smith transport out of roaring springs

I can tell you from my experience it was not very good. Right out of orientation I was put in a truck that the APU did not work. Spent 7 hours in the shop and they could not figure it out. Lost my first load because of it. Shop tried to disengage the idle shut off switch could'nt do it. Meant I had no AC while sleeping. Was out about 2 weeks when the AC compressor and alternator seized, was stranded at a rest area in VA with no source of food/water for 2 days in 100 plus days. Temperature inside the truck exceeded 125 degrees. Company did send road service out, but truck could not be repaired for 2 1/2 days because alternator had to be ordered. Left sitting in rest area with no authorization from company to get hotel room. Thank god there were other truckers that assisted me with some extra food. After truck was repaired drove truck back to Roaring Springs and turned in. Than spent 5 days in hospital recovering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. I received $90 break down pay. Stay away from this company.

 

Those mechanics must really suck. I'm not a truck mechanic and can troubleshoot an APU and turn off the Idle Shutdown. The idle shutdown is nothing but hooking the laptop up and a few clicks and you're done. They didn't try too hard.

It's hard to comprehend the AC compressor and alternator seized at the same time. No warning signs at all? If bearings wear out there is usually some rattling and a grinding noise going on. The voltmeter didn't give any clues?

I would of went over the dispatchers head and talked with the operations manager on up to upper management. You either tow this truck and put me in a motel room or I am walking. A rest area is not meant for long term parking and isn't permitted. If any state leo knew about it there would of been a forced tow.

In the future I would keep yourself canned food on the truck. I would also have your own reserve funds when it comes to taking care of yourself on the road. If nothing else keep a $300 credit card or cash in the back of your wallet just for emergencies. You never know when something unexpected is going to happen.

Also if I spent five days in the hospital I would be talking to a lawyer. Not for the money, but if they done it to you they will do it to someone else. Someone needs to show them it's not okay to treat someone like that. Good luck.

 

This story sounds a little fishy. Alt and compres)sor? No telltale? Five days in the hospital? I have had 2 heat strokes and only spent a week in the hospital for one as it was compounded with dysentery.

 

This story was somewhat plausible till we get to the part about sitting for 2 days. That simply does not happen. Period the end. This story is bogus.

 

Agreed. If that happened to me, the only person I would be telling the story to, is my lawyer

 

any current smith driver's around?

 

I am a current driver. Though I wrk dedicated I been with the company about 2 yrs.

 

So, how is it there?
I keep getting emails and calls from them.
Im happy in my current situation, but it's always nice to know what's up with other carriers.
you guys certainly have nice rigs.....

 

My brother drives for smith. he's been there for 4 yrs. The only complaint he has is he gets a lot of short trips.[ 150 to 300 miles ]