maybe i'm putting this is the right topic... but I need opinions.

I don't think you're "off" at all. As a driver you have a responsibility to let maintenance know when something is wrong, which you did. It is then up to the mechanics to fix it. I don't see anything you could have done differently except perhaps refusing to drive the truck at all, and from the sounds of things, this company wouldn't have reacted very well had you done that. You might have ended up in an even worse position than you are in now.

However, short of commiserating, I can't help you in any way. I suppose you could talk to a lawyer, but I doubt it would do much good.

 

I wonder what they would have done if you were stopped for a D.O.T inspection? And put out of service? My guess is they didn't 'fire' you because you went through the proper procedure of writing up the brake issues. If they would've fired you, you would be able file a complaint against them, using your copies of the write ups.
The company i drive for takes care of all equipment issues. If we receive a ticket, they pay for it. But, as they always say, "It is the drivers responsibility..."
Just keep working hard, and stay on top of it all. Keep writing up equipment issues and saving your copies.
And, enjoy your kids!! They are top priority #1!

 

Sorry to say MISCONDUCT is not a good thing for your file because if he does end up firing you the term itself will make you ineligible for unemployment and you will have to appeal the employer's protest.
If you logged all the unsafe things of the truck/s then you maybe able to find a Defense Lawyer versed in truckers laws and each notation is going to be in your favor. Also concerning Misconduct it may make it hard for you do go to a different trucking company.
Since you have a problem with money maybe you can go back to family court and have the child support payments modified (if you and your ex is on go terms, if not it still is something you might try...you never know unless you try).
It sounds that you work in construction of some type so how can you know that is was something wrong with the brakes unless you were on black top. Does the shop have any evidence that the brakes were new?
Did you have a chance to check the thickness of the pads?
Like most drivers who really enjoy doing the job I know it is upsetting not to be driving.
If this company still lets you work, cover yourself two ways if the trucks are not up to safety standards...Log each and every incident and get a digital camera and double your chance if you need evidence of the company's MISCONDUCT and unsafe practices.
Wish you the best of LUCK

 

Its been my experience to always adjust the brakes myself after having the shop adjust them just to have the brakes out of adjustment even after having new brakes put on. I adjust the brakes according to dot specs and never have any trouble unless a slack adjuster is bad which i have found a couple times, or the s cam isnt put in right which can cause brakes not to stay set, i had this happen on a L9000 ford which had a bad slack adjuster on one side and the other side the s cam wasnt right, after having both fixed and new brakes i didnt have any trouble with the brakes after that. good luck with your truck and employer.

 

I am sorry to hear about all of you troubles, if it makes you feel any better, I caught my husband in a simaler situation, with the factory ##### homewrecker!!!! I came real close to getting arrested that night, a 7 year itch. So I know how that feels, and it could not suck more!!! If it where me, I would stay at that job, if you are happy, with the work, and the people and your making enough to cover your bills. I would just lump the 3 days and move on from there.It is very hard to find a job, that your happy at today!! I wish you the best of luck and hope that things get better for you. I hope you win the battle to see your kids more!!!!



Only American truck crazy girl Because only American will do!!!!!!!

 

Similar boat. Except I have one 12-year-old daughter and I pay $780 a month. My $18.50 an hour copier tech job ain’t cutting it. My outgo is higher than my income and there’s no staying in front of the eight ball. Long irregular hours (no overtime in this biz) make getting a second job nearly impossible. I already do side-work on the weekends when I don’t have my kid.

The reason I’m getting into OTR is to cut my overhead and try get out of this ever-widening financial hole. Less bills means more money. If I can bank what I would be paying for rent, in a couple of years I’ll have a decent pile sacked away.

It’s a huge change with some major sacrifices. I’m hoping and praying that I’m doing the right thing. For better or worse – I leave for Millis on September 2nd.

 

mechanics covering their butt boss covering his.... its life...

did ya leave they yellow button pulled and not notice cuz the brakes were weak????

under the bridge now.... take your lumps and keep on trucking...

next time when they don't fix the brakes after a couple of shots at it...

call the dot and arrange an inspection... they will write it up so it gets fixed properly and you won't be in trouble as long as you keep it to yourself that you called them.

the dot is often seen as the diaper... they got their place and are very useful if you know how to play nice.

 

I ran into a very similar situation with my last local employer. When I braked the truck would dart to the left. I must have had that thing in the shop 12 times. I would test it in the yard then they would adjust it and I would take it out only to have it screw up again. I finally refused to drive it. So I voluntarily was off of work for half a week while they fixed it. When I got back took it out and it started acting up again. I called the boss and told him that he would need to call a wrecker because I was pulling it over and not driving it. Told me if I did that I would be fired. So I explained to him that I was at a chicken coupe and had the DOT officer standing right next to me who heard what he had just said. The next day I got a new truck. Dont let these companies push you around. Because if GOD forbid you hurt or kill someone they will pretend like they never knew you.