What would you do

Can't say I've ever been asked to run illegal, but I've fudged on a few occasions when I've needed to. As for repairs, it depends on the item and how your claiming it's safety sensitive. Have a crack the developed in my left windshield about a week ago, they haven't replaced the windshield yet. In part, because I haven't been able to be parked early enough in the day for the glass guy to get out there. I know it'll get done in a couple of weeks (have a weekday off coming up). As for items on cat walk, see below...

I've carried my chain boards on my catwalk, bungeed in place for 7 yrs without a problem, I've strapped tire carcasses to it without problem for even longer. Most of our daycabs carry their chains in a milk crate strapped to the catwalk. None have ever been cited or had a comment raised about it.

 

This is a good thread and I am enjoying all the good insight..
To me, I think there is a difference between breaking a few rules to get a job done.and being way outside the lines..
And, it happens in every industry..
I think too there is more to it than just the black and white rules and regs.. like has been stated, many have bent or shaded the rules when it it is their favors.. fudge the log book to get to a better place to park or such...
I think when it is ourselves making the decision, we understand the motives and intentions for doing such... But, when being asked by a dispatcher or some department we are unclear of the motives and intentions and therefore find the choice more stressful.. where is it gonna go, is it a test of my integrity.. if I say okay and do it.. will I be asked to go more and more outside the lines.. will it show that I want to get the job done for the company and will they see it that way.. or, will it make it harder for me when I have an issue later..

Good thread.. enjoying it a lot..

 

wouldn't drive the truck

As has been said many times, if DOT enforced the rules 100% as written, no truck would ever leave the dealers lot

 

In your last paragraph you make a really good point. A driver MUST be able to decide for him/herself what should be the best course of action if placed in the position to be asked/forced/expected to run illegally , while that driver knows that he/she does not have the hrs to do it legally. If it's a really good place to work and you had a tough time getting hired on , then in most cases that point is mute.....cause the really good places to work will very rarely if ever ask/expect a driver to do this....now if the place is like a small percentage of places you will get asked to or maybe even have your job threatened if you don't run the load illegally....happens every day...but a driver no matter the situation isn't ever "forced" to run illegally.....not really...they are given options , albeit not good ones , but options. The driver then makes that choice.....like I said before.....place "your safety" 1st.....above all....even if you have to look for another job.

 

i think there used to be a time where bungees weren't allowed. my understanding is that bungees didn't have a WLL rating. now they are rated at WLL 50 pounds.

i've heard also that using a bungee for secure dunnage in the trailer legs wasn't allowed. but i've never been hassled.

 

ok maybe with bungees but not with straps. I have done this lots of times and have been dot'd lots of times with that tire strapped to the catwalk. I have strapped tires to tailgates of a dump and even to the front platform of the dump trailer. as long as its secured they wont say anything

 

Hell of a difference between bungees and tie down straps. . .

 

I get my loads delivered no matter what I have to do, but I won't drive an unsafe truck PERIOD.

 

bungees have a WLL 50 pound rating. stamped right on them.