Advice on my current situation....

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by MMG_Freddie, Feb 22, 2018.

  1. MMG_Freddie

    MMG_Freddie Bobtail Member

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    Feb 22, 2018
    Chicago
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    Fairly new driver 5-6 months experience with US Xpress. I got terminated for too many acquired safety points. 4 preventable accidents (let me explain before casting your judgments). None were DOT and doesn't show on my DAC Report.

    Accident #1 happen while I was training. I was traveling through toll booth I swiped my mirror on the yellow cement pole outside of the booth. No damage done to truck or pole but my trainer called it in. (I know right smh)

    Accident #2 happen while I was still in training also. I was practicing the 45 degree backing. I pulled forward to try the maneuver again I turned to tight and my trailer swiped another truck. Damage was done to his truck but mine was fine. We called it in and the claims department took care everything.

    Accident #3 happen once I went OTR solo. It was light snow and icy. I was coming off of an exit ramp made a complete stop and once I accelerated (I had to give it gas because I was on an incline while other vehicles were behind me) to make a left turn my truck slid on some black ice into a guard rail. Damage to the right side of my bumper the guard rail no damage.

    Accident #4 happen traveling through Michigan during a blizzard (more icy roads). I was driving behind a car (It turned out to be a off duty police officer who was on his way to work) when I spotted a tractor trailer (who didn't respect our right of way) on my left side made the biggest slowest (pretty sure he was lost) left turn into the lane we were traveling in. The cars hit there brakes an slide to a stop before colliding with the truck. I hit my brakes slid on ice and went into a ditch so I didn't hit or possible kill anyone. Damage was done to front bumper but no other property was damaged. I had to get towed out of the ditch but I could still operate the truck but I parked it and took a 10.

    At this time US Xpress and I have parted ways. I applied at a ton of companies to find out that when they go to verify my employment with them Driver Facts are saying I jack knifed the truck. This is entirely inaccurate and I still have the pictures to prove it. I am currently in the process of disputing these allegations and I would like to know what are some possibilities that can come from this?
     
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    It's like a force is against you. However, the first two ARE your fault. The next two are like circmstances. Are these documented ? You need to be prepared to 'argue your case".
     
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  4. jammer910Z

    jammer910Z Road Train Member

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    May 28, 2015
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    I'm coming at it from a different angle.

    The first two were under the direct supervision of a trainer and in the very early stages of driving career.

    The third and fourth, the company had turned the OP solo.. even after the 2 incidents.

    Three and four were in icy, adverse conditions.
    Times like these... especially NEW drivers... it's time to park it.
    Both of those were very preventable.. especially #4.

    That one was completely on the driver.

    The good thing is there has been no catastrophic loss.
    Perhaps you could employ a strategy of a refresher course to a new employer to strengthen their faith in your commitment to safety.

    I'm not trying to give you a hard time, but FOUR incidents in a short span...
    They all increased in severity...

    A BIG ONE is building.

    It comes down to the one in the left seat.
    100% attention. 100% of the time
     
  5. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Sep 25, 2007
    Rosamond, SoCal
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    4 accidents in that short of period of time shows that your not paying attention, period. You've had more accidents than I have had in over 3 million miles. Pay attention, slow down a bit, take your time.
     
  6. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Aug 24, 2011
    Tampa, Fl
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    No matter what the circumstances,.. the person in the driver seat is responsible for the safety and operation of the truck and equipment.

    Not passing any judgement. You just need to pay more attention, be more alert and acclimate yourself to your surroundings. Your not in your personal vehicle. Behind the wheel of that truck you are considered a professional driver. You need to have that attitude and hold yourself to a higher standard. A split second decision or mistake can cost someone their life. No matter what anyone else on the road does, no matter what the weather or general conditions are. As the driver you need to constantly assess the current situation, be aware of your surroundings, and do your best to think at least 30 seconds ahead. Always have an out and never put yourself into a trap that can and will end your career.

    Learn from your mistakes, dont get bent out of shape. If this is still the career you want to stay in,.. then keep trying and be the better person.

    We all started somewhere. We all made some kind of mistake at some point in our careers. So no one is claiming to be perfect. Only stating that your not off to a very good start,.. and unfortunately,.. you are the one who needs to be held accountable when behind the wheel.

    Hurst
     
  7. Dumdriver

    Dumdriver Road Train Member

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    East Coast
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    Find another career. This one isn’t for everyone. I’m SURE there are things you are completely AMAZING at!!!!! Truck driving isn’t one of them. Sorry, not trying to be a dick, but cut your losses and move on.

    Been there done that- got the t shirt
     
  8. joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 5, 2013
    OTR
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    IMPORTANT QUESTION!!!!!!!!
    HOW OLD ARE YOU????
    No disrespect, BUT from your info I'd make an educated guess you don't have 100 k miles in a 4 wheeler. I am a crappy driver but I am an experienced one. I haven't accidentally hit ANYTHING since I was in my 20's. I've "on purpose" hit a bunch of things since then. No excuses. No scratch, no dent ... no witnesses?:biggrin_25517:JK. Ask safety. First rule of driving is the only thing you hit is the dock .. on time. Everything else is preventable=on purpose.
     
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  9. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Sep 25, 2007
    Rosamond, SoCal
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    i dont think you should hang it up, provided that you sit down and have a real good think about the amount of possible devastation your piloting down the highway, then learn real quick to respect it.
     
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  10. TankerP

    TankerP Road Train Member

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    Oct 1, 2010
    Holding the steering wheel
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    Is it 5 or 6 months? Anyway, 4 accidents in 6 months is a lot. Let’s pretend that none of those accidents were your fault. It still says something. It says that the stars in the universe, cosmic karma, luck, or whatever deity you believe in, is not on your side when you’re driving a truck.
    Maybe it’s telling you to re-evaluate your career choice.
     
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  11. rank

    rank Road Train Member

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    Feb 11, 2010
    50 miles north of Rochester, NY
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    Regardless of all the issues, I would figure a way to get that jackknife off there.
     
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