Are there any left?

Hill-a-billy · Jun 13, 2007

Does anyone know if there are any trucking companies left that allow their drivers to make their own decisions. Decisions to questions like these: Whether or not it's hot enough to run the AC while you sleep, how to log to get the most of your time, or even where it's best to fuel up at on a trip. It seems that more and more drivers are being told how and when to do everything. The qual com once used for communication, has turned into a log checking device. Truckers use to route their own trucks, now it's all laid out including the fuel stops, and any deviations must be cleared. Why does someone who goes home and sleep in his own air conditioned home, feel the need tell me that I don't need to have AC in my truck while I sleep.

There have been some good companies who have turned to super strict almost driver unfriendly tactics. There seems to be more and more of these every day. I am not trying to argue the merits of legal versus illegal drivers and companies. I am simply trying to find out if there is any place left for a driver who wants to log it as he needs to, fuel where he decides, and idle the truck when it's necessary. I love this industry and being a driver, but it seems the industry has taken a turn for the worse. Is there no room for the trucker at the table when new laws and regulations are passed in our industry. They ask the companies and law enforcement, and health care professionals. Where can the driver's point of view be heard in these debates?

If you know of any trucking companies that allow a driver to make his own decisions, please let me know.

Tip · Jun 14, 2007

Wow. There are companies out there that expect you to sleep in a cab overnight with no a/c?

Maybe these companies expect you guys to cry uncle and buy your own on-board generators.

It sounds more and more like you're being herded like cattle into going the teaming route. No, laws won't be passed to force you to team, but companies will adopt new policies that force you to team, such as this "no-idling" baloney. You'll team or you'll roast/freeze in the truck.

I'd be walking away if I were a lot of you guys. I'd walk away myself today if I hadn't already walked away 4+ years ago.

MedicineMan · Jun 14, 2007

If you are looking at the big companies then no, there isn't. However I wouldn't work for 95% of them anyways. Go find yourself a small company. There will be some down sides to it but in general you will be much happier.

I make all my own decisions. Sure they look up the route and kinda epect you to fallow it but I am wholey free to deviate from it if I need to. And I get aid off the odometer so I don't loose pay if I go out of route. My job essentially tells me where and when I have to pick something up, when it needs to be delivered and the rest of the planing is up to me. I usually don't even call in during the week unless I need something, that tok a while for the boss to get comfortable with but after 7 years with no missed appointents, accidents or violations he has learned to trust me.
A few months ago they hired a new guy to do schedualing and a few other things. He tried routing me, he sent me out 94 to go from MAdison WI to Portland OR when I wanted to go out I80. I94 was actually bout 100 miles shorter but it was time sensitive and I80 would be faster. I said fine, I went out 94. Turns out we are no longer registered fr washington and 94 goes right through it. Needless to say it got kinda expensive plus I was late. When my boss asked what the hell I was doing I told him "don't talk to me, I was ROUTED"!!! If i am routed I assume I am legal on that route, if it was my idea I would have checked. THAT was the last time anyone tried to route me

CaptRon · Jun 14, 2007

So, what company do you drive for?

Brickman · Jun 14, 2007

Hill-a-billy said: ↑

Does anyone know if there are any trucking companies left that allow their drivers to make their own decisions. Decisions to questions like these: Whether or not it's hot enough to run the AC while you sleep, how to log to get the most of your time, or even where it's best to fuel up at on a trip. It seems that more and more drivers are being told how and when to do everything. The qual com once used for communication, has turned into a log checking device. Truckers use to route their own trucks, now it's all laid out including the fuel stops, and any deviations must be cleared. Why does someone who goes home and sleep in his own air conditioned home, feel the need tell me that I don't need to have AC in my truck while I sleep.

There have been some good companies who have turned to super strict almost driver unfriendly tactics. There seems to be more and more of these every day. I am not trying to argue the merits of legal versus illegal drivers and companies. I am simply trying to find out if there is any place left for a driver who wants to log it as he needs to, fuel where he decides, and idle the truck when it's necessary. I love this industry and being a driver, but it seems the industry has taken a turn for the worse. Is there no room for the trucker at the table when new laws and regulations are passed in our industry. They ask the companies and law enforcement, and health care professionals. Where can the driver's point of view be heard in these debates?

