Anti Idle Advice

We're seeing more and more anti idle from both company policy and state laws.

Companies rigging their trucks to auto shut off, and state laws giving out thousands of dollars in fines and/or jail time.

Sure, the majority of companies and states will allow idle outside of certain temp range, but zero tolerance spreading to more companies and states.

I know a few hardcore drivers here will tell you about packing a sleeping back in the winter, and buying screens for the summer. Sorry, but I'm not going to be a martyr ending up in the hospital with hyperthermia or heatstroke to prove a point like I know other drivers already have. Also there might be some non-drivers out there (like recruiters) giving their 2 cents as well that I'm not interested in.

Not all companies are using APUs either, and many seem to be backing away from using them now too, either not saving them money or don't know how to keep up with the maintenance.

Seems pointless to boycott any company that doesn't have APU and their trucks shut off automatically since the states are now enforcing this as well with fines/jail, and most companies are moving to do the same anti idle policy.

I've read on other websites about the penalties for idling, how laws must change, even kids/animals are not allowed in vehicles with these conditions, yet we're forced to sleep in them and be well rested for another full 14 hour shift. OSHA seems to be ignoring the situation. Our elected officials keep signing these anti idling laws all over the country. I bet that none of them sleep without heat or air conditioning.

To anyone in the industry, especially OTR drivers, none of this is news to you. What I want to know is how OTR drivers are coping with these laws, without ability to idle or have an APU? Do you really just suck it up and suffer? Which by the way is not acceptable option. Or do you take your chances to idle anyways and just pay the consequence? Any other advice?

 

So you find a company that allows the trucks to idle. What about the officers knocking at your door, or the retail store employees on a power trip after you've made delivery and ran outta hours telling you to shut off the truck? Ok, obviously ignore the customer and just get your sleep, but what about officer is threatening with $5k fine and/or 60 days jail?

 

Just personal experience while at a mega carrier and being given the excuse that they aren't saving any money by using them due to all the maintenance, or repairs due to lack of maintenance, etc.

 

That's what I been doing, just wondering if it'll catch up to me some day with a big fine or jail time.

Heard in CA its zero tolerance even if its 101 degrees outside, and can be a criminal charge (jail time).