Good Night From II

Back from Greer in my '16 Cascadia. No cameras installed, though as I'm on a dedicated account, I expect to have one in the next six months.

I REALLY like the auto shift and adaptive cruise. I don't get the whole love-for-the-stick issue; it must be a "guy thing". This has an automated 10 speed manual transmission. Someone outside would not be able to tell it wasn't a standard transmission. It's geared a little taller than my old Volvo, but it can pull a hill just as well.

My left knee was really appreciative of the autoshift when sitting in stop and go traffic yesterday. Rush hour with the traffic anywhere between 40 and 60? Let the cruise control handle it.

My onsite manager took it for a lap around the DC parking lot this morning. He was surprised at the performance. (Yes, there was a loaded trailer attached.) He said that these trucks may be just what he needs to go back on the road... He's just as "geeked" about the truck as I am. He's going to ask his boss for permission to drive one of my short runs so he can get a real feel for these trucks. Purely for research, of course... so he can answer questions that his drivers will have about them.

 

TA - Las Cruces, NM.

I am now an O/O. There is a hitch, but it really is my wonderful luck to get swept up in the great computer snafu of '15!! While paying for fuel, and driving my new wheels (2016 KW T680 - Eaton 10 manual) I have to use my old company driver code because the glitch prevented my DL from deactivating my company number or activating my o/o code before leaving for his weekend off. I will be some ticked if they try to pay me the company rate after I paid for the fuel. I doubt they will ... but then they are putting spy cams in all the company trucks. I'm glad they're leaving the o/o side out of the bs, not that they could make owners accept cameras, I'm just not putting it past them to try down the road.

 

I would really love an autoshift.
I've had bad knees since I was a kid, and the heavy clutches in trucks takes a toll.

But I know how the stick-only people feel as well.
I've always preferred a manual tranny in (most of) my cars.
Big cars I like auto, but in little ones I want the stick.

 

Are you really an O/O, or a L/O?
If you are leasing, from a post earlier, there is a clause in your contract that would require you to submit to a camera being installed.

 

Yes, I am a L/O. I had been typing O/O to a friend who is an O/O and my phone is now automispelling for me. Lol. Sorry for the confusion.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know where that clause is in the contract? I'm likely too bushed to find it at the moment.

 

Oh, and being a large old guy ... I'll be driving topless and displaying the man-boobs if they force me into a cam. Just sayin.

 

IEL agreement section 6 (d) Page 3 of 16.

I don't have it to read, but I guess you do.
Check it out and let us know if that is accurate.

 

Section 6(d) mostly limits the lessee's ability to modify the vehicle with out permission of the company. The final sentence in the section does allow for Swift to make additions and improvements but there are certain specific examples given (governed speed, transmission types, etc). That's not to say that they could wrangle in a camera in that clause but it seems to pertain to truck specific rather than safety specific items which is where they seem to be categorizing the cameras. It's nit picking, but I think it's too iffy to say the L/Os will be targeted for this, but you never know.

 

No confusion ... Swift doesn't have an L/O division ... only an O/O division.

 

So it seems it is a grey area.

But if it limits your ability to modify the vehicle without permission of the company, and if the company decides to install a camera...
Because it does allow Swift to make additions and improvements...
And you did mention the etc. part. That would include ANYTHING! If it is really worded that way.
That would be an open book to change any thing at any time.