Should a driver pay for leaving their keys inside the truck?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by rpad139, Dec 2, 2019.

Should drivers pay the bill if they get locked out of their truck?

Poll closed Dec 9, 2019.
  1. Yes, drivers are responsible for not carrying a spare key and should pay the fee

    92 vote(s)
    81.4%
  2. No, the company should pay for the lockout fee.

    21 vote(s)
    18.6%
  1. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

    828
    543
    Jan 9, 2014
    Ca
    0
    I left my keys inside the ignition and locked myself out of the truck. This never happens so something must of been off today...I must of been distracted or tired

    Manager told im the one who locked myself out so I had to pay for the lockout from a tow company. It cost me $70, lesson learned.

    OBVIOUSLY it was my fault but, what does everyone think? Should the company foot the bill or the driver is responsible?
     
    Wargames, bzinger and BackwoodsGA Thank this.
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  3. RunningAces

    RunningAces Road Train Member

    1,174
    2,377
    Jul 2, 2017
    0
    Only once. If it happens again it should be on the driver.
     
    JForce28, Mike250rs, Smut and 5 others Thank this.
  4. BackwoodsGA

    BackwoodsGA Road Train Member

    1,868
    9,301
    Mar 18, 2012
    Elgin Nd
    0
    Happened to me in 2001 in Beach Nd.23 below was in a Mack vision that had a side glass in the passenger door.Had the glass out in bout 3 minutes.The good ole days.Have kept spare keys ever since.
     
    drh72 Thanks this.
  5. Mid-May Trucker

    Mid-May Trucker Road Train Member

    1,119
    2,077
    Oct 23, 2018
    0
    70$ is a fair price I always leave a window open or have the key with me when I leave.
     
  6. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

    17,737
    124,499
    Apr 10, 2009
    Copied in Hell
    0
    I bet you $70 that you will never do that again.
     
  7. Mattmanstroked

    Mattmanstroked Light Load Member

    185
    277
    Nov 24, 2019
    0
    Paccar trucks, can't lock the door unless it is shut. Has to locked with key from outside.

    They figured out how to solve that problem
     
  8. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

    3,202
    7,075
    Jul 11, 2012
    in the bush somewhere
    0
    I locked myself out once in Jersey. Found a gentleman with a coat hanger and got it opened. Then I went to the hardware store near my house and made a key, which I tied under the hood. Never been locked out since.

    And yes, I would have paid out of pocket if I had to, it was my fault.
     
  9. rpad139

    rpad139 Heavy Load Member

    828
    543
    Jan 9, 2014
    Ca
    0
    This has happened to me before when I worked for a slightly larger company. They paid for the tow guy to come out to coachella travel centers. Cost the company $200 hehe.... I kept a spare since then.

    Im with this new small company now. They are having none of it, remember to keep a spare key you mother truckers.
     
    tscottme and BigDog Trucker Thank this.
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,036
    142,297
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    I did that one time. Looked around the truck stop for a truck like the Freightliner I was driving. Borrowed his key and opened my door.
     
  11. rcelmo

    rcelmo Medium Load Member

    459
    1,985
    Mar 23, 2015
    0
    I started the habit when I first started driving......I lock the door with my
    key......even the push button kind. That way I am never locked out. My Ram has
    the button on the door handle so I just make sure I have the key in my hand
    before I shut the door.

    As for who pays....I have always paid for the goofs I made. My theory is that the
    company gets tired of the drivers who are always wanting to be paid for every little
    thing.....or constantly complaining about every little thing.
     
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