This is the norm for USA, its always been that way and probably always will be. The COMPANY doesn't take it seriously, so why should the non-caring driver? With the way they're cutting costs to be profitable does anyone really think this problem isn't going to get worse? Has anyone noticed how fewer mechanics there are at the terminals lately?
the last guy probably said that same thing YES, the drivers should check and inform and have it addressed, but unless the drivers are the ones making the decision AND GETTING PAID to babysit a trailer while its geting repaired, how can you blame the drivers?
Because I went thru the same thing with a couple companies.No more though.Unless it's DOT ready,the trl is not moving.When it comes to picking up a trailer loaded,empty relay whatever,the driver is the one that make the decisions or that's how is't suppose to be but not always that way because of their company.I learned and no more will I take a bad trailer even a block to get it fixed.So yes I do blame the drivers,mainly the previous driver.But the current driver knows its bad and knows hes going to have to deal with the problem unless he stands his ground and absolutely refuses to take it.Many companies are aware of the problem and who knows maybe the previous driver did say something and USA failed to listen to his complaint,that happens alot in this industry.I won't put up with silly nonsence anymore.Companies are either going to fix whatever I need fixed or im staying right where im at.Im done being nice.
This is the exact mentality in talking about "USA won't pay me for it so I'm gonna pawn it off on the next guy" I too carry a plethora of spare parts, but not much you can do when a driver with an "I don't Care" mentality leaves crap like top lights out and flat tires. You gotta go fix those. In short quit being friggin lazy arsed minded and do your dang job. Don't pawn it off for someone else to deal with. Plain and simple.
First..... Thanks to the few guys who Sharpie the trailer number on the header board corner. I should do that myself. I will. I had a trailer last week that had trailer repair people sent to it three times. Between blowouts, breakdowns and crappy trailers it was the longest week of my life. Some trailers are museum pieces and should be pulled off the road I had a 52xxx last week where levers and hardware were broken and would not stop. A 51xxx the week before that was pure crap. At some point USA must stop the nonsense and make a business out of it. Signs taped to a computer screen at a terminal saying to stop the madness do not work. Whatever happened to leadership by example and management by objectives? USA need step up and be a leader.... demonstrate the role to take. A sign taped to a computer screen is less than a coloring book page on the side of a refridgerator. The coloring book page came from an unknowing child.
Where I work if any driver leaves a trailer anywhere with a blown tire (flats are forgiven since the tire could conceivably go down while parked) the driver is subject to disciplinary action up to loss of safety points and/or unpaid suspension. It seems to work, for I have only found one such trailer in over six years. There is also the incentive of breakdown pay for any repairs done away from home terminal. Often, the simple solutions work the best, but getting management to implement them is something else.
being lazy? hardly you pick up a trailer and the top markers are out, you call your repair people, they say take it to a TA, you still have to drive it there if YOU decide to climb 13feet to replace a light, and its the wrong light, or there is rust or something else, you still have to drive it to a repair shop or, you just call a repair truck to replace the light ($300) your call
I get breakdown pay. I didn't even know I receive it. I had a flat fixed at the Haverty's warehouse. They asked me when my down time started. Then told me I get paid for it. I thought that was just gosh dog nice. I think I'll hang out for awhile.
It depends on your FM. Some of the bozos think they are doing something good for the company by shorting the driver but the result is obvious.
I agree, quick being a steering wheel holder and become a driver. Carry the spare parts and fix it, get back on the road and make the money. If you don't have the spare parts and tools to fix the minor things like lights then what do you do when one goes out while you are pulling it? Most likely you don't do a post trip, so you don't realize it and it gets left for the next guy. So you are the next guy, then you whine and complain because it was left for you.
