A Tough Question

Why don't you just ask what companies have a no tolerance on HOS violations ? There are quite a few . If you see a truck with a Qualcomm there's a pretty good chance they run compliant . I know Crete is very strict . They have to be because FMCSA is watching them closely .

 

Keeping records on every matter that you believe is in question is a good idea. You can also let it be known right from the start that you only run legal. The one big draw back is if you're wrong about an item and cost the company time and money. It's always best to give a reference to the violation.

The problem today is finding another job. If you work for a company that forces you to run on the line then it would be best to find another company. Like RickG says there are companies out there that run legal because they have learned along time ago that it's much cheaper to run that way.

If you get lucky you'll work for a company like mine that took the drivers word no matter what. But to get to those companies you have to have a perfect record. I've also seen companies that work trying to get the drivers record dirty so he's locked into thier job. And you know which company would be better.

As far as a small air leak if you do the brake test and it fails then you have all the backing you need. Just make sure you do it with the engine shut off and you check all you connections(doubles/triples).

 

Your dispatcher is not the one who will be cited, or possibly involved in an accident, and then a lawsuit. No, you don't want to piss off the dispatcher, but it is your butt in the sling, not his.

 

Management and dispatchers have been convicted of criminal charges regarding log book falsification . It seems these were always with small carriers . Executives at the large carriers are never charged .

http://www.oig.dot.gov/Room?subject=10

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Just run 100% safe and legal. It is your butt that will end up in prison if a tragic accident occurs while you are running illegal even if it's not your fault. Easy answer really.

 

Exactly... 15 minutes over one your logs 747 comes falling outta the sky hits your truck. Its your fault.

 

LOL unfortunate but TOO TRUE.

 

Qualcom messages can't be erased by dispatch! Use it to verify what you might have said to dispatch on the phone.
As far as running safe and legal ... do it. Let the dispatch folks worry about their end. As long as you don't wait until the last minute to tell them you have a problem, they should be ok with it. In other words, as soon as you are aware of a problem either with the truck/trailer, or your hours, let dispatch know via qualcom. As others have said, it won't be their rear in the sling when something bad happens, it will be yours. Remember the Exxon Valdez? Exxon is still in business, bet the captain of the Valdez is a deck hand now, if he can even get a job on a ship.