No APU, 5 minute idle, 90+ degrees - is this legal?

Wow! Talk about using big words. Obviously, I am not the only educated truck driver on this forum. Too bad I wasn't smart enough to capatilze on my intelligence and education and choose my occupation more wisely.

(For the record, I still drive. But it is only a spotter truck and I opereate in a very small yard. So I am not sure if this still counts towards me being a "real" truckdriver.)

As to me being "melodramatic", why is it wrong for me to do it when it is perfectly acceptable for most liberals and other unsavory types when it suits their needs?

 

It's Memorial Day people can't we just keep everything nice and civil for one day? Let's reserve this anger where it belongs (at our drunken relatives we'll be in contact with shortly) lol!

 

In 7 years, I've worked at 2 OTR companies. I do my due diligence before I decide to go work somewhere. If things change and I don't like the changes, I leave(as they did at place number 2, so I went back to place number 1). I have no need to jump repeatedly, as I do my due diligence.

 

Should I call the cops to have myself arrested then? I own and drive my own truck, and this will be the 4th summer without AC in it. I can't see paying good money to fix something that really isn't necessary. There is a difference between "WANTS" and "NEEDS". AC is a luxury item. Mankind survived in all sorts of environments before AC was invented. Sure, AC makes life a little more comfortable, but it isn't necessary to sustain life.

I carry a blanket in the truck. Lay it out under a shade tree, put my dog on the leash, slip my wrist through the loop on the other end of the leash, and I'll sleep just as well there as anywhere else. The dog is very protective of me and won't let anyone get anywhere near me without making me aware of the situation.

I won't argue with the fact that air conditioning makes life more comfortable...but to say it is NEEDED is false. Plenty of people survive just fine even today without air conditioning. Even at home, my house has central AC...and it's been run MAYBE 2 days out of the last 4 years. Open the windows, turn on some fans to get the air moving, and it's plenty comfortable.

Do a little research and talk to several companies when you are looking for a new job. When you get the search narrowed down to a few companies, take the time to talk to drivers. No sense in jumping in with both feet and your eyes shut.

Buy your own truck and you'll see how expensive operating one of these things can be. Want your AC fixed? Might have to dig deep into that wallet...but not TOO deep, because you still have to buy fuel.

Again, it goes back to "WANTS" vs. "NEEDS". Fuel, tires, brakes, oil changes, etc. are NEEDS. If you neglect these items, you won't be getting very far down the road. You can still log plenty of miles without an air conditioner, though.

Exactly. I don't work to make friends, and I don't work to be comfortable. I work to make money. Doesn't get much simpler than that.

 

If trucking companies and o/o's would stop agreeing to haul for peanuts, a small bit of idling wouldnt be a problem. But since most cant seem to say NO to cheap freight, I guess the problems will continue. Also crooks and embezzelers like the owner of Arrow Trucking dont help matters any...

 

Soo we should all buy a dog soo we can leave our windows down too sleep..

 

I am sure Swift will hire them.

 

Lacking AC in a hot environment... in the extreme, as pointed out can/does put one at risk of heat stroke certainly deadly. Many rules and regs put forth by 'the power that be' are to insure safe operation of the Truck and Driver... (ie HOS regs)

How much adequate rest can one really get in a hot sleeper, waking up every hour or two in a pool of sweat, can one expect to get? We are expected to have bedding... How is a reasonable sleeping environment different?

 

Well since I have trouble with a truck running should we make a law they provide APU's and provide a parking space that ensures no reefers or red neck Apu's park near me? Perhaps a mandate as suggested earlier for a motel with a massage therapist.

Maybe I should ensure I work for a company that gives me what I need to successfully, legally, and safely do my job. Nah better to play woe is me and join the rest of the people whining about the situation they put themselves in!

 

Wow, there sure are a lot of pesky trolls here... Im going to run out of spray...