American Trucker...New Slave?

I don't care how old this thread is, the fuel putter-inners union cracked me up! Lol

Hubby complains about guys who are too lazy and/or stupid to do basic maintenance on their trucks; checking oil, changing wiper blades etc.

Just yesterday someone was whining about needing to get into the shop so they could adjust his brakes.
"Are you serious?? You cant adjust your own brakes?? Geez! Do you need a mechanic to chain you up, too??"

 

FMCSA 396.25 "Inspection, repair, and maintenance".
(d) The motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider must ensure that each brake inspector is qualified as follows1) Understands the brake service or inspection task to be accomplished and can perform that task; and(2) Is knowledgeable of and has mastered the methods, procedures, tools and equipment used when performing an assigned brake service or inspection task; and(3) Is capable of performing the assigned brake service or inspection by reason of experience, training, or both as follows: (i) Has successfully completed an apprenticeship program sponsored by a State, a Canadian Province, a Federal agency or a labor union, or a training program approved by a State, Provincial or Federal agency, or has a certificate from a State or Canadian Province that qualifies the person to perform the assigned brake service or inspection task (including passage of Commercial Driver's License air brake tests in the case of a brake inspection); or (ii) Has brake-related training or experience or a combination thereof totaling at least one year. Such training or experience may consist ofA) Participation in a training program sponsored by a brake or vehicle manufacturer or similar commercial training program designed to train students in brake maintenance or inspection similar to the assigned brake service or inspection tasks; or(B) Experience performing brake maintenance or inspection similar to the assigned brake service or inspection task in a motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider maintenance program; or(C) Experience performing brake maintenance or inspection similar to the assigned brake service or inspection task at a commercial garage, fleet leasing company, or similar facility.(e) No motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider may employ any person as a brake inspector unless the evidence of the inspector's qualifications, required under this section, is maintained by the motor carrier or intermodal equipment provider at its principal place of business, or at the location at which the brake inspector is employed. The evidence must be maintained for the period during which the brake inspector is employed in that capacity and for one year thereafter. However, motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers do not have to maintain evidence of qualifications to inspect air brake systems for such inspections performed by persons who have passed the air brake knowledge and skills test for a Commercial Driver's License.


In 2005 FMCSA did a study to find out how many drivers could properly adjust truck brakes. They tested 4005 drivers and found that 15 of them could properly adjust them. So they revised 396.25....

If you ONLY have a CDL (not the required state REPAIR training) you are only permitted to INSPECT brakes.
It amazes me how many people in the trucking industry dont read the laws that they are required to know.

 

If automatic slack adjusters are out of adjustment it is a sign of a defective brake component and the brakes should be inspected to find the cause . http://www.etrucker.com/2006/03/09/ntsb-dont-manually-adjust-automatic-slack-adjusters/

 

We can overlook the facts you posted, a 9/16 socket and hammer is all you need.

Above was stated over the CB so it must be true.

Most people do not know that a little grease will help and no matter who performs maintenance a driver can make the difference.

 

so funny!!

 

Ah but low bed work is generally paid hourly, doesn't matter if your securing your load or clocking up miles! Trouble is the long haul brokers price everything by the mile and set rates at what they think it should be based on mileage. If they were the ones having to chain down and tarp in 100 degree or freezing weather or deal with snow chains in a blizzard I bet they would most deffinatly charge for it! You can not blame the brokers though, if you want to know why most truckers don't get paid for waiting around half the day on a shipper to load them tarp etc etc well look in the mirror!! Don't haul it if it pays the fuel bill!! Haul it if it pays all the bills that day and then some!!

 

I could go work in a warehouse or factory at home and get paid for every minute I work and make 500 bucks a week or run the road and not get paid for everything and make 2x that a week. I'll drive the truck. If you dont like it, get out of the industry and get off the truck drivers message board. Have a nice day

 

Seems to me is not a cut n dried topic,yes lots go with the job (trip planning,pms etc etc) that you're not on clock for.


Seems to be definite instances where are being taken advantage of- Too numerous n creative by these companies to mention Will listTwo examples I've encounterd Fueling-Companies have these computer software to optimize cost savings,at times require you to run extra miles and/or wait in longer lines at crowded fuel isles.
Other one is maintenance the old (run it by the shop) or excessive time going thru a trailer inspection bay.Sure some of it comes with territory however often you're being utilized as unpaid spotter.

Personally I grin bear it with a grimace n unkind thoughts in head. Others when it seems excessive am fortunate enough to have dispatch find a creative way to soften the blow.

 

My two cents....if you like it, continue, if not, discontinue. Simple. This whole idea of drivers indignance and at same time being a company driver........hold very little water. It's a business people. You asked Them for a job, they bought the truck, you drive it........simple.

 

Wow three of you in one thread that can't adjust your own brakes, either?
No one drives in the mountains anymore?


So is there a reg. that you need to be specially trained to install your wiper blades too?
Holy cow...