If you know of any trucking companies that allow a driver to make his own decisions, please let me know.
Click to expand...

This is why 100% O/O companies like Landstar are so successful. Thats why its called a job and you have a boss. Unless you own the truck there are VERY few companies that will allow the driver to do what you want to do.

onexcop · Jun 14, 2007

Brickman said: ↑

This is why 100% O/O companies like Landstar are so successful. Thats why its called a job and you have a boss. Unless you own the truck there are VERY few companies that will allow the driver to do what you want to do.
Click to expand...

My sentiments exactly!

Truckin Juggalo · Jun 14, 2007

as far as what you asked US Xpress meets what your looking for if your looking to be a Company Driver you just have to find the Right account, If your an OTR Driver then NO the company Makes all the Decisions for you as far as Route and Fuel Stops,

However if your Dedicated you Decide i dont know about all the accounts but the 2 i did allowed you to

i am on the Wal-Mart Account right now and i call in now because these new Driver Tech Units wont let us Type and Drive.... its not like im typing a million things im talking 1 or 2 words so now i just use my Cell phone... any way

i can Pick MY Route if i want to swing by the house i can
I don't get charged for out of route miles
I Fuel Where I want to
I Run my Truck 7 Days A Week unless im on a High Value Load and im away from the truck or its Sunday and i turn it off for a hour or two to check the oil and refill the fluids for another week
I get ALL My PM's Done at TA i hate doing it at the company
I Get Platinum Showers/Drinks each month at loves because after i found out about platinum awards i really like it
IF Something Breaks on my Truck i stop depending on what it is and get it fixed like the Condenser went out on Sunday and i got it fixed Monday when Volvo Opened and they Paid for my hotel room for the night

I get most of my Loads for the next week on Thursday and Friday and i take off Every Sunday for a 34hr restart..

Hill-a-billy · Jun 14, 2007

MedicineMan said: ↑

If you are looking at the big companies then no, there isn't. However I wouldn't work for 95% of them anyways. Go find yourself a small company. There will be some down sides to it but in general you will be much happier.

I make all my own decisions. Sure they look up the route and kinda epect you to fallow it but I am wholey free to deviate from it if I need to. And I get aid off the odometer so I don't loose pay if I go out of route. My job essentially tells me where and when I have to pick something up, when it needs to be delivered and the rest of the planing is up to me. I usually don't even call in during the week unless I need something, that tok a while for the boss to get comfortable with but after 7 years with no missed appointents, accidents or violations he has learned to trust me.
A few months ago they hired a new guy to do schedualing and a few other things. He tried routing me, he sent me out 94 to go from MAdison WI to Portland OR when I wanted to go out I80. I94 was actually bout 100 miles shorter but it was time sensitive and I80 would be faster. I said fine, I went out 94. Turns out we are no longer registered fr washington and 94 goes right through it. Needless to say it got kinda expensive plus I was late. When my boss asked what the hell I was doing I told him "don't talk to me, I was ROUTED"!!! If i am routed I assume I am legal on that route, if it was my idea I would have checked. THAT was the last time anyone tried to route me
Click to expand...

Well at least your company didn't try to stick you for it.LOL Thanks for the reply.

Hill-a-billy · Jun 14, 2007

Brickman said: ↑

This is why 100% O/O companies like Landstar are so successful. Thats why its called a job and you have a boss. Unless you own the truck there are VERY few companies that will allow the driver to do what you want to do.
Click to expand...

I actually thought that might be a good route to take. The only thing that keeps me from jumping into O/O side of trucking. Is the initial start up cost, and the continuing rise of fuel prices and the decline of good freight rates. To me that's a little more financial responsibility than I am looking for at this time.

It may well prove to be the only option though.Thanks for posting.

MedicineMan · Jun 15, 2007

CaptRon said: ↑

So, what company do you drive for?
Click to expand...

nobody with a recognizable name, thats for sure

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