auto hauler information please?

Yep, I've always made it a habit to check the cars whenever I get out of the truck. Since I typically do a walkaround, anyhow, it just makes sense.
I have a strong aversion to any of my freight falling off my truck.

 

What else would you like to know?

 

Have you thought about calling Jack Cooper and asking them? It is usually best to go straight to the horses mouth.

 

Rip Watson wrote an article on Jack Cooper in Transport Topics 4/18/11, page 6. Jack Cooper CEO Robert Griffin told the reporter they are acquiring 175 used rigs and putting 500 idle units into service by April 30, due to contract terminations between auto makers and Allied Systems. Griffin expects there will be an increase in business because of production difficulties related to the disasters in Japan.

 

Some of those acquired rigs are old Active stuff that has been totally worn out hauling out of the Louisville truck plant. Passed one the other day and couldn't believe Jack Cooper would put their placards on a piece of equipment like that. JC has been a company with some of the better equipment down through the years but that old Active stuff....even worse than a lot of the Allied trucks flopping down the road today. Surprised they didn't add a new division with a different name to place those units with. The door placard material is about the strongest looking piece on the entire rig.

 

Did I not see it or has no one told the parking lot wannabe about the layoffs ? I saw hard work, good, outside , good but nothing about seniority layoffs.

Also didn't see any commentary about RR tracks and bridges...... or do we let him learn these things on his own?

IMO the auto industry is in turmoil again, plants closing, the Japan thing and now the contract is up. I believe I would stay away from union parking lots for the near future or if this is what I had to do.....go see Wagoneers or Danny Herman for experience while the dust settles on the union side.

I haven't spoke to PL drivers for awhile but it's likely they gave concessions at the last contract and they will want them back this time. Naturally management is gonna say no and poof, we have a strike.

My .02, but what do I know , right?

 

While 2 chains or straps may be legal, how bad to do you want to own a vehicle that comes loose. Yes, those drivers make good money BUT, they're also responsible for damage and it comes out of their pocket if they damage a car.

I haul enclosed and after watching a guy load and unload off of a big open truck, I said I'd never do that, no matter what happened.

 

Nope...Jack Cooper or Cassens drivers DO NOT pay for those damages. United Road...probably but I don't know about them. That does not mean that there are not consequences for damages when they occur with the union companies. Enough scuffs and you're looking for a new job. Used to be way back when...it was pretty much common knowledge that if you capped one, it was immediate discharge. I never found out for sure about that one...thankfully.

And about the 2 chain/strap thing...I didn't proclaim that was the way to do it. I was just laying out the FMCSA rules. After 36 years, I haven't lost one yet. I know a few who have but not moi.