Please help....is this the norm for flatbed companies?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by J0ker, Jan 24, 2014.

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  1. J0ker

    J0ker Bobtail Member

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    I'm driving for a company where my truck keeps breaking down. I roll an average of 2500mi/wk, am a good driver. I dont sit at truck stops, or waste time. Im doing everything right, but cant seem to stay out making money. I bring my truck to the company maintenance shop and they keep it all night, then the 1st weigh station i come to; SHUT DOWN! there is a whole list of things that ive had to deal with due to this company, but the latest really pissed me off; i bring my truck through safety lane, where i told them about the truck dumping out all the coolant (not the 1st time), they keep it all day to work on it (mechanic told me it might be the water pump), they tighten up some hose clamps and set it out on the ready line without even touching the water pump. I come back to work to pick it up and the truck dumped all the coolant out again. I bring it into the shop and they tell me its the water pump. So, they try to find a new truck to put me in...they say it will be ready by 3pm, then 4:30pm...i show up at 5pm to pick up the truck and they have the alternator pulled off of it and are still changing tires and say it will be a hour before it will be ready....at that point i told them "im going back home" and they can find someone else to take the load.

    Im probably going to quit (if they havent considered it volutary resignation already)

    This is my 1st flatbed company.
    Please tell me that crappy trucks, and crappy maintenance shops arent the norm for flatbed companies.

    Any suggestions?
     
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  3. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    Protect your cdl at all costs. Get out of there asap.
     
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    No, that's not the norm for flatbed companies. I remember you posting a few months ago, but forgot who you went to work for. If it were me, I would do some research on some other companies and make a move. Decker Truck Line is building a new $2 million dollar terminal in Bessemer. Keim TS hauls out of the Birmingham area and has a terminal in Jasper, TN. Both those companies have real nice equipment. Howard Transportation runs through there and it's a smaller company of 150 trucks. Anyway, maybe some others will have some good suggestions for you.

    Those companies I mentioned are flatbed. Decker has a flatbed division in Bessemer.
     
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  5. 281ric

    281ric Road Train Member

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    Joker, I feel your pain . Are you pre-tripping? Are some of these things items that could have been caught at the yard and worked on before you hit the road?
    Im not saying this is the case with you , but theres alot of drivers that just turn the key and go.
    You spoken to management or anyone?
    If so , sounds like you have no choice but to leave.

    I dont think thats the norm for any co.
     
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  6. passingthru69

    passingthru69 Road Train Member

    I agree with the other posters, get out now. Line up new spot and bail with those people
     
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  7. J0ker

    J0ker Bobtail Member

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    Nov 3, 2012
    Birmingham, AL
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    well thats how i find the problems, during pre-trip.
    but what is worse is when i bring it into the shop and tell them what might be wrong with the truck after driving it on the road, they look at me like im crazy.
    and sure enough the next thing i end up in the shop for is what i was suggesting might have been the problem.
    by the way...most of this happens while im still on the yard after doing a pre-trip, after ive already brought the truck through safety lane.
     
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  8. TwinStickPeterbilt

    TwinStickPeterbilt Heavy Load Member

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    Is it simple stuff like lights and things because drivers should be able to do that one their own. I rarely ever have anything wrong with my truck usually if i do it's normal wear and tear on equipment. I'm having new tires all the way around put on it now. There's a lot to be said for why YOU as a driver do to your equipment.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 24, 2014
  9. J0ker

    J0ker Bobtail Member

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    Nov 3, 2012
    Birmingham, AL
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    Evidently you didn't read my posts....
    So, first learn to read, then you can start slinging insults.
    Find something better to do with your time; like maybe knitting.

    Looking for real advice.

    Thanks to all that have posted genuine replies.
    It is appreciated.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 24, 2014
    FLATBED and MackDaddyMark Thank this.
  10. bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Enough of the insults and bickering. Thread closed.
     
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