Company driver needs to buy staps, and chains??

They do like any other job in any other industry does. They fire him and if asked to be rehired, answer no. Not much more that they can legally do. They cannot take employee money for operational expenses.

 

I had my own electrical contracting business for a number of years.

I was an electrician for 8 years then went out and started my own shop. I had hand tools that I did my apprenticeship with, that guys ruined or broke in days or hours.

I had them ruin $10,000 pipe threaders, after specifically going over every detail on them earlier in the day. These were experienced guys.

It was my company, it was my hit.

It is also illegal and immoral to ask a workman to provide tools for a company. He's under no such obligation.

 

When I worked as a electrician/mechanic we all purchased our own meter, tools and other things to work with. The company provided power tools, electrical tape and all that but basic hand tools was on us.

 

That's the way it is everywhere. But if somebody breaks a company tool, the company can't charge the workman for it.

No way should a company driver come to work with his own load locks, straps, etc..

That's nuts.

Flashlight & tire thumper. Air gauge. Sure.

 

Yes agreed. But can’t the argument be company provides truck, trailer, winches ect and driver provides the basic hand tools such as bungees, winders, bars?

 

I don't think so. Those are necessary items for the operation of the truck.

 

That’s true.

 

I guess I kinda look at it similar to a mechanic providing his own tools. It’s not like the companies keep the equipment if the driver purchases them. Decide to quit? Sell everything on Craigslist. As far as I know none of the flatbed companies doing this keep the equipment, it’s the property of the driver once they pay for it. I guess I’ve seen enough laziness and lack of respect towards other’s property that I’m understanding of why some companies are doing this.

 

If it's a necessary item to operate the vehicle per DOT rules, and you're providing it as a company driver, you're getting ripped off. Same goes if it's something the companies customer wants.