Dispatch threatening drivers for not driving on ice...

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Ragnar, Feb 11, 2018.

  1. Ragnar

    Ragnar Bobtail Member

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    I've been driving for almost 25 years and have never had a company threaten termination for not driving in icy conditions, until now. I will drive in any weather condition other than ice. Something about 40 tons of tractor trailer and ice not mixing well.

    Is it even legal for a dispatcher to threaten or coerce a driver into driving on ice?
     
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  3. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    I’d go straight to the safety dept with that or even higher up..

    If nothing gets done about Mr Super Dispatcher I’d be looking for work elsewhere..
     
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  4. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    As for legal ?

    They can’t make you do anything, we are still a somewhat free country.
     
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  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Tell them to cram it with walnuts! Ice, for me, was immediate shut down.
     
  6. Ragnar

    Ragnar Bobtail Member

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    I'm concerned that dispatch will get a newer driver to drive in dangerous conditions and then act like they don't know the driver if/when something bad happens.
     
  7. Fishdude

    Fishdude Bobtail Member

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    Definitely go higher up on this one. This person could pull this on a newer driver and cause them to take someone’s life, if not their own. Absolutely report to higher ups in the company.
     
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  8. Scvready

    Scvready Light Load Member

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    Use your chains
     
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  9. Mosinee dave

    Mosinee dave Bobtail Member

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    Tell him to pack sand up his a--.
     
  10. Tall Mike

    Tall Mike Road Train Member

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    I fell for that crap back in like 1994...

    I was leased to Schanno at the time....I was young, naive, and a brand new owner op...

    “They really need it bad”......oh ok

    Not any more I dare anyone to try and push me around..
     
  11. Grumppy

    Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I always thought the Coersion rule covered all aspects of "safety" but the rule here doesnt specifically say that.
    Coercion

    It says:
    "Coercion occurs when a motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary threatens to withhold work from, take employment action against, or punish a driver for refusing to operate in violation of certain provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) and the Federal Motor Carrier Commercial Regulations (FMCCRs). Coercion may be found to have taken place even if a violation has not occurred. An example of coercion is when a motor carrier terminates a driver for refusing to accept a load that would require the driver to violate the hours of service requirements. The following must have occurred in order for coercion to have existed:

    • A motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary request a driver to perform a task that would result in the driver violating certain provisions of the FMCSRs, HMRs, or the FMCCRs;
    • The driver informs the motor carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary of the violation that would occur if the task is performed, such as driving over the hours of service limits or creating unsafe driving conditions; and
    • The motor carrier shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary make a threat or take action against the driver’s employment or work opportunities to get the driver to take the load despite the regulatory violation that would occur."
    Since its not specifically spelled out yet does comment on specific rules, I am not sure if it covers safety issues like driving in unsafe conditions or not. It does say that you cant be forced to violate any FMCSA rule. So, if someone can point to a specific rule about not driving in unsafe road conditions, the Coersion rule will apply.
     
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