Unpaid Wages. Any advice?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Just Trucking 101, Dec 9, 2017.

  1. Just Trucking 101

    Just Trucking 101 Bobtail Member

    12
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    Dec 7, 2017
    0
    I was OTR Reefer Truck Driver for a small trucking company for more than 3 years. Recently the owner has refused to pay me because his company has encountered some financial issues. I have not received my pay for the last month. I continued to work and ran extra routes 6 days a week to help bring in money. They continued to ask me to give them more time. I finally figured out they were not being honest and just keeping the money. I followed this site for a while, so you would think I would have seen this coming!

    I recently learned they refused to verify my employment.
    Can they do that? Why are they trying to ruin me because I decided to seek other employment? I will not work for free!

    After more than 20 years in the United States military, I retired with full honors so you would think a company would appreciate a hardworking, loyal disciplined employee.

    I was told my best options are to seek legal advice in order to collect my back pay.
    In the meantime, I need employment now.

    Any advice?
     
    Jazz1 Thanks this.
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  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    White County, Arkansas
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    Talk to your State's Labor Board. They should be salivating for a case like this.
     
  4. Just Trucking 101

    Just Trucking 101 Bobtail Member

    12
    5
    Dec 7, 2017
    0
    I was OTR Reefer Truck Driver for a small trucking company for more than 3 years. Recently the owner has refused to pay me because his company has encountered some financial issues. I have not received my pay for the last month. I continued to work and ran extra routes 6 days a week to help bring in money. They continued to ask me to give them more time. I finally figured out they were not being honest and just keeping the money. I followed this site for a while, so you would think I would have seen this coming!

    I recently learned they refused to verify my employment.
    Can they do that? Why are they trying to ruin me because I decided to seek other employment? I will not work for free!

    After more than 20 years in the United States military, I retired with full honors so you would think a company would appreciate a hardworking, loyal disciplined employee.

    I was told my best options are to seek legal advice in order to collect my back pay.
    In the meantime, I need employment now.

    Any advice?
     
  5. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

    3,736
    11,110
    Feb 1, 2011
    Dallas, TX
    0
    Your W-2 tax forms will be your proof of employment. Your log books will be your proof of driving. Your weekly settlements will show where you have driven.
    IF, you were paid via a legitimate payroll system, you can go to your state Labor Board and they will get your pay at no cost to you.
    If you were paid via a 1099 system where you got paid cash each week with no paperwork included, then lawyer up and you have a 50/50 chance of getting at least some of your pay. The lawyer will take his cut out of what he can get from the employer.

    And sad to say, your DD214 and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee. Being a Navy Vet, i learned that real quick.

    Good luck with getting this straightened out and Thank You for your service.
     
  6. FullMetalJacket

    FullMetalJacket Road Train Member

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    Vagrant
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    Hope you have been able to document whatever you have been able to.

    And, a big thank you for your long time, extensive service to us all. Have lifer's in the family, so more appreciation than most for your dedication.

    What is your location & what kind of work might you be looking for? Still reefer, or possibly expand your horizons a bit? LTL, regional, local......

    Tanker or flatbed, possibly..... ?

    How is your record, still good & clean?

    @Chinatown

    Sorry bud, but have to summons you yet again, when needed. Especially for a military lifer. Cannot let this one pass by.

    Still owe you, by the way, for wayward suggestions to a couple of old student's. (They are all doing exceedingly well, by the way, to my jealousy LOL).

    A night out for dinner & drinks in order whenever back through NV, if you are ever up for it.

    :salute:
     
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2017
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  7. cmrdev

    cmrdev Medium Load Member

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    Oct 13, 2017
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    walk in to the office and show them your mossberg
     
  8. FullMetalJacket

    FullMetalJacket Road Train Member

    3,256
    5,148
    Oct 16, 2013
    Vagrant
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    Yep,

    And, the low dollar Sat night solution get's the win!

    It IS at least good function & reliability for the $.

    But, could do so much better with a bit of forethought.

    Everyone just jumps to first reaction. Jeeze....plan a little folks. LOL

    :biggrin_25525:
     
  9. Just Trucking 101

    Just Trucking 101 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 7, 2017
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    Thank you sir, I was proud to serve. I appreciate it.

    Yes, I have some documentation of loads, fuel, etc.

    Dry van and reefer
    Located in Central Florida but willing to travel for a decent position. Regional or local sounds good as well.
    Clean record, no accidents or tickets

    Always willing to learn new things and I will not shy away from hard work.
     
    NightWind and FullMetalJacket Thank this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    77,066
    180,164
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    I believe that's the answer. Pay stubs, bank statements, logs, etc. anything that shows you worked for the guy. Tell potential employers the company is going bankrupt and in disarray, so won't talk to anyone about their current employees work verification.
    You're not the first to go through this situation.
    Try Southeastern Freight Lines in Orlando. Walk in to the office and ask for an application and job interview. This way you can explain the situation face to face.
    Also, you can sign up with a temp agency that hires cdl drivers. They let you pick and choose from what's available. I did this one time and it was pretty good.
     
    FullMetalJacket Thanks this.
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