Interstate Distribution Company - Tacoma, Wa.

Does Interstate require you to CHAIN UP in the winter? Ive heard they require you to chain up, but there drivers say they refuse to chain up!!?? I just want to hear what the reality is with the drivers/dispatch. Thanks and as always - DRIVE SAFE

 

You are required to chain up if the chain laws are in affect. If you aren't chained up and you get into any type of an accident when the laws are in affect then naturally you would lose your job. I know there are drivers who refuse to chain up but I'm wondering if its really worth the risk NOT to. What I have been taught is to chain up to get yourself OUT of a situation.. not to get myself into one. We are routinely routed across Vail in the winter, but before we go, we hop online and check out the webcams to see what the reality of the situation is.. if we don't like it.. we go around.

 

What about just shutting down because you feel unsafe to proceed?

 

That's always an option. I have never heard of an IDC driver getting fired for not continuing in unsafe driving conditions. I did hear, however, of a driver getting canned because his truck was destroyed by a tornado????? They claimed he should have been aware of the situation by listening to the weather channel??? That's not to cool in my opinion..unless there is an obvious reason, we don't listen to that on a continuous basis. Of course, thats just a rumor we heard... not going to hold much stock in the story. Personally, last winter my husband was allowed to stop or proceed at his discretion and to use his common sense to determine what to do.

 

Hi guys! I just read all 9 pages about Interstate. One of my very favorite people in the world drives for them. He speaks favorably of IDC.

I will start Truck Driver Institute in Richburg, SC in January. I've had so many people try to talk me out of this saying they think I'm too prissy and would never be able to handle it. True for the last 17 years I've had a heels & hose office job in the healthcare field. I'm just restless and want to travel.

All this I've read about IDC sounds great! I still have a lot of research and homework I want/need to do. I'll be talking to my friend more I know and look forward to reading more positive things about them. I'm hoping I can talk my husband into going with me so we can team up. He's been working construction for over 35 years and I think he's ready for a change. Hope so anyway.

Just want to say thanks to all the posters who offer information to those of us who are new to this and don't have a clue what we're up against!!!

 

The reason why I asked was because they have ALOT of females who drive for Interstate, and I just cant see alot of them willing to throw chains !!! ??? I personaly would rather wait until they lift the chain law, then I know its safer to drive, alot of times you see the trucks and cars with accidents are the one's with chains on. They should have waited. Thanks for the info.

 

Ya know.. while I was up in Tacoma doing my orientation, we had 2 different people give us a lesson on chaining... One was a male and the other who was a female who had just undergone surgery and was not 100% up to par. The man had one heckuva time getting them on AND showing us.. The woman on the other hand was absolutely amazing. She is a beautiful and feminine lady, well dressed and spoken (for bsbabes benefit) and she managed those chains like no other. She also put most of the guys to shame when it came to knowing her airbrake componants.. lol. I love that she is a trucker and at the same time maintains a good image reminding us that a woman can still be a "lady" out here.

Oh.. and knighton.. at the last safety meeting that we attended, on of the things they addressed was that out of all accidents last winter, not one that occurred involved a driver using chains. Every single accident included a driver trhat should have, but chose NOT to chain up

 

Interesting, I know there are alot of tomboys who make us guys look stupid at sports...!!! lol chaining incuded

 

We made a similar decision recently and are in Mesalands Community College (Interstate's School) right now. You can save a lot of money coming here over IDC. Look at the thread Starting School Tomorrow if you want some idea of what the school is like. I've talked to a lot of drivers with Interstate and it still sounds like a great company to work for and we are siked to move on to training at the end of next week.

 

I asked Vern about the Bubbles nick name today.... wow what a bad picture it paints, but I wonder if he told the whole truth... he described the bubble bath thing... but what was his actual reaction?? All he said was it put him over the top, not what he actually did or said for you guys to give him the name....... Come on... spill it!