AS Kinard / Day & Ross

I worked for Day and Ross (Kinard) for just under two weeks, and I feel compelled to share my experience to warn other drivers. I was hired with nine months of prior experience, but their orientation was misleading from the start. Their trainer, Erica, taught us incorrect logging procedures, specifically stating that we should log out and go into "off-duty" mode at the end of each day, even when in the sleeper berth. This is a clear log violation, and it was a concerning red flag.

During orientation breaks, I spoke to current drivers who revealed that the trucks were slow (limited to 65 mph) and underpowered, contradicting the recruiter's claims of 70 mph trucks and dry van loads across the country. My assigned dispatcher, Julie, then informed me that I'd be doing reefer loads, something I'd never choose due to the unreasonable customer expectations and the slow trucks.

My first load highlighted the company's disorganization. A snapped airline caused a delay, and it took hours to get the load reworked due to being shuffled between departments and waiting for mechanics. I threatened to quit, but they convinced me to stay.

Over the next four loads, each was booked with short notice, requiring me to drive 10+ hours consecutively with only a 30-minute break. I raised concerns about their ELD provider, PeopleNet, not allowing split breaks, which contributed to my delays due to customer hold-ups. Shockingly, my dispatcher suggested I edit my logs from previous days to regain time on my 70-hour clock. I refused, as it's illegal and unsafe.

Exhausted, I requested a reset, which they initially granted but then canceled halfway through, assigning and then unassigning a load. This was my breaking point, and I filed a complaint with the FMCSA for coercion to edit my logs.

Their next load assignment again required driving beyond my available hours. Both Julie and her supervisor told me to "just take it," regardless of my clock running out. I refused and delivered it the next day, following regulations.

They then requested I go to their Maine office for additional training due to the inadequate orientation. After a 10-hour reset in Maine, they terminated my employment, leaving me stranded, far from my home in NYC.

To add insult to injury, the recruiter had lied about being able to take the truck home to NYC, a crucial factor in my accepting the job.

This company is dishonest, disorganized, and prioritizes customers over driver safety and well-being. They will even push drivers to violate regulations. I urge all drivers to stay away from Day and Ross (Kinard). I will be seeking legal representation for their coercive practices, which have directly impacted my livelihood

 

No sir, while it’s a petty thing if an officer wanted to be a dick he could give you a ticket for inaccurate logs.
Check out this article
4 Frequently Asked Questions about FMCSA Hours of Service

 

the post isn’t about logging off duty in sleeper, and yes it’s incorrect so why bring it up for a second time ‍↕️. The point is don’t teach an incorrect thing. There’s to many guys touching the road not knowing the proper rules and procedures but a rendition or opinion of it. I may not have 30 years experience but I can tell you one thing, the lack of concern and unity in those guys that ran 30 years ago has lead to work conditions we see today. Prior to trucking I was in finance it’s just by nature we run protocol.

as per the eld their provider sent out an update that affected the eld ability to perform a split break. My planning is good but as a buffer to whether a customer may hold me up I’ll utilize a split break. It’s fairly common in refer that customer may be short on product and or may be waiting on an inbound to send outbound.

even happens at my last gig pulling pet food.

 

lol yes I’m splitting hairs. But on a serious note my truck was very slow I’m governed at 65 yeah but why is prime passing me who’s governed lower? Idk how to explain it but the truck has very little power and can not touch 65 unless on flat ground and you hold her down for a while. So far all my trucks have been 65 pedal and 68 cruise but they had sufficient power. I swear on sweet baby Jesus in order for loads to be on time I would have to drive all day with a 30 minute break and log violation for driving 12 hours a day and that indeed is what happens I swear dispatch doesn’t understand their equipment is ####

 

thank you this is exactly what an employer should be doing and saying. It’s funny because the account I ran was in Maine and I know those Dot officers are mean guys