Overtime pay ! Make it happen .

IT IS A BIG WASTE OF TIME to push for this, we have more important issues that need addressing first and foremost than something that only effects a small amount of us drivers.

 

Ontario just recognized trucking as a skilled trade. The rest of Canada is on a fast track to do the same thing. If you come here, you might get your wish soon enough.

While I'm glad it's happening, I have a feeling that it's going to make some serious alterations to the industry that could make goods cost far more (trades workers here get paid $35/hr to start, and truckers average $17-20/hr currently) and a lot of companies are going to go belly up because they can't afford to keep good employees.

 

Here is the problem, as I see it at least.

When a carrier bids on freight, either spot or contract, doesn't matter, the customer doesn't want to hear about a variable rate as to what it will cost them to move the load(s). Are we going to tell them they will pay more for the driver who shuts down with the first snowflake or takes 90 minutes to fuel or all the other miscellaneous places drivers are "on duty but not being paid for it"? They don't want to hear that. So, how does a carrier react? They adjust driver pay for the run based on an average of these extra costs. They will likely lower the cpm wage while adding accessorial pay as in $15 to scale or to fuel time at the dock (past appointment) etc. At the end of the year, you did the same work (likely less efficiently - time wise) and still grossed the same amount. So what will have really been accomplished?

It seems to me when these threads come up its more of the "woe is me" crowd who can't understand why a small carrier won't hire them because they whine about issues like this, and they keep driving for mega carrier. It's almost an argument against capitalism in my mind. Why do we feel the need to call on government regulators to make new rules? If you aren't happy with your situation then change it. If you can do better than your current company does things then start your own company and take their customers. I bet the tune changes when you're on the listening side of the drivers daily rant about this or that.

 

Oh please. Half you doorswinging, window licking, steering wheel holders are one step above being mentally handicapped. You want to make money in the trucking world, become an asset to your employer. At the company I just left, I did my own maintenance (adjusted brakes, greese, oil, and repaired anything and everything I possibly could) pulled my osow permits, bid loads, took initiative to go to welding school, dispatched our otr truck,..... bla bla ####ING bla. My point is this I started at the very bottom of the pile and crawled my way to the top. Drivers these days are more concerned with their plastic ### truck having the best ride, not having to touch their freight, throw iron, being able to turn down freight (no forced dispatch) ect.. ect...
Take a look at the mega's they'll take anyone with a pulse, give them a crash course cdl, and send them on their way. How do they consider them drivers? The skills they've acquired are barely enough to pass the driving test, and now you're telling me that they're under paid? Maybe they should look at what those of us have done/been through to deserve a higher wage. We earned it, the hard way. Nothing in this life is free. If you don't like your situation, do something about it, the right way. Getting a group of pansies together and crying a waterfall of tears only hurts the industry.

 

You don't know anything about me so we'll leave it at that. Why did you leave the last company if you were "the man" there? You did your own maintenance? Did they pay you for it or do you simply enjoy spending your home time working on your boss's truck for free? I am a driver not a mechanic.

 

Yeah.. drivers will certainly be logging legally now to prove their hours? LOL!!!!! This kind of post gets funnier every year!!!

 

If I wanted to work on a truck and drive it my name would be on the side of it.

 

Local drivers get paid by the hour, otr by the mile. Choose one.

 

Solution to your problem: become an o/o. Problem solved, you'll surely be able to pay yourself a premium wage, and before long you'll own a fleet and have no shortage of "highly" skilled drivers beating down your door after leaving those greedy corporations for your wonderful company that is more concerned with paying the highest wages in the biz.

In all seriousness, everyone wishes they were millionaires, but sadly there are very few of us that have the desire, determination, and the self discipline to achieve greatness.

 

More like they will now hire drivers from overseas...