Big Freight - be on guard against them & other companies

Now I have had a bad experience with them too.

I have always left every employer I have worked for on good terms, until now that is.
BFS were very good to me and my family while I was employed by them. That changed the moment I handed in my resignation and today 9th May 2008 it got dramatically worse.
In short I received my wages today, all of $212.83 for two weeks work. When I called to see why, I was told by the recruitment manager they had taken $1000 as 50% payment towards training costs as I hadn't fulfilled my 2 year contract. I had always planned to repay the $2000 I owed them and I really didn't have a problem doing so after all I did sign the contract.
What really sticks in my throat is the fact other drivers have left and paid nothing, some are on a payment plan and I wasn't even given a choice, the money was taken without my consent because I hadn't been in touch with them. When I was emptying my truck at the beginning of the week I was ignored by 2 managers that could have sorted this there and then but instead chose to ignore me.
As discussions continued I was told I had also broken the contract because I didn't work my 2 weeks notice, I gave 2 weeks notice done my last trip and was told by dispatch that I wouldn't need to do any more trips so is it my fault that I didn't actually work the 2 full weeks and it is non-forced dispatch.
Be Carefull

 

Sorry to hear of your troubles. That is one of the companies I was looking at in the past.

I cannot stress this enough, no matter who says what, words are meaningless and even paper is only worth what you are willing to spend to enforce it! If you ask to get something in writing and they balk, just say it is to ensure you don't get confused on any issue. Then, at least, you've got somethoing more likely to hold them to ... so long as you hold up your end. If they still refuse to commit to paper, then walk away.

If you always assume they will use situations to their best advantage, then you might come out alright.

 

And just to pee in the wheaties some more, they can't prohibit you from referencing them in your blog. Just be absolutely sure of your facts (Libel is such an ugly word).

I'm not sure about any images - I *think* it falls into fair use - especially since you are not trying to make money off the image (I would assume).

Check with the state - it may not have been legal to smack your paycheck that way (either of you)

Other than that - the horse is gone, and the barn door is swinging in the wind. But in the future, I bet you remember to insist on an inventory when getting the truck, and an inventory when turning it back in! (I'm laid back, and stupid - this sorta thing has burned me more than once, cuz I trust people. Duh)

 

When you drive for a flatbed company; always have the guy/gal that issues equipment (chains, binders, tarps, straps etc....) do an inventory with you, and write down EVERYTHING (even a 2X4 or peice of wood) that is issued you.

Both you and them sign it......make four copies: 1). for you, 2). for equipment issuer, 3). for dispatcher, and original goes to Fleet Manager or Human Resources to be put in your file.

 

Yeah, that company sounds like it really sucks! I now its in Canada, but there's companies like that in the USA. Its good to have forums like this to warn we drivers of unscrupulous carriers. Don't really worry about libel, they would have to prove that damage was actually and verifiably done to them. Keep up the good work everyone!!!

 

Hey everyone,
My boyfriend signed on to Big Feight of Steinbach MB as the training program about 2 months ago. They had said to him how hed be making so much money and hed be home once a week, well none of that came true. Some times hes gone for 2 weeks or more. He is now having health problems due to stress. And also hes being blamed for things he hasn't done. We are wondering if there is anyway we can by-pass the contract he signed. We do not have a copy of the contract so we do not know the specifics of it. They had told him if he were to quit he would have to pay them back 3500$ for the training program even though he was a truck driver for a few years before hand. The only reason he had entered the training program was that was the only way into Big Freight. We now know that was a mistake.
If anyone can help or even just tip please we'd like to hear. or even just your experiences with this horrible company.

 

maybe see if he can get a medical leave or compensation for the stress--and get a copy of the contract-when you sign it there should always be 2 copies--one for you and one for them
tell your b/f to check out yanke in stoon--way better company

 

Really? I can't believe it!

Gosh, that's awful!

Maybe you could sue the company for that? At least apply for government assistance.

Really? I've never heard of that happening to a driver.

Maybe, if you sue them for emotional stress, they'll be forced to produce a copy of the contract in court? Then you can find out what you signed.

 

I don't know why people sign contracts when they're not owner operators.
Signed contracts are how companies circumvent the labor laws that are in place to protect you.

If you are a company driver and asked to sign a contract do yourself a favor and walk away.Period. It will never be in your favor over the long run.

Once you sign a contract you must honor it or fight it in court,by then it's too late and very exspensive. Depending on what province/state you are in and the amount the company says you owe them,it may not fall under small claims and will require you hiring a lawyer to litigate on your behalf. Companies know this well before you sign a contract knowing full well that the cost of fighting will outweigh any judgement you might get.


NO COMPANY DRIVER SHOULD EVER SIGN A CONTRACT,IT'S LIKE WRITTING THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR A BLANK CHEQUE IN REGARDS TO HOW THEY TREAT YOU.