants being issued. It was because the drivers did not go to court, even aftewr they posted the court dates on the bulletin board. That sounds pretty good to me.

 

Interesting testimony. As to what it all means?

The company in question is running a 53% OOS rate for equipment violations. These tickets shouldn't even be going to court. They are fines that are levied for violations for mechanical defects noted in an inspection of equipment. If the tickets are not paid, then the driver is issued a bench warrant.

That's rather indefensible, at least in my opinion.

 

Bad Company To Work FOR

 

DO not work for this company they do not honor are care about a drivers well being also went you try and leave their company they will falsify your DAC Saying you violated company Policy I guess you violate company policy by Quitting ALSO they BLACK BALL YOU AND SLANDER YOUR NAME WHEN COMPANIES CALL AND INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT TO HINDER YOU AND Destroy your CAREER as a DRIVER.

 

Verification of Employment is MANDATORY if your previous employer is called by an inquirer.
If they WONT or DONT, or slander you in any way, they have committed a crime.
I was a Loan Officer for the last 10 years and did enough VOE forms to know MOST employere wont do that, but when they do you can nail them to the wall - federal law I believe.

Anyway, now I am looking into becomming a driver, and am trying to sort out all my options.
I really dont want to sign up for an 8 month contract to get my CDL, but you have to have experience with someone to get a job so I'm kind of stuck I guess.

The "schools" look like a good option, but they entail a contract too - and there is so much info out there you dont know who is good and who sucks.

I guess i have an advantage being in Houston (port city, with an airport close by my home), but getting started is a definite "dues paying" event.

I intend to be a very good driver, safe, resptful, and positive.
Any suggestions on who to start with in Houston would be appreciated.

 

I really dont want to sign up for an 8 month contract to get my CDL, but you have to have experience with someone to get a job so I'm kind of stuck I guess.

The "schools" look like a good option, but they entail a contract too - and there is so much info out there you dont know who is good and who sucks.

Do not sign a contract or pay for your CDL! Go to the unemployment office and ask for a referral to the WIA (Workforce in Action) program. You can look them up on your own and apply for approval. If you are approved (and if you are unemployed you will be approved), they will pay all expenses. If you are employed, stay where you are. You will be better off with almost any other job. Driving a truck (starting out) is not a job that will help you keep a house, a vehicle, or a family.

I guess i have an advantage being in Houston (port city, with an airport close by my home), but getting started is a definite "dues paying" event.

The dues you pay will get you nothing in return but aggravation and bankruptcy and divorce. As a new driver, you will be a target and profit center for your employer and the CDL mills. You making a living is the last concern of anyone and any company you will be dealing with.

I intend to be a very good driver, safe, resptful, and positive.

As does everyone else that starts out in this business. Before too long the reality of what happens will change your outlook. If you can do anything else, do that. You will be better off.