A hypothetical regarding stolen bulbs, etc.

Reading another thread about a driver having his trailer light bulbs, etc., stolen leads me to a hypothetical question(s):

Let's say I am bobtailing to pick up a trailer. I get to the trailer, hook up the lines and check the trailer lights, reflectors, etc. One or more are not working/lighting/flashing.

I call my DM (or do I call safety? I would assume DM first) to let them know the trailers condition. In this instance I have no extra bulbs, side reflectors or complete assembly.
The DM says "well, run it anyways," to which I reply "sorry, no. I am not getting busted by DOT. I need another trailer." DM: well, then I guess you will just be sitting."
If DM insists that you "take the trailer as is, or nothing else available (or refuses to locate another trailer for me)." I still say No! Would I then call Safety and let them know what is going on?

Would this be your reaction/reply? Do you carry extra bulbs, reflectors, etc., in the truck? Where do you get them? Company furnishes? Truck stops? If a truck Stop, do you call ahead for approval to purchase the extra bulbs, parts, or just purchase and send in a reimbursement form? I am not a trusting person just to buy what a company trailer (or tractor) needs with my own money, then not get reimbursed because either "I did not receive prior approval," or I do get approval on qualcomm, but then they don't reimburse me in my paycheck. Would I use a company fuel card to purchase these parts at the ts?

In another example, I get to a trailer. It has a flat tire, or worse the tire(s) are worn to the cords. Same with any spares. Again, I won't pull it the way it is due to DOT. I call DM and report it. Again, I get the same reaction/response as with the lights example.

Suggestions?

 

I always carried extra bulbs and such. If you didn't have them you could ask your DM if you can go to the shop/ truck stop and get them fixed. Only call safety if you've used all your ideas and the DM is pushing you. But in almost every case the DM will let you go fix the problem.

 

Newbie (not even a permit holder yet) here - how far would you be able to take the trailer to get it fixed without getting in trouble with DOT?

 

I assume they would let me bobtail to the closest dealer or ts. The only way I would do so. I wouldn't take the trailer too....unless... the dealer/ts was right down the road/hwy and I knew there were no coops, scales, etc..

 

Used to be required to carry one extra of every light.I don`t think that has changed.When you get pulled over you will get the ticket.

 

True they can ticket you but only if they check. The couple of times I've either been pulled around back or stopped not once did they ask about spare lights, but yes they can.

As far as taking the trailer and running with it

First never call about this stuff....put it on the quallcom if you have one GET IT IN WRITING, the bears and the DOT will not give a rat's axx if you say but dispatch told me to run with it..if it ain't in writing it's on you....even if it is in writing it's on YOU because you are the one INSPECTING said trailer.

Now I have run to the nearest t/s to get what I needed to replace missing bulbs, mud flaps etc... we do what we have to but you do it smart and you don't mess around get your butt to the t/s post haste and get the stuff replaced and if it comes out of your pocket you submit the reciepts so you can get paid back BOTTOM LINE.

 

You should never be without spare bulbs! I use a bank bag and have bulbs in it that will never get used unless someone gives me an older Pete to run! I have dash bulbs, trailer bulbs and tail light bulbs both the round bottom 1157 types and the newer plug in types. I also have spare grommets for the glad hands!

All of my bulbs come from the companies shop as I don't leave home without them when I tell them I need a few or I can go spend $40 on a shop on the road to plug in a bulb! They can't throw them at you fast enough! Now marker lights on top are a road fix and when I write it on my inspection report I'm pretty much covered when I send in that repair macro! Their reply is what makes the company pay the ticket! Yes I DO raise hello until they pay! I don't have those big fixture type of marker lights as they either have a rivet holding them in or the screw is so corroded in that King Kong would have a hard time breaking it loose on a good day!

I love to be able to see at night! WalMart has sealed beams at about $10 or less! They even carry some of those halogen bulbs that plug in! I still have one of those in my bag from the shop but it costs the same to stop at a dealer to buy a special headlight bulb as it does for the company shop!

I don't care if I have to change a simple light bulb! I also adjust my head lights because Freightliner doesn't when it comes off the line anymore due to some college boys idea of how to make these stupid lenses and reflectors! They can take several hours to get adjusted correctly!

But the thing is CYA when it comes to simple light bulb replacing! Carry spares and just do it!

A cheap test light, splices, crimping tool, reel of 12 gauge red wire, wire cutters and electrical tape are things you'll find in my tool bag also! Sometimes your work is done faster than waiting hours in a long line for some truck stop worker to spend 15 minutes looking for a bad splice! I could have it done and be giving that pillow some head!

 

I always carry spare bulbs in the truck. I used to carry some spare lights but with Wiener I had to eventually use them all either because the trailers I picked up had one out or the person before me switched the ABS light for the running/marker light.

As far as the bad tire. Send in your breakdown macro and notify dispatch. Let breakdowns know if you think it's drivable to the closest T/S or if they'll have to do a road call. 9/10 they'll really want you to take it yourself. I've put on my 4-ways if I have a blown tire so people around and behind me know.

 

I can totally understand the frustration. With that being said, in reality you are hurting yourself. How much does a spare bulb cost? .99! I would keep all kind of extra parts and pieces and bulbs etc... The quicker you can get the crap fixed then the more money you are going to make! That's what it boils down too! Plus if you are capable of doing this then that show your DM that you can handle any situation. Guess what, a driver that can handle any situation, especially without complaining is going to be the driver getting the miles and good runs. You know, our jobs are stressful and we deal with a lot of crap on a daily basis. Your DM however hears it from just about every driver, every day! If he's got just that one guy that smiles, can figure crap out on his own and get it done, then do you know how much that driver is worth to that DM?!

Don't be a problem child!

 

as the others have said...carry extra bulbs....when you get assigned your truck, go to the shop. ask the shop foreman or a mechanic for at least one spare headlite bulb, then maybe 1 tail light assemblies, or bulbs. you needn't carry a dozen of each light bulb, but maybe 1 headlight, 2 tail light bulbs, 2 tail Light assemblies (all one piece, bulb included). then maybe some "mini bulbs" for your dash lights.

this all should not take up more than say a "shoe box". carry a "torx screwdriver bit set" that you can buy at Home Depot/Lowe's. all the torx bits fit into the handle.

if you get caught, not only do you get a defective light ticket, you now get CSA points assessed on you as well.

dispatch will ALWAYS TELL YOU to run with it... call the SHOP first....but now, you WILL wait for repairs. so, if you can do something QUICK like change a light bulb, then do it...in this job, YOU WILL BE replacing light bulbs on a regular basis....and even sometimes other "quick repairs"....