Need some advice.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by jmcdaniel05, Aug 20, 2015.

  1. jmcdaniel05

    jmcdaniel05 Bobtail Member

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    So I made a stupid mistake! I just got my CDL and signed on with TMC, went through two weeks of orientation, then started OTR training. Well on my 1st day of my 2nd week OTR, my trainer had me pull into a truck stop. I had to pull around to the back of it and there was a line as normal. Except at this truck stop there were two trucks parked on either side of the line, probably because it was the only place to park anyway so the line was going in between the trucks and you had to turn left to pull up in between them. When I pulled up I thought my trailer was clear and wasn't watching my mirrors(the stupid mistake). But I wasn't clear of the truck's trailer on my left and when I pulled forward I heard a noise, stopped, looked in mirror and saw, horrified, that I had hit the back of that trailer with the side of my trailer. I just barely bumped the trailer. My trainer made me back up and get out. When we went back to look at the damage, there was nothing but a scuff mark on a rubber stopper thing on the back of the other trailer but the entire side box on our trailer was sitting on the ground had to strap it to the bottom of the trailer with three two inch straps. The other guy was cool and he said it was no big deal, said if his boss noticed anything he would say he never saw what happened, but our safety dept. made us fill out an accident report but there was no police report or anything. So since it was late the next morning they decided to let me go. Now I'm trying to line up another trucking company to work for. Do I have to explain this. I tried one company and told them what happened and they turned me down.
     
    BeanDip Thanks this.
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  3. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Yes. If you try to hide it from a company, and they find out about it anyway, (it IS the reason you were let go, after all) they will likely fire you even if they would've been OK with that incident in your past because you were less than honest with them.

    Honesty is the best policy.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude Thanks this.
  4. HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    TMC will probably put it on your DAC, so you will have to explain. Don't worry you will find a job somewhere.
     
  5. jmcdaniel05

    jmcdaniel05 Bobtail Member

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    Thanks. That's what I thought. That's why I didn't want to lie about it. Any suggestion of a company who might hire a new driver after something like this happened.
     
  6. Nitemare13

    Nitemare13 Light Load Member

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    This is something @Chinatown can help you with.
     
    Chewy352 Thanks this.
  7. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    ...and when you DO get that 2nd chance, don't F it up. A split second of inattention is all it takes for things to turn ugly in a hurry. Whenever the brakes are released, you need to be focused 100% on what you're doing and what is going on around you.

    Good luck with the job search.
     
  8. jmcdaniel05

    jmcdaniel05 Bobtail Member

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    Oh believe me. I learned a major lesson from this, and thanks.
     
    Dreamboat Thanks this.
  9. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    never leave out accidents or incidents, because there will be notations in your file with your former employers. many employers that subscribe to DAC/Hire Right, will most certainly report that to them.

    I'd suggest typing up a brief description of the accident, then make copies, as each application usually asks to "explain on separate paper the details". then pass that in with your applications.

    good luck, and NEVER take you eyes off the mirrors, and ALWAYS set yourself up properly.
     
    otherhalftw and Nitemare13 Thank this.
  10. pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    That's too bad TMC let you go but they are one of the more stricter companies.On apps you must put down all accidents and incidents and the date it happened.There may not be enough space on app to type what happened so you could put you will explain.
     
  11. Chewy352

    Chewy352 Road Train Member

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    You will find another job. Start looking at smaller companies and lower your standards for a while. Good luck and don't give up.
     
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