So how bad did I screw up? Bobtailing, family emergency.

I wouldn't worry about it. If you ever go in for a new job, and if it comes up, just explain what happened. Its not like you have this going on in reputition... That might raise a flag. Dont swet it

 

There is no company that exists which is so hard of heart not to let you go to family when a death is here. But when there is one that gives you a hard time, you did the right thing. Let the chips fall where they may.

Ive had a couple of those runs a time or two in my time and cash for the fuel to do it too. There are certian things in life far more important than the company. They have hundreds of people if not thousands ready to go. One trucker in a family with a death needs to be with that family. If I was your boss anywhere in the 48, I would have probably flown you home. to heck with the truck we will deal with it later when you are ready and clearheaded enough to run.

I don't know if there is anyone else left to take care of survivors of your family. If that is so, then great. If not and you are it... you still have some options for that survivor depending on a number of resources in your state, county level. This nation has made a effort to provide care which may or may not be the best versus no care at all.

Good luck. Don't worry about the yelling, threats and screaming. Weak people quail and cave, you are not weak. In fact you have every right to go tend to family. I will consider that company very carefully for a dismissal in the near future if this is the treatment you are recieving.

 

Don't fret it! You did the right thing. And i believe there is a time in life were you make a decision come hell are high water, sorry for your loss and prayers for you and mom.

 

I'm still trying to figure out what you did wrong. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. I would have done the same thing you did. If some paper pusher who doesn’t even know what the inside of a truck looks like doesn't like it, all I can say is...TOO BAD!!! Sorry for your loss brother...to real truckers, no explanation is necessary...to the others, no explanation is possible.

 

^^^^THIS!!!

Well said, Freddy.

 

Sorry for your loss. As far as your DAC, dont worry about it. A bad mark on your DAV will only prevent you from working for crap companies. I'd call that broad back and tell her where to stick the qualcom. Chances are it'll fit!

 

Anytime the Law or company policies contradict with what is the safest course or the needs of my family, the Law and/or company policies lose that fight.

In the long run doing right always pays off, government laws and company policies are not created to "do right", they are created to increase revenue and pass off accountability at the expense of what is right.

 

I'm at a loss for words and that doesn't happen to me very often. The fact they are giving you a hard time about this during such a horrible and emotional time is truly sad to hear.

I'm very sorry for your loss and right now the only thing you should be concerned about is being there for your mother and grieving your loss. Any company that wouldn't hire you when the time comes is not worthy of you anyway. If it were me I would be more inclined to hire you after hearing the story. I wish you the best and I hope you and your mother help each other through this difficult time.

 

When I was with Swift they had a line five only for owner operators or lease operators. Company drivers didn't have that option. Because I had a trusted track record and secure parking at home, complete with a pit bull aptly named "Tank", I was allowed to bobtail the sixty miles from my home terminal to home. BUT, it was on drive time.

 

A rental car could have been in order to take you from the yard to home with your things and sort everything out later. It would have cost the company what? A few hundred, tops? And they would look really good when they say to you "we understand - please consider driving for us again should you decide to go back OTR" That would have been gold for them and cost them peanuts. They rather take the low scumbag route. Not worth working for and will probably end up costing them when you tell other drivers about your situation. At a small carrier the boss may have even told you to take his car and get your stuff figured out. What goes around comes around!

Sorry for your loss. I wouldn't sweat the grey area where you may or may not have broken the law. It is not like you were not doing your best given the circumstances. A law enforcement officer or new company that would hold that against you would be a real dirt bag move. I think you will fare just fine